Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort

Arriving along a gently curving, palm-lined driveway, guests pass under a grand perimeter entrance and roll up to the imposing lobby of the Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort. Marble-clad columns support a domed glass ceiling that pours sunlight on to the elegant water feature below. The resort is huge, even by Sharm El Sheikh standards, comprising almost 700 rooms spread around its many whitewashed low-rise buildings. The sprawling complex -- made up of numerous sun terraces and an abundance of pools -- slopes down to the resort's sandy, man-made beach that overlooks the coral reef just off shore. While the grounds are not as lushly maintained as some (though will mature and fill out more over time), there are still plenty of tropical plants and even a garden where guests can plant a tree. Clientele are a broad mix of couples of all ages as well as a good share of families with kids. 

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 seven-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 and the hotel offers a free shuttle service. 

The hotel has 696 air-conditioned rooms, all of which are clean and spacious with modern furnishings, tiled floors, and contemporary art. The dark wood furniture contrasts with a beachy color palette of whites and blues. Rooms open to a furnished balcony or terrace with garden, pool, or sea views while amenities include tea/coffee facilities, mini-fridges (though they must be self-stocked), and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, but there's no Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are functional and well-maintained with walk-in showers (or shower/tub combos) and wall-mounted hairdryers -- bathrobes and slippers are also provided. 

As you'd expect from a resort this size, there's a wealth of eating and drinking options available. While most meals are served buffet-style in the main Bay View restaurant, there are also several a la carte options including Italian, French, and seafood (though mainly just for dinner and reservations are needed). A wide selection of bars are also on-site, from a 24-hour Caribbean themed bar to a piano lounge and poolside bar.

The choice of pools is outstanding, with seven in all ranging from an infinity pool overlooking the sea, to an adult-only pool, and the family-friendly aqua park pool with three waterslides. While the beach is more of a sandy terrace with loungers, it is a pleasant place to unwind and has a floating jetty to help snorkelers explore the gorgeous coral reef. A PADI-certified dive school also means guests can learn to scuba, while less demanding time can be spent in the hotel spa. Children are well catered for with a kids' club, playground, and splash pools. Evening entertainment is also put on in the arena or at the beach, though it's low-key and not all guests find it to their taste. There's also a spa on-site offering a range of treatments, as well as a large fitness center equipped with modern machines, tennis courts, and beach volleyball.

The all-inclusive plan includes buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main Bay View restaurant, while the Sea Breeze also provides breakfast and lunch. A la carte eateries are open for dinner (with reservations required; some items are charged). Unlimited locally produced alcoholic and soft drinks are served by the glass, though wine is only with dinner. Some guests find the local cocktail choices too limited and the prices for imported alcohol too expensive. Hot snacks are also offered in the afternoon and drink tokens are provided to fill the in-room mini-fridge. Ice cream around the pool is for an extra fee, as are fresh fruit juices at breakfast, an unpleasant surprise that may make you feel nickel-and-dimed.