Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh

Arrival via a superb, palm tree-lined driveway under grand whitewashed arches sets the tone for this upscale Sharm El Sheikh hotel. The resort is a typically vast 85-acre complex of sprawling but beautifully presented gardens awash with waterfalls cascading past rock grottos, colorful bougainvillea, and elegantly crafted topiaries. Divided up into sections named after precious stones, the property is built in a blend of hacienda-style architecture with abundant traditional North African touches such as patterned tiling, carved wood detailing, and numerous tinkling fountains. A series of terra-cotta paths wind past numerous pools, sun terraces, and a lazy river towards the hotel's private golden-sanded beach that overlooks an azure sea and a colorful coral reef. The vibe is serene and relaxed, with vacationing couples generally outnumbering families with children and with plenty of space for all, even during busier times. 

The hotel is part of a stretch of Sharm El Sheikh resorts overlooking Gardens Bay on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. There's little within walking distance, but Naama Bay -- Sharm El Sheikh's central tourist hub full of restaurants, bars, and buzzing nightlife -- is just a five-minute drive from the resort. The Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is about a 10-minute drive away, while the area's second entertainment and nightlife center -- SOHO Square -- is around the same distance.

The resort has 432 rooms and suites, the majority of which are freshly decorated in simple Mediterranean styling with neutral tones and modern furnishings, though a few rooms do remain in need of renovation. All rooms are spacious with sliding glass doors that open out to furnished balconies or terraces with ocean views -- some even directly out to sea (the Sea Front category guarantees these better views). In-room amenities include well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs (at least 25-inch), and free Wi-Fi (though it can be slow), while Egyptian cotton sheets, slippers, and robes add a touch of luxury. Bathrooms are also well-maintained and finished in marble with high-end toiletries; all have separate showers and soaking tubs. 

The resort has five restaurants, the main one being Cafe Fresco, which is open for buffet-style breakfast and dinner and has an open charcoal oven and live cooking stations. The bamboo-roofed Beach House Restaurant serves lunch and dinner overlooking the sea, while the Souk emulates an Arabian marketplace with numerous different food stalls and shops. Unlike many resorts, the quality of the food is generally excellent throughout (though can be expensive) and there are also menus for children. Part of the reason for this is that the Hyatt doesn't offer an all-inclusive plan, though breakfast-only, half-board, and full-board rates are available (the full-board rates exclude drinks and ice cream). There is, however, just one bar, so travelers seeking buzzing nightlife might want to look elsewhere. The main focus of the resort is a complex of three pools measuring over half an acre and including a lazy river, water jets, waterfalls, two hot tubs, and a corkscrew waterslide. 

There's plenty to keep children happy in the form of a kids’ activity center, shaded splash pool, and kids' club with supervised activities. Grown up activities range from a variety of water sports (including outstanding scuba diving), a racquet center with tennis and squash courts, and a fully equipped spa to relax in afterwards. The hotel also features one of the best beaches with fine golden sand and excellent snorkeling just offshore on the gorgeous coral reef. Club Room guests also have access to a club house, private beach, and pool.