Coral Sea Sensatori – Sharm El Sheikh

Formerly known as Coral Sea Imperial Resort, this vast destination property reopened as the Sensatori Sharm El-Sheikh by Coral Sea in 2010. Arriving at this all-inclusive resort, guests are met with a smart, contemporary facade of polished stone and glass that immediately sets it apart from most hotels of similar ilk. The reception and lobby lounge, while perhaps lacking a certain wow factor, continue with the same chic, modern vibe that is found throughout the hotel's 37 acres of landscaped grounds. Gardens are well maintained and tidy, with manicured lawns and plenty of palm trees and tropical plants, while the whole length of the resort overlooks almost half a mile of private sandy beach. The complex has been designed to offer separated zones depending on the clientele -- which range from honeymooning couples to families with multiple raucous kids -- and thus caters to a wide spectrum of guests. 

The resort is part of the popular Sharm El Sheikh tourist region located on the southeastern end of the Sinai Peninsula overlooking the Straits of Tiran Island. There's very little in the immediate surroundings besides other resorts and desert landscape and nothing within walking distance. Naama Bay, the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh that is full of restaurants, bars, and buzzing nightlife, is about 20 minutes by car, while Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is around a 15-minute drive.

The hotel's 470 rooms consist of many different categories ranging from the Standard Rooms, to Swim-up, to Family Suites. Decor in all rooms is smart and tasteful, with contemporary furnishings in neutral tones and adjustable mood lighting to help set the ambience. In-room amenities include iPod docks, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs with some English-speaking satellite channels. Unusual for resorts in the area, Wi-Fi is also generally good and free of charge. Bathrooms are clean and modern, with sleek shower/tub combos with deep soaking tubs, and outfitted with fluffy robes and bidets. Jacuzzi Suites feature big jetted tubs on spacious balconies, Family Suites can fit up to five guests, and connecting rooms are available. Many rooms feature lovely sea vistas, however others are less impressive.

The resort's main restaurant, Fountain View, serves an extensive breakfast buffet each morning, as well as buffet lunch and dinner (with a fountain display of music and light every evening). There are five other restaurants ranging from a beachfront American-style diner to a Middle Eastern restaurant, while bars include a pool bar, piano bar, and the healthy alternative of a spa bar. The hotel has five swimming pools, the main one with attentive poolside drinks service, though morning competition for sun loungers can be an issue when the hotel is full (despite the hotel's pretty strict no-reserving-by-towel policy). There's also an extensive stretch of private beach, which has floating jetties out to the stunning coral reef. 

The hotel's high-end Chavana spa is set on a rooftop overlooking the beach and has an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and range of treatments that include couples' massages and even treatments for children. More traditional facilities for the little ones include kids' clubs, splash pools, and playgrounds, while sports activities for older guests include waterskiing, scuba diving, and sailing. Evening live entertainment is a nightly occurrence. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

The all-inclusive plan includes a full buffet breakfast served in the main restaurant, while dinner is included in four of the six eateries and lunch in two. Unlimited locally produced drinks (alcoholic and soft) are included until midnight (night owls should note that the neighboring Baron Resort and Baron Palms Resort have all-inclusive plans with 24-hour drinks). Some drinks under the plan are of questionable quality, but there's an option to upgrade to premium-brand drinks on arrival for an extra fee. Snacks including ice cream are available at set times and mostly around the main pool. A la carte restaurants need to be reserved in advance (through booking stations), while room service is available, but not included in the plan.