Goodness me, that was some long weekend. Typically at this time of year I might be looking for a European city break to truly embrace winter because let's face it, we're in the wrong country to properly enjoy the only good thing to come from the drop in temperature – snow.
As it was, however, I found myself boarding an easyJet plane on one of it's longest journeys and heading to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Aside from the lure of the pyramids and all that ancient history, visiting Egypt for sun and sea had never really crossed my mind before. It's quite far (over five hours) after all for a beach experience akin to the Spain, right? Well watch me eat my words because let me tell you straight away, I've never snorkelled over such a stunning coral reef in Costa Blanca.
Nor had I really understood the value of a luxury hotel resort, largely due to my own somewhat restrictive holiday budgets, but also I considered the difference to be little more than posher rooms and better food. Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh ripped up that perception entirely – and then some. Because one thing I hadn't considered was the resort's staff and how big an impact they could have on a holiday.
The resort's buggy service is a good place to start as far as examples of such fantastic guest service are concerned. Given the sheer size of the resort, golf carts are on hand to whisk guests around no matter the distance. Our first experience was under the cloak of darkness, having arrived on Friday evening. We had no idea where or indeed how far from reception our room was but the buggy service made that an instant irrelevance.
Zooming along dimly lit tiled paths with the tranquil sound of water features reaching our ears before our eyes caught on, we were driven to our room and told to dial again for a lift to dinner. Rather embarrassingly, we did just that only to discover our first booking at the Yatai Japanese and Pan-Asian restaurant was a mere four minute walk away. But hey, those three minutes saved were obviously worth it for the thrill of another ride.
Once daylight shone a light on the beautifully manicured gardens and traditional Arabic architecture, the following morning we braved it on foot to find Zitouni for breakfast. Without a map to hand, we may or may not have got lost on the way to yet another nearby restaurant, but with the heat of the North African sun on our backs, I didn't mind working up an appetite. Can I get a round of applause, too, for us navigating our way down to one of the resort's private beaches without the aid of a buggy? Every time we were scooped up by a cart, the wait time was practically nothing, even for our longest journey from Reef Grill on the seafront back to our room.
Attention to detail in making us feel treated beyond our wildest dreams was no more apparent than special touches in our palatial room. Following our booking, I was asked to share a couple of photos of my wife and I. Low and behold there they were, framed on a table each surrounded by sweet treats. Imagine our reaction when we discovered three days later, said frames were made entirely of chocolate. That was an unexpected snack, though you'll be relieved to know I stopped short of eating myself...
Speaking of snacks, small bites and equally small drinks were constantly on offer from the guys working both on the beach and the swimming pool(s) we relaxed at, and always with a smile. In fact, ahead of our stay I checked out TripAdvisor for what guests have had to say about the place. Unbelievably one of the few recent negative comments spoke of frustration at just how attentive the staff were, claiming it got a bit annoying. They clearly didn't make use of the 'Do Not Disturb' signs provided with every sun lounger. There, a simple fix to the ultimate trouble in paradise issue. At this point you won't be surprised to read not once did we need to lift so much of a finger to order a thing, it's as though the staff knew we wanted something before we did down by the water.
This was a world away from shotgunning a prime spot by the pool with your own towel before breakfast. Rather, a worker secured us loungers of our choosing by laying down a towel for comfort and a second to – you know – use as a towel. The few amount of guests at this time of year meant we had an abundance of beds to choose from. 'Fancy a bit of shade, sir? Let me move the parasol for you'. Spotting the sun had moved, someone would return to re-position the parasol accordingly. Or not – if I felt suitably lathered up with sun lotion from the free dispensers.
Our interaction with everyone from waiters to lifeguards made a lot of sense when opening the Four Seasons directory in our room to founder Isadore Sharp creating the company's culture on the Golden Rule – to treat others as you would like to be treated. I mean, if this is what you get for paying that bit extra for a holiday then I totally, undeniably get it. But in the meantime, as my wallet prepares itself, I'm not sure I can return to a standard hotel again. Cheers, Four Seasons...
Rooms at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh start from $300 (£240) ++ per room per night, including breakfast for two guests.
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