Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh a Luxurious Oasis

I’m plotting another exotic visit to Egypt in winter, once is not enough!  Where better to end my Egyptian Journey? At a luxurious oasis between the Desert and The Reef.

Cascading down the hillside from desert to sea, the Four Seasons luxury resort in Sharm El Sheikh, welcomes you to the best five-star Red Sea retreat. Enjoy year-round sun; sleek, modern accommodations; over 3,000 palm trees and 360˚ sea views. Limestone cliffs embrace a kilometer of private beachfront with crystal-clear waters and access to a protected marine reserve. Does this sound like a dream?!

The Moorish style resort is a Garden of Eden; the arrival sets the stage with over eighteen hundred palm trees lining the driveway to the open-air lobby. My essential Mantra: the arrival sets the stage for the entire Journey. Your holiday begins within minutes of landing at the airport, just 15 minutes from tarmac to the sand. The property occupies the perfect point for snorkelers and divers: a coral reef extends directly from its shorefront and is home to lively fish filled colorful corals.

For more reefs, take an exhilarating resort high-speed boat to the Thomas, Gordon, Woodhouse and Jackson Reefs which are among the most beautiful in the region and the world. Considered Egypt’s diving capital, the Red Sea is home to 76 recognized dive sites – many only a few minutes from Four Seasons.

It’s a mere 30-minute drive to the edge of the desert, where land and sand adventures such as quad biking and camel trekking can be arranged. Shopping nearby in the quaint tourist shops and restaurants of Old Sharm. Embark on an evening journey through Sharm El Sheikh. Wander the lively Old Market, filled with local treasures, handcrafted souvenirs and rich aromas. Admire the beautifully lit Al Sahaba Mosque, blending Ottoman and Mamluk styles. Visit the Heavenly Cathedral, famed for its striking murals and calm atmosphere, before arriving at Naama Bay for dinner or drinks along the promenade, with a museum visit subject to opening hours. You will find me here one evening!

Choose from a collection of Sharm El Sheikh rooms and signature suites, including The Palace. All featuring stunning views and modern amenities. The resort  interiors incorporate far-reaching Arabian influences, such as authentic arabesques and lattice work. The gorgeous surroundings are among the loveliest in any resort in the entire Middle East region. An immense garden of thousands of towering palms and overgrown hibiscus, and brightly hued bougainvillea.

Three signature suites – all stand-alone offering the highest level of privacy. The Palace. Magnificent and modern, this stand-alone three-bedroom residence is the largest, most lavish suite, offering the ultimate in Four Seasons sophistication. Entertaining flows outdoors to the terrace, where the swimming pool is just steps away from the beach. Ultimate luxuries include a fitness room, spa treatment room, office space and a large dressing room.

The Royal Suite With a luxe pool and its own private beach, this three-bedroom masterpiece is a stand-alone residence with panoramic Red Sea views. Traditional décor adorns the opulent living room and formal dining room. Open-air events unfold on the wrap-around terrace, framed by lush gardens. Anticipate a regal Four Seasons experience.

The Presidential Suite. Enjoy a truly presidential experience in this sumptuous two-bedroom sanctuary – a stand-alone beachfront residence with its own private pool and garden. Traditional Arabian opulence defines the living and dining areas, flowing outdoors to an expansive sea-view terrace. Envision alfresco dinner parties and evening soirées.

Six suites with sophisticated style and generous layouts, the Sharm El Sheikh suites combine comfortable living areas and separate bedrooms – featuring your choice of traditional Arabian décor or sleek modern design. With premium views of the Red Sea and lush gardens, the suites are perfect for families or couples wanting more space to unwind.

Soak in your private plunge pool as you gaze upon lush gardens. With traditional Arabian comfort, this romantic one-bedroom hideaway features additional seating areas: one indoors and one on the terrace poolside. Sunbathe in privacy, dine al fresco, and share the splendor of your Four Seasons bathroom

Resort beaches: across the resort’s three beaches, take your pick of sheltered or sunny chic loungers. Sharm’s unfailingly sunny climate translates to brilliantly blue skies.

The Resort is home to nine restaurants and three lounges, providing a diverse array of cuisine to choose from. From fresh seafood to authentic local flavors, discover some of the finest restaurants in Sharm El Sheikh. An interesting culinary journey that’s as indulgent as it is diverse. 

Exceptional experiences: Witness a breathtaking desert sunset as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Learn the secrets of traditional Bedouin bread making and indulge in a delectable open buffet dinner featuring Bedouin specialties. Enjoy traditional Bedouin music and dance, including a belly dancer, a fire show and a whirling dervish. Complete your experience with a leisurely camel ride through the desert illuminated by a blanket of stars.

It seems, camels and Bedouin’s have become a reoccurring theme in my life! Ancient wonders, modern Luxury – my mantra!

We always Highly Recommend Four Seasons resorts for their authentic surroundings, luxurious and chic interiors and Over The Top staff!

