You’ve probably seen the photos. Those specific shades of desert terracotta against a blue so bright it looks like someone cranked the saturation filter to 100%. That is the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh. It’s been sitting on the edge of the Sinai Peninsula for over two decades, and honestly, the place is an institution. But here is the thing: Sharm El Sheikh has changed. Egypt has changed. So, does a resort that opened in 2002 still hold the crown when there are shiny new builds popping up every six months?
Short answer? Yeah. It does.
But it’s not just because of the brand name. It’s because of a massive multi-million dollar expansion that basically doubled the size of the property recently. We are talking about a resort that managed to swallow up an extra 22 hectares of land without losing that "private village" vibe that made it famous in the first place. Most hotels get worse as they get bigger. This one somehow got more intimate.
The Reality of the "New" Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
If you haven’t been since the expansion finished, you’re looking at a different beast entirely. They added over 100 new guest rooms and suites. They built these massive standalone villas that look like something out of a billionaire’s fever dream. But the real kicker is the landscape. You’re walking through 3,000 palm trees. It’s a literal oasis.
Most people worry that Sharm El Sheikh feels a bit... dated. You know that early 2000s "luxury" that feels like heavy drapes and beige carpets? Forget it. The new wing of the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is sharp. Think sleek lines, limestone, and floor-to-ceiling glass that makes the Red Sea feel like it’s sitting in your living room.
The geography here is weirdly perfect. The resort is built on a hillside. This means almost every room has a view, but it also means you’re going to be using the funicular. Yes, a funicular. It’s basically a glass elevator on tracks that crawls down the cliff. Kids love it. People with sore legs after a long flight love it even more. It’s quirky, but it’s practical. Without it, you’d be hiking half a mile just to get a cocktail by the pool.
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Why the Diving Here Actually Matters
Look, everyone says their resort has "world-class diving." Usually, that means they have a guy with some rusty tanks and a boat that smells like diesel.
The Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh is different because of its house reef. You don't even need a boat. You walk out onto the jetty, hop off the side, and you are immediately on a vertical wall of coral. It’s the Ras Katy reef. You’ll see Napoleon wrasse that are the size of a coffee table. You’ll see lionfish hiding in the crevices. It is arguably one of the best "off-the-dock" snorkeling spots in the entire Middle East.
For the serious divers, the resort’s dive center is run by people who actually know the Straits of Tiran like the back of their hand. They’ll take you to the Thistlegorm—a British cargo ship sunk in 1941. It’s still full of motorbikes and trucks. It’s haunting. It’s also a two-hour boat ride, which sounds like a lot until you realize the boat has a private chef and a sundeck.
The Food Situation (It’s Not Just Hummus)
You’d expect good Egyptian food. You get it. But nobody goes to a resort for seven days just to eat grilled kofta.
- Yatai: This is the standout. It’s inspired by Asian street food but executed with high-end precision. The sushi is flown in, and the teppanyaki tables are a whole performance.
- Zitouni: This is where you go for the authentic stuff. The breakfast spread here is legendary. They have a station just for foul mudammas—the Egyptian staple of slow-cooked fava beans—and it’s served exactly how locals like it, with plenty of cumin and lemon.
- Luna: Think Latin-American flavors poolside. Ceviche in the desert? It sounds risky, but they pull it off.
Honestly, the sheer volume of choices—12 restaurants and bars—means you don’t have to deal with the soul-crushing "all-inclusive buffet" vibe that plagues so many other hotels in Sharm. You pay for what you eat, and yeah, it’s pricey. But you aren’t eating mystery meat under a heat lamp.
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The Suites and the "Royal" Treatment
If you’re traveling with a group, the new Royal Mansour suite is basically a palace. We’re talking private pools, multiple bedrooms, and enough marble to build a small cathedral. But even the standard "Superior" rooms are huge.
One thing most people don't realize: the soundproofing. Sharm can be a noisy town. There are flights coming in, boats in the bay, and the occasional distant thump of a beach club. Inside the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, it’s silent. The construction quality is just higher than the surrounding properties. You feel insulated from the world.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
People hear "Sharm El Sheikh" and think of the crowded markets of Naama Bay. The Four Seasons is located in Soho Square’s backyard, but it’s tucked away in its own private cove. You’re close enough to go shopping or grab a coffee in the "real world," but you’re far enough away that you don’t hear the noise.
Is it "real" Egypt? No. It’s a bubble. But it’s a beautiful, well-maintained bubble. If you want the grit and history of Cairo, go to Cairo. If you want to sit under a palm tree and have someone bring you a chilled towel every 20 minutes while you stare at the Red Sea, you come here.
The Complexity of Service in the Sinai
Service in Egypt can be hit or miss. It’s often well-intentioned but chaotic. The Four Seasons manages to train their staff to a level that feels almost telepathic. You’ll find that the staff-to-guest ratio is absurdly high.
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There’s a nuance here that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s the "Small Touches." They’ll clean your sunglasses while you’re lounging. They’ll leave a bookmark in your novel. They remember how you like your coffee after the first morning. This isn't just "good service"; it's a massive logistical operation that requires hundreds of people working behind the scenes to make it look effortless.
Acknowledging the Downside
Let’s be real. It’s expensive. Egypt is generally a budget-friendly destination, but the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh operates on its own economy. You are paying European or US prices in a country where the local currency has been volatile.
Also, the resort is massive now. If you’re in one of the rooms further back in the new extension, it’s a hike to the beach. They have golf carts (called "tuktuks" here) buzzing around constantly to pick you up, but sometimes you just want to walk, and in the 40°C heat of August, that walk is brutal.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you are planning a trip, don't just book the first room you see.
- Request the New Wing: If you want modern design and massive bathrooms, the "South" side of the resort is where the new construction lives. If you want the classic, lush, "Old World" vibe, stay in the original clusters.
- Time Your Visit: July and August are scorching. Like, "don't leave your room between 12 pm and 4 pm" scorching. The sweet spot is October through May. The water is still warm enough to swim, but the air doesn't feel like a hairdryer.
- The Spa is Non-Negotiable: They have a Turkish Hammam that is actually legit. Don't skip it.
- Book the Private Jetty Dinner: It’s cliché, but having a meal on a wooden pier over the Red Sea with the lights of the coast in the distance is one of those things you’ll actually remember ten years from now.
- Download the App: Use the Four Seasons chat. You can order a club sandwich or a bucket of ice without ever picking up a landline. It’s fast and avoids any "lost in translation" moments.
The Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh isn't just a hotel anymore; it's a destination within a destination. It’s where the desert meets the reef in the most polished way possible. Whether you're there for the world-class diving or just to escape the grind, it remains the gold standard for a reason.
Next Steps for Planning:
Check your passport validity immediately; Egypt requires at least six months remaining for entry. Once confirmed, look into the "E-Visa" portal at least two weeks before departure to avoid the queues at the airport. If you're planning on diving, bring your certification card—the resort dive center is strict about PADI/SSI credentials to ensure reef preservation. Finally, book your airport transfer directly through the resort; the 10-minute drive in a private car is infinitely better than haggling with local taxis the moment you land.