The Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh

Guests of the Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh begin their deluxe experience from the moment they leave the airport, when a chauffeur-driven limousine whisks them to the hotel's exclusive reception area where their individual preferences or special requests are discussed over a welcome drink. The Royal Savoy is actually a wing within the landscaped grounds of the Savoy, with all the benefits of this five-pearl hotel, but with a greater degree of exclusivity and with a firm focus on super-attentive service balanced with an emphasis on privacy. The adults-only complex comprises colorful, individually-painted villas and gently curved low-rise buildings set in immaculately-tended gardens complete with numerous palm trees, manicured lawns, and sculpted shrubbery. Interiors blend smart, contemporary styling with Art Deco touches such as cherry-wood paneling and polished chrome detailing resulting in a look of urbane chic. The vibe is private and exclusive even around the pools, while the small private sandy beach provides a genuine feeling of seclusion.

The resort is located on the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea. Part of the Sharm El Sheikh tourist area, the hotel is surrounded by similar resorts and is situated right next to the popular Soho Square entertainment and nightlife center. The central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh -- Naama Bay -- is also full of buzzing restaurants and bars and is just 10 minutes by car, while the Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is about a 15-minute drive. (The hotel provides a free limo service.)

The hotel offers a choice of rooms, suites, and villas. The rooms feature smart, modern styling, while villas tend to be more traditional with Arabian decor and ancient-Egyptian themes. Rooms extend to spacious balconies with armchairs overlooking the pool or gardens, while some have views of the Red Sea. Guests arrive to fresh flowers, fruit, and suitably deluxe amenities that include free high-speed Wi-Fi, well-stocked minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD players (and a movie library at reception). Bathrooms are finished in marble with waffle-towel bathrobes and slippers, quality toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. The nine individually-styled villas are particularly luxurious and most include whirlpools, private swimming pools, and secluded gardens.

An excellent breakfast service is included in the rate and consists of an extensive buffet as well as plenty of cooked-to-order options, which can be enjoyed in a pleasant breakfast room with a terrace overlooking the sea or can be delivered to guests' rooms. Free snacks and local drinks are also available throughout the day in the hotel's relaxing lounge. While there's no dining exclusive to the Royal Savoy, the adjoining Savoy hotel has a wide selection of quality restaurants together with plenty more at the neighboring Soho Square. There are, however, pool and beach bars just for Royal Savoy guests as well as five others in the main property.

The hotel has a small private beach and three pools with no shortage of sun loungers, as well as a poolside steam room, sauna, and whirlpool. Guests have access to the main hotel's facilities as well, which include the spa, offering a wide range of massage and beauty treatments (though these are pricey), and several sports facilities, such as tennis and squash courts and a range of water sports including diving, sailing, and snorkeling.

The hotel offers an optional all-inclusive plan that covers a choice of 14 restaurants -- six on-site and eight in Soho Square -- and one specialty restaurant per week. A wide range of bars and cafes are also included serving local and international alcoholic drinks, together with a fully-stocked in-room minibar per stay. The plan also covers one massage per person per stay, free spa access, laundry service (seven pieces per stay), and tennis or bowling (one game per stay).