Personal review coming this winter… sunshine in December!

In the Valley of the Kings

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain

Egypt

In the Valley of the Kings, an epic adventure looms. My summer knee replacement limited me to only several hundred-mile radius escapes, finally, pharaohs beckon and I can’t resist!

Geography was my favorite grade school subject, ancient Egypt with images of Pyramids, and white robed Bedouins; golden King Tut regalia has traversed the world several times, featuring coins graced with the profile of Cleopatra, references abound if your eye is transfixed with this area. And I’m sure you haven’t forgotten the original Mummy movie – Egypt has been bundled up in years of enticing promises. The Great Sphinx summons, and I obey!

Along with the Grand Tour of Europe, a trip to Egypt was one of the most exciting Journeys available to the 19th Century traveler. Disembarking in Alexandria wealthy Americans and European tourists were transported to Cairo – in earlier days by boat, later by steam train. After several days visiting the treasures of Cairo, passengers would board a dahabiya (large sailboat) or steamer and set off for a trip up the NIle. At a languid pace, a steamer took three weeks to reach Aswan, while a sailing boat could take six to twelve weeks. Lazy days on deck alternated with desert treks to marvel at the newly discovered secrets of ancient Egyot. Expeditions were led by local guides, while servants trudged supplies consisting of food and drink for picnics amid the ruins.

Many of my long-time clients communed with the Sphinx, enjoyed private candlelit banquets in the shadow of the looming pyramids; one was certain the guards drew more attention than if they dined without the army nearby. This was pre-Arab spring uprising, tensions have subsided somewhat, but events can transpire in a moment. Friends have visited Egypt and Jordan in the last few years and marveled at the lack of crowds, the friendliness of the locals, it’s time to return to Pharoland.

The Great Sphinx summons, and I obey!

One aspect I love of travelling in a Muslim country is waking up in the middle of the night to the ethereal echo of the adhan (call to prayer). These days guides and drivers have a phone app of the prayer, they frequently move to quiet their phone, but I encourage them to relish the moment. We should all be quiet and reflect six times a day.

I will begin my adventure in Jordan and make my way to Cairo. Arriving to the capital city of Ammam, the Four Seasons will host my Journey of discovery. At the conclusion of my first day of touring, I will visit the Royal Auto Museum – it may be the kind of place that you are unlikely to have on your list of places to visit, who new Car Girl could find vintage classics in the middle of a desert kingdom? King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan ruled the country for more than 46 years, until 1999. He took four wives, not simultaneously, and changed his will in his dying days to make his eldest son Abdullah the heir apparent. The King was also apparently a car nut like me. His collection at the Royal Automobile Museum in Amman, Jordan is rivaled by few — the Sultan of Brunei, Ralph Lauren, and Jay Leno.

Petra

A brief listing of my activities as I make my way to Petra and onward to Cairo and the Nile. Day tours of the ancient Roman City of Jerash , Mount Nebo Drive to Madaba, visit St. George Church. This rather modest 19th-century Greek Orthodox church houses a treasure of early Christianity. Imagine the excitement in 1884 when Christian builders came across the remnants of a Byzantine church on their construction site. Among the rubble, having survived wilful destruction, fire and neglect, the flooring they discovered wasn’t just another mosaic but one with extraordinary significance: to this day, it represents the oldest map of Palestine in existence and provides many historical insights into the region. Crafted in AD 560, the map has 157 captions (in Greek) depicting all the major biblical sites of the Middle East, from Egypt to Palestine.

Petra

Lunch at Haret Jdoudna Restaurant http://www.haretjdoudna.com/menu.html
and a scenic drive to Petra via the high desert, I can’t wait to visit Petra, a pinnacle on my must go to Journey list.

Ancient Egypt is one of the founding civilizations of the world as we know it, over 5000 years with a mysterious complex belief structure involving the supernatural and science. Pyramids of Giza were built for some of the mightiest Pharaohs – Cheops, Chephren, Mycerinus. The Great Pyramid of Giza remained the tallest man-made structure in the world for 3,800 years.

A luxurious cruise on the Nile will deliver me to the ancient island of Aswan, noted evening event: a Nubian show. Sailing on to Luxor where we will explore Valley of the Kings including Tut Ankh Amun Tomb and Hatshepsut Temple.

Aswan

On my horizon: site inspections of five-star hotels in Cairo, Aswan, Ammam, Petra, it’s work after all!

Cairo

The remake of the thriller Death on the Nile is scheduled to be released in October 2020 by director Kenneth Branagh, with a cast of stellar actors.

Egyptian themed movies you should watch before visiting Egypt.
https://filmthreat.com/features/the-best-movies-based-on-ancient-egypt/
https://ahlanmonica.com/2019/06/15/best-movies-about-egypt/

As-salam alaykom” – “Peace be upon you.”

Cairo