Royal Albatros Moderna

For guests seeking an all-inclusive Egyptian vacation with direct beach access and loads of activities, the Royal Albatros Moderna Sharm el-Sheikh fits the bill. The bustling resort comprises two-story, cream-colored stone buildings with large white-trimmed windows. Built in 2004, the vast property is covered with green lawns and lush gardens extending down to the beach. It's a bit of a walk to the sand, where there’s a private wooden pier from which guests can go snorkeling. The beach area is dotted with wooden lounge chairs and thatched umbrellas, with woven screens for privacy. 

There are ramps on the property, but the only elevator is in the huge lobby, decorated with cream and black tiled floors, huge stone columns, brown leather couches, and an ornate iron chandelier hanging from the back-lit ceiling. If they're not at the beach, or eating or drinking at one of the resort's many restaurants and bars, then guests are typically found poolside. There are six pools in total, plus a water park with numerous kids' and adults' slides. With a poolside DJ booth and all-inclusive drinking beginning at 10 a.m., the vibe can become boisterous. The decks are lined with cushioned wooden loungers -- which can fill up quickly --  and white-cushioned beds shaded by thatched umbrellas. 

In the Sharm El Sheikh, tucked against Nabq Bay, is the Royal Albatros Moderna. While there is plenty to do on the property, guests who want a break from the resort will have no shortage of options. SOHO Square -- with shopping, dining, and bowling -- is about 20 minutes away by car, and the Sharm Old Market is about a half-hour drive. Diving is a big draw in this area, particularly at renowned Ras Mohamed National Park -- a 50-minute drive away -- and the Blue Hole on east Sinai, one of the world's deadliest dive sites, about one hour and 30 minutes away. The airport is a 15-minute drive, and it’s 25 minutes to Naama Bay.

Guest rooms are modern and clean with brown textiles -- some are leaf-patterned, which play nicely off dark wood furniture, and touches of gold decoration on the walls. However, some furnishings look a little tired and dated, as do the white tile floors in some rooms. Standard rooms are air-conditioned and have safes, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee facilities; most have minibars, and balconies or terraces with pool, garden, and/or partial sea views. Most rooms offer Wi-Fi for a fee. Bathrooms vary in terms of modernity; some have sleek, glass-stall showers, rainfall showerheads, and gold or black tiling -- while others have older shower/tub combos. Royal Suites have espresso machines and large, jetted tubs. Family rooms have bunk beds.

It's hard to top the wide range of dining and drinking options available on-site. The five restaurants serve Mediterranean buffet-style cuisine, Italian dishes, Asian fare, Middle Eastern-style dishes, and German cuisine. There are also 13 bars and cafes, including a 24-hour coffee and tea cafe, an ice cream parlor, and poolside and beachside cocktails. The kids’ club is colorful and indoors, and there are also a grassy playground, kids' pool, and outdoor theater for entertainment. Sports and activities are plentiful, from sand volleyball to tennis to billiards to archery -- some incur fees. Beach camel rides are also available, and there are themed dances for adults. The spa has colorful recessed lighting, and includes steam rooms, a sauna, an Egyptian hammam, whirlpool tubs, and couples treatment rooms. There is a full-service beauty salon. The gym is spacious and has modern cardio equipment and free weights.