Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh: A Michelin Two-Key Oasis on the Red Sea

The Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, a distinguished Michelin Two-Key property, consistently garners exceptional praise for its luxurious offerings, breathtaking setting, and unparalleled service. Guests frequently describe their stays as extraordinary and memorable, often highlighting the resort as a top-tier destination in Egypt for relaxation and Red Sea exploration.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently using terms like "paradise," "extraordinary," "impeccable," and "breathtaking" to describe their experience. The resort maintains a high standard of luxury and tranquility, making it a beloved choice for discerning travelers.

2. Key Highlights

• Exceptional Service: The staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and proactive approach are consistently lauded as a major highlight, with many guests praising individual team members by name for going above and beyond.
• Stunning Design & Grounds: The resort is celebrated for its sheer beauty, meticulously maintained landscaping with 4,000 palm trees, and thoughtful design that creates a serene and luxurious "green oasis."
• Prime Coastal Location & Amenities: Situated on the picturesque Red Sea shoreline, the resort offers easy access to vibrant marine life, with first-rate diving and snorkeling opportunities directly from its private beaches and piers. The extensive grounds include multiple pools, including large family-friendly and heated options, and a variety of water sports. A funicular railway connects different areas of the expansive property, offering convenience and scenic views.
• Culinary Excellence: The diverse and lavish upscale dining options receive strong commendation for their quality, presentation, and variety of international cuisines.

3. Room Quality

Rooms and suites at the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh are designed for comfort and luxury, often featuring private balconies or terraces with garden or sea views. The resort recently underwent a significant expansion, adding 115 new guest rooms and suites, some starting at a spacious 75 m² (807 ft²), maximizing living space with both indoor and outdoor lounge areas. Many new suites boast plunge pools or full-sized swimming pools and some even include gourmet kitchens with the option of a private chef.

While newer rooms and premium options are highlighted for their modern amenities, luxurious finishes (like expansive marble bathrooms with natural sunlight), and stunning views, some guests have noted that older "Deluxe" rooms may appear somewhat dated compared to the updated accommodations. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, double daily housekeeping, and thoughtful touches like sound insulation and blackout curtains ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. However, one guest reported a "terrible" and faulty mattress in a suite, leading to discomfort.

4. Dining Experience

The resort's culinary experiences are consistently praised as delightful and catering to discerning tastes. With seven restaurants offering a range of cuisines, including Pan-Asian (Yutai), Italian (Il Frantoio), Lebanese, and Latin American, guests can indulge in diverse flavors. Breakfast is often served buffet style at Arabesque, with other restaurants also offering breakfast options. Guests commend the excellent quality of food and beverages, fresh ingredients, and the attentive service from the wait staff who offer both standard and menu-based options. Many find the restaurants, such as The Reef Grill and Yatai, particularly impressive. Kid-friendly menus specific to each cuisine are also available. While generally satisfied, some guests have noted that the cost of dishes in certain restaurants can be high, and occasionally the quality might not fully align with the price. Room service is also positively reviewed.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is frequently described as outstanding, impeccable, and a defining feature of the resort. Staff members are consistently lauded for being friendly, attentive, helpful, welcoming, proactive, and professional, striking a balance between being unobtrusive and ensuring every guest's desire is promptly fulfilled. Many reviews specifically mention staff by name, highlighting their dedication and impact on making stays memorable, particularly for special occasions. The absence of pushiness or expectation of tips is also noted and appreciated.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort enjoys a prime coastal location along the Red Sea, offering convenient access to various attractions. It is less than 10 minutes from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), making transfers quick and easy. While taxis are readily available, they are not allowed directly into the hotel grounds, requiring a short golf cart transfer to reception. The resort's proximity allows for access to Naama Bay and Sharm Almaya Bay, known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Additionally, historical landmarks like Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery are within reach for cultural exploration. The resort itself boasts two private beaches with access to house reefs teeming with tropical fish, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Swimming directly from the beach is restricted in some areas due to reef conservation, with guests typically using piers for sea access.

7. Value & Pricing

The Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is considered a luxury property, and while it is acknowledged as expensive, guests widely regard it as excellent value for money, with its exceptional offerings justifying the investment for an unforgettable vacation. The experiences gained are seen as well worth the cost. A point to note is that some guests have reported extra supplemental charges for breakfast that were not communicated until checkout. Dinner prices are reported to be around £65 per person for a main and a drink, often with large portions.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor recurring issues have been mentioned:

• Poolside Crowding: Certain areas, particularly around the main pool, can become crowded during peak times, potentially impacting the sense of tranquility. There is no dedicated adult-only pool mentioned in some reviews.
• Dated Deluxe Rooms: Some guests found the "Deluxe" rooms to be somewhat dated compared to the newer, more modern "Premium" rooms.
• Limited Buffet Options for Long Stays: For extended stays, some guests desired more variety, suggesting the inclusion of an open buffet restaurant for lunch and dinner as the à la carte options, while high quality, could feel limited over 8 days.
• Breakfast Charges: A few guests reported unexpected supplemental breakfast charges upon checkout.
• Room Service/Poolside Food: Some found room service food to be less than average and overpriced. Additionally, poolside food options were sometimes deemed unsuitable for kids/families, with suggestions for more kid-friendly items.
• Beach Access Restrictions: Swimming directly from the beach is not allowed in all areas due to reef conservation, with access primarily from piers, which might be intimidating for younger children. Food is also generally not allowed directly on beach loungers.
• Funicular Operation: While the resort advertises running funicular wagons, some guests noted they were closed during low season.
• Taxi Drop-off: Taxis are not permitted directly to reception, requiring a golf cart transfer upon arrival.

Sources

1. youtube.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. thisisluxurytravel.com
5. youtube.com
6. lifewithbugo.com
7. theweek.com
8. michelin.com
9. luxurytraveldiary.com