Xperience Sea Breeze Resort

Opened in 2011, the
Xperience Sea Breeze Resort is one of the newer all-inclusive arrivals and exudes a younger and more modern vibe than many comparable resorts in the area. The
lobby is impressive, featuring lofty ceilings, glass paneling,
and plenty of polished marble illuminated by ceiling spotlights and a centerpiece
chandelier. Wedged on a long strip between two other resorts, the grounds are
fairly limited, with little in the way of open spaces or greenery, and
slope down toward the water (meaning an uphill walk back). The beach consists of sandy tiered terraces that overlook the sea and a proper
wooden jetty extends to a superb coral reef just offshore. As an adults-only
resort, there are no kids allowed, however 16-and-up teens are permitted and contribute to the young,
sometimes lively, crowd. Xperience Sea Breeze is also popular with honeymooning couples. 

The hotel is part
of a stretch of Sharm El Sheikh resorts overlooking Shark’s Bay on the southern
tip of the Sinai Peninsula. There's little within walking distance, although
the Soho Square dining and nightlife center is five minutes away by car. For
more action, Naama Bay -- the central tourist hub of Sharm El Sheikh that's full of restaurants,
bars, and buzzing nightlife -- is about a 10-minute drive from the resort. (The
hotel provides a free shuttle service.) The Sharm El Sheikh International
Airport is about 15 minutes away, and the hotel can also arrange
transfers for a fee.

The hotel has 304
rooms, all of which are decorated in contemporary styling with polished
tiled floors, wood paneling, and a touch of the Art Deco. Rooms are spacious and have sliding glass doors that open out to balconies, some of which have
lovely sea views. All are equipped with the standard set of amenities, including minibars, tea/coffee facilities,
and flat-screen TVs with some satellite channels, though there's no in-room
Wi-Fi. While some newer bathrooms are smart and clean, others are still in need
of renovation, though all include walk-in showers and Deluxe Rooms have
jetted tubs. Swim-up rooms are also available with direct access to the pool
from the terrace area. 

The hotel's main
restaurant, Tiran, serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner with
views of Tiran Island from many of its tables. There are also a couple of a la
carte eateries including an Indian restaurant with alfresco dining around the
pool, three bars, and a lovely rooftop cafe where guests can smoke shisha or
enjoy regular barbecues under the stars. The resort has five swimming pools, one
with a swim-up bar and another with a waterslide, most of which are heated
during the winter months (though can be bracing otherwise). Although there's
no proper beach, tiered sandy terraces are lined with loungers overlooking the
sea and snorkelers can walk the length of the jetty to some spectacular coral
reef. An animation team provides daytime activities and evening entertainment,
though quality can vary, and the on-site health club includes a sauna, a Turkish bath,
two whirlpools, and a decent fitness center. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, but for a fee. 

The all-inclusive
rate covers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant
and is certainly some of the better food you'll find in an all-inclusive
resort. Snacks including ice-cream are served at select times and an
unlimited amount of hot, soft, and local alcoholic drinks are available until
midnight. A la carte restaurants are not included in the plan, however guests
can have a BBQ dinner buffet once per stay.