I thought I had booked a holiday in Egypt! I simply do not understand why the reviews are as high as they are for this resort. The resort was 85% Russian, 10% Italian and a few Egyptians. Never met a single Brit (not that that is a requirement) but when a resort is so dominated by one culture the quality is bound to go down. Came to Sharm 4 years ago at the Melia Sinai and quite enjoyed it. I feel it has changed a lot and is in danger of following the Spanish Costas. I knew as soon as I arrived at the Thomas Cook flight that I had probably made the wrong choice. The resort is a huge estate (when did you last catch a bus within your hotel?!!). I would never in a million years come back but let me give you the facts as the purpose is to help you not make the same mistake as me.

If you find yourself answering "yes" to most of these questions I'd advise you not to come

1. Do you consider yourself to be a "discerning" traveller?
2. Do kids just being kids annoy you on holiday?
3. Do you get on with "block" tourism? (in this case it is Russia)
4. Do you find the same food monotonous? (all inclusive package)
5. Do you value peace and tranquillity highly (would you rather sip your drink looking out at the fantastic sea views rather than having the intrusion of music?)

If you are still reading here are the good things:

1. The Egyptian staff like the British people and will go out of their way to please you. To quote Ali at the Bahia bar we are "za best of za best"!! how sweet of him.
2. The Salt Lake is really good (but private to those in residence to it - unfortunately many people use it who should not)
3. The sun, sea and snorkeling are great, as usual (though the boat trip to Tiran again suffered from mass tourism as there were dozens of other boats competing!)
4. The staff are very helpful at the El Wadi restaurant (mr El Hady is a true gentleman and deserves commendation)
5. Kid friendly

The bad things (for me)
1. Trapped in an enormously overgrown and sterile camp!
2. Too many intrusions of noise from families/kids - the sight of push chairs around the lake was not what I had in mind when I booked.
3. Fairly poor dining experience (I do NOT understand why people rate it highly, the wine was pretty poor too)
4. Mass tourism selling out to the Russian market (some of the staff gave me their honest opinions about this too)

I think Sharm may have pretty much sold out now and I doubt I will ever go back.
Having said all of these things you do make the best of things don't you and you can try to beat any system if you try! Such as dining late to avoid the rush (the Russians are truly in another class the way they pile their plates high). and swimming when the kids are away being fed etc etc etc.

It was not one of my better holiday destinations but hey, when the weather is 40 degrees and the sea azure blue with the most amazing sea creatures, why not spend more time with fish than with people?!!!