Sharm El-Sheikh has long been the tourist hotspot of the Sinai Peninsula, attracting hundreds of hotels, international cafés, bars and restaurants. Tourists from all over the world come to relax, swim, dive and stay up clubbing until dawn.
The Novotel brand has been in Sharm El-Sheikh for years, combining comfort and style. With its simple décor, prompt service, tasty food and spacious rooms, it’s easy to feel right at home.
Located in the heart of Sharm El-Sheikh on the picturesque Naama Bay, the 197-room hotel consists of two parts, one of which is the Novotel Palm.
This section mainly caters to families, featuring bigger rooms, a spacious bathroom and two children’s beds. The rooms accommodate up to five persons: three adults and two children up to12 year olds.
While you relax in the Palm in the full length swimming pool, sipping your piña colada and listening to the oldies playing in the background, your kids will be nearby sliding and splashing into the kiddie pool.
A road separates the Palm from the beach side of the hotel, which has a completely different atmosphere and style.
The beachside rooms are relatively smaller, more suitable for couples or a group of friends. Balconies overlook the beach and the swimming pool, both of which are bustling with activity throughout the day.
The best way to kick start your stay is with a healthy breakfast. The buffet serves all kinds of cheeses and breads, has an omelet station, an array of cereals, the more traditional fuul option as well as fresh juices and hot beverages
The daily aqua aerobics class and the water polo games will bring your athletic spirit swimming to the surface. In the afternoons, wind down by the pool bar with more relaxing music and an ice cold drink.
Guests can indulge in a spa treatment or get a body wrap at the Moroccan bath. A full package costs ?90 (about LE 745) and includes a massage, Moroccan bath and a steam bath.
If those prices seem steep, you can always dive into the Red Sea and let nature do its job. The beautiful shades of turquoise and royal blue will leave you breathless. A snorkeling mask is given free by the hotel so you can watch the colorful fish as they swirl around your feet.
Lying on your chaise lounge soaking up the sun, you will probably be persuaded by the animation team to participate in a game of beach volleyball or a number of other activities. A real tanning connoisseur knows there is no better way to get an even, sun-kissed look than playing sports under the sun. If you prefer to dance, you can take one of the salsa classes with Simo, the Moroccan teacher.
After working up an appetite, head to the Italian restaurant a step away from the beach. The menu offers appetizers like rolls and nachos and main dishes like pizza and pasta. Prices range from LE 50 to LE 70, but the quantities are rather small.
For full board guest, the lunch buffet at the Coral offers a delicious variety of cooking stations, inspired by different local and international cuisines.
“Novotel is well known for its delicious food, many guests come from over hotels just to have dinner, says the hotels’ Assistant Manager Saeed Gameel.
While the night is young, so after dinner guests are ready to take in the eclectic Sharm nightlife. Novotal makes deals with several clubs so ask your concierge before heading out on the town.
Don’t miss Fridays’ fun foam party in the Dolce Vita club on El-Hadaba. A shuttle is available from the hotel.
But if your intentions are to relax, you can spend the night chilling at the bar, watching the nightly show presented by different dancers.
When your eyes get droopy and you decide to call it a night, you will go back to find your room made up, your cushions fluffy, the air conditioner on and dimmed lights – sweet dreams.
