Hurghada and El QuseirHurghada and El Quseir are both within a fewhours drive of each other on the western RedSea coast. The reefs in this area are among themost pristine to be found in the Red Sea, someof them accessible from the shore, and ideal forsnorkelling. Hurghada is a popular resort but has a few secluded accommodation options withprivate beaches. El Quseir is a smaller place,relatively unspoilt by tourism and retaining acharm all of its own. A refreshing alternative tosome of Egypt's more well known beach resorts,it is perfect for those who want to combinerelaxation and tranquility with some of the bestdiving in the Red Sea.THEOBEROISAHLHASHEESH,NEARHURGHADAThe Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh was the first luxurysuite-only resort to open on the Red Sea coast. It is an exclusive and sophisticated haven, set on a private white sand beach with panoramic viewsof the sea. The 102 suites nestle in 20 hectares of perfectly maintained grounds, and thearchitectural style includes arches, domes andcolumns. Each suite has a private walled courtyardto guarantee privacy and peace, while upgradesare available for suites with their own pools.Dining and recreational facilities are superb andthe service is impeccable. This is one of the besthotels in the country.RADISSONBLURESORT, ELQUSEIRA good value choice in the El Quseir area, theRadisson Blu is built in a traditional style, reflectinglocal architectural methods and boasting someattractive interior design. From the two main à lacarte restaurants to the sheesha bar and thestriking lobby, a modern but authentic MiddleEastern look predominates, with stylish furnishingsand numerous Moorish archways. All of the 250rooms are light and comfortable, with modern en suite bathrooms and a spacious veranda withviews out to the Red Sea. It is not easy to swimdirect from the beach due to the abundance ofcoral, so there is a jetty from which to enter thesea, where the snorkelling is excellent. As well as two large pools, the Radisson Blu has awonderful Ayurvedic spa, including four beautifulmassage rooms and a lovely relaxation area witha small pool.The Red SeaIt is easy to incorporate a stay at the Red Sea into your Egyptian itinerary. This is a good way tounwind at the end of a long trip packed withsightseeing. From Luxor you can travel overlandto the mainland Red Sea coast, or catch a flight to Sharm El Sheikh. There are miles of wonderfulcoastline, from the developed shores aroundSharm El Sheikh to the exclusive resorts on themainland coastline, north and south of Hurghada.As well as the chance to relax on a beach, timecan also be spent snorkelling and diving on thespectacular coral reefs or exploring nearby sights.26Fish and coral, Red SeaRadisson Blu Resort, El QuseirOberoi Sahl Hasheesh, near Hurghada

Sharm El SheikhFor many years, Sharm El Sheikh, or just Sharm as it is more commonly known, has been amagnet for visitors seeking beaches and fantasticdiving and snorkelling. As a result, the town itselfis very much geared towards the mass market,with the full array of shops, restaurants andnightclubs. However, many of the hotels are self-contained resorts and you need neverexperience downtown Sharm should you notwant to. Staying here gives you access to placesof interest nearby, including Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery.FOURSEASONSRESORT, SHARMELSHEIKHSet amid lush landscaping and designed toresemble a hillside village, the Four SeasonsResort has beautiful courtyards and coolingswimming pools connected by shady paths. All 136 rooms are decorated in wonderfulArabesque style with superb furnishings, andmany have views over the Red Sea. Guests canexpect the high standards of service that are thehallmark of Four Seasons hotels, along withexcellent recreational facilities. The location of the hotel is also perfect, within easy reach of therestaurants, shops and dive centres in the heart of Sharm, but far enough away to remain quietand exclusive.St Catherine's Monastery and Mount SinaiAt the heart of the Sinai Peninsula is Mount Sinai,where the Ten Commandments were revealed to Moses, overlooking the valley where heencountered the Burning Bush. On this site in 337 AD, the Byzantine Empress Helena founded amonastery. The number of monks soon dwindled,until there was a timely boost when the remainsof St Catherine, an early Christian martyr, werefound nearby. Today the monastery is open tovisitors who can admire the 6th century Churchof St Catherine, the medieval monks' quarterswhich are still used in the present day, and ashrub reputedly descended from the BurningBush. Trekking up Mount Sinai is best done in theearly hours of the morning, so that you can stillget to the monastery during the morning openingtimes. You will also get wonderful views as thesun comes up over the Sinai mountains.www.audleytravel.com/egypt ?01993 838 410 ?Egypt27DahabDahab is one of the most relaxed towns in Egypt,and is easily accessed from Sharm El Sheikhairport. Located on the Red Sea coast, it issurrounded by mountains and stretches of beach.Wind and waves have drawn the windsurfingcommunity here and they have perpetuated thelaid-back atmosphere that grew in the townduring the Sixties. A spell in Dahab offers thechance to unwind and get off the tourist trail abit, whilst still being able to snorkel on the reefsand visit the inland sights of the Sinai Peninsula.LEMÉRIDIENDAHABRESORTLe Méridien Dahab Resort has 182 spaciousguestrooms and suites, excellent facilities andspectacular sea views. The rooms have beencarefully designed so that light fills the rooms inthe mornings and the beds look directly out tothe Red Sea. Particularly attractive are the infinitypool and the central areas of the hotel, whichenjoy unbroken views over the water.Four Seasons Resort, Sharm El SheikhBedouin woman, Sinai PeninsulaPatterned door, El QuseirSt Catherine's MonasteryLe Méridien Dahab Resort