Rixos Sharm El Sheikh Adults Only 18+

All-inclusive among adults

Rixos Sharm El Sheikh is the brand's adult version on Nabq Bay. The formula is the same as at the neighbouring Rixos Premium Seagate, all-inclusive, large pools, à la carte restaurants, shows every evening, but the hotel only accepts guests aged 18 and over. Days are quieter around the pools, and evenings stay lively: beach parties, DJs, dance shows.

The hotel describes its formula as "ultra all-inclusive": meals, drinks and the minibar (water, soft drinks and beer refilled daily) are included. The grounds are extensive, with gardens and palm-fringed sandy beaches. There are seven pools, including two main ones, Lagoon and Oasis, each with its own bar.

What sets it apart from its neighbour, beyond age: the view. The hotel looks out over the Gulf of Aqaba and Tiran Island, at the entrance to the strait, and several of its bars face it. The international airport is 8 km away.

The reef at the end of the jetty

A wooden jetty runs from the beach to the reef: you can snorkel without a boat, and the hotel has a dive centre. For the major sites, Ras Mohammed, the Straits of Tiran, the Thistlegorm, trips leave by boat with a licensed centre; Sabaro's Sharm El Sheikh page sets out Egypt's diving rules.

Ten restaurants, from Turkey to Japan

The main restaurant, The Palm, serves an international buffet with live cooking stations, vegetarian dishes, pasta, burgers and desserts, often with live musicians. Nine à la carte restaurants complete the choice:

• Lalezar, Ottoman cuisine, facing the Red Sea;
• Sakura, sushi and Japanese specialities;
• Taj Mahal, Indian cuisine;
• Gusto, the evening Italian: antipasti, pizza, pasta;
• Salt, fish and seafood, which also serves lunchtime snacks with a sea view;
• La Churrascaria, Brazilian cuisine;
• The Mangal, by the water under the palms, with a barbecue at each table;
• an Asian restaurant, and the Executive Lounge, an exclusive lounge serving à la carte from breakfast to dinner.

The hotel has nine bars. X Lounge opens the night facing Tiran Island, with outdoor DJs; Sunset Lounge hosts sunset parties; Piano Bar serves tea, afternoon cakes and piano in the evening; White Lounge offers a tea ceremony, cigars and wine; the Sport Bar shows the games.

Which room to choose

Rooms look onto the garden or pool, with a balcony or terrace.

• The Superior is the entry category, for a couple who live outdoors.
• The Deluxe, 50 m², adds a seating area: the right balance for a week's stay.
• The Junior Suite, 74 m², separates bedroom and living room, with garden, pool or sea views.
• The Swim-Up Suite, 110 m², has its own private pool and a sea view: the category Sabaro recommends for a honeymoon.
• The Family Room, two bedrooms joined by a connecting door and one bathroom, suits two couples travelling together here.

Senior and Diplomatic Suites, with two bathrooms and a large living room, complete the range.

Spa and sport

The marble-clad Anjana Spa offers guests a sauna, steam room, hot tub and relaxation area; treatments are paid. The gym is well equipped, and the activities team runs tennis, yoga, beach volleyball and aqua aerobics.

Sabaro's view

For whom: adult couples and friends who want an all-inclusive without children; honeymoons, with a Swim-Up Suite.

Strengths: 18 and over only; the view of Tiran Island; ten restaurants; the jetty to the reef; a 4.8/5 rating on Tripadvisor from more than 11,000 reviews.

Good to know: it is a large property, and evenings are lively; some rooms are dated; Naama Bay is reached by shuttle.