The Ritz Carlton Hotel is out on the Ras um Sidd headland overlooking the Red Sea. The area has easy access to the sea from a floating jetty over the corals, as it is on one of the dive sites the snorkeling is very good. The beach is made out of natural dips in the cliff, giving small secluded coves.

The staff were friendly and the hotel looks nice. It has about 300 rooms, not all of them sea view, so you will need to ask if this is important to you. The other rooms overlook the pool, lazy river and the gardens.

They have a large gym and spa area with a range of treatments from massages, scrubs and a sand bath. There is also a massage tent in Arabic style right on the cliff overlooking the sea.

Lunch for two at the Waves Pool bar will cost you about 200LE for a pasta dish and drinks.

They have just changed the General Manager in August 03. Thorsten Ries has been with the Ritz hotel chain since 99 and before that worked for Four Seasons hotels. He has been working in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years.

The hotel has also introduced a Health and Wellness program.

• Heard good reports of the Blue Ginger Chinese Restaurant in the hotel. Cost about 300LE per head, not including wine.