Escape to Paradise: Sinai Old Spices B&B - Your Sharm El Sheikh Oasis
Escape to Paradise: Sinai Old Spices B&B - Sharm El Sheikh - A Review That's Actually Useful (and a Little Crazy)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter reviews. You're about to get the REAL deal on Escape to Paradise: Sinai Old Spices B&B in Sharm El Sheikh. And let me tell you, this place… it's an experience. It's like stepping into a vibrant, sun-drenched dream with a dash of "Oh my god, did I just eat that?" (Spoiler alert: I did. And it was incredible.)
First Impressions and Making it Over to Eden (Accessibility, Services, and Conveniences, Oh My!)
Getting there? Airport transfer is a GODSEND. After a flight, the last thing you want is to haggle with a taxi driver. Their service was smooth as silk. And the car park? FREE. YES. Free parking in Sharm. I almost cried tears of joy.
Accessibility? Alright, here's where it gets a little tricky. They do list "Facilities for disabled guests," but I didn't get the vibe this was a primary focus. Elevators exist! But I didn't specifically test out wheelchair accessibility, so please, if you're relying on it, call ahead and get definitive answers.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (Available in All Rooms, Too, and A Couple of Grievances)
Okay, the room. My room (a non-smoking, high-floor, soundproofed haven) was CLEAN. Like, ridiculously clean. Daily housekeeping was on point. They even had a desk to work at (yes, I did some work, ugh), and a mini-bar stocked with… well, things. And the air conditioning? Glorious. Absolute, life-saving, breath-of-fresh-air glorious.
Now, the minor grumbles. The "complimentary tea" was, let's say, optimistic. They provided tea bags, but the real tea connoisseurs (ahem, myself), might want to bring their own fancy loose-leaf. And the internet? Free Wi-Fi is in every room, but the speed was sometimes… well, let's just say reminiscing about dial-up is unavoidable at the most inconvenient of times. But the internet access LAN connection, or wireless, was good.
Relax, Rejuvenate, and Maybe Get a Sunburn (Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and that Glorious Pool!)
This is where Sinai Old Spices shines. Seriously. The pool with a view? Absolutely stunning. I spent approximately 70% of my time in or around it. The pool bar? Even better. (More on that in the "Dining" section.)
And the spa! Okay, I got a massage. A real massage. After a week of diving and exploring, let me tell you, my muscles were screaming for mercy. The masseuse worked wonders. I almost fell asleep mid-massage, drool and all. (Don't judge me. It was that good.) They offer a sauna, steam room, and a fitness center (which I, admittedly, glanced at from afar). The steam room was amazing, I spent far longer than I should have in there, just detoxing and relaxing.
The Food: My Stomach's Personal Paradise (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking)
Okay, let's talk about the food. Because, let's be honest, food is important. Very. Important.
Breakfast. Buffet Style - amazing. Fresh omelets cooked to order. Fruit that actually tastes like fruit. I did my own Asian breakfast, and it was amazing! The coffee shop was also amazing.
The restaurants… oh, the restaurants! The pool-side bar needs its own paragraph. Picture this: sun setting, dipping into the pool, sipping on a cocktail (they make a killer margarita), and a plate full of mezze. This is the life. The international cuisine was also amazing. I could easily spend all day at the pool, drinking delicious cocktails, and eating all of the tasty food. Even the snack bar was amazing.
Safety First (Cleanliness and Safety)
This is the part where the "Escape to Paradise" really, really shines. They're obviously taking the whole cleanliness thing extremely seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Staff trained in safety protocols? Check. Daily disinfection? Check. They even had individually-wrapped food options. The kitchen and tableware items are all sanitized! I felt safe. Like, genuinely safe. This is a huge deal, especially post-pandemic.
The Extras: Little Touches That Make a Difference (Services and Conveniences, Continued…)
The staff? Friendly. Helpful. Not pushy. This is a huge deal, especially in a tourist area. They were happy to help with anything, from arranging excursions to just pointing me toward the best falafel stand in town.
They had a cash withdrawal facility (super handy), a gift shop (bought a few tacky souvenirs, no shame), and even a convenience store. I think I visited the convenience store about 10 times.
For the Kids?
I didn't witness the kids' facilities, but they had a babysitting service listed. Family/child friendly? Yes!
Would I Go Back? (The Verdict)
Absolutely. Without a doubt. This place is the real deal. Yes, it's got a few quirks, but honestly, that's what makes it charming. It's not a sterile, corporate hotel. It's a place with soul, a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and maybe even discover a new favorite cocktail.
Final Thoughts:
Escape to Paradise: Sinai Old Spices B&B in Sharm El Sheikh offers a truly amazing experience, just one thing I can say is that the food is amazing! The food is worth going just for that alone, the staff are friendly, the amenities are top notch, the safety standards are amazing. There is something for everyone. I'd give it a solid 9/10.
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Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City: Your Dream Utah Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your sterile, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is me going to Sinai Old Spices B&B, and frankly, you're coming along for the ride. Expect sand in your shoes, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta "OMG, is that a camel?!"
The Sinai Shenanigans: A Totally Unorganized Itinerary (But Hopefully Fun!)
Day 1: Cairo Chaos to Sharm Serenity (Or, at Least, the Attempt Thereof)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Alright, wakey, wakey, eggs and… well, no eggs yet. Gotta get to the airport in Cairo. This already FEELS like a mistake. Airport traffic in Cairo is a special kind of hell. I'm talking Dante-level. I'm pretty sure the taxi driver intentionally drove us around in circles because he thought we'd be desperate enough to pay extra. (Note to self: Learn some basic Arabic before the next trip to Egypt.) Finally, after a near-miss with a donkey cart and a particularly aggressive tuk-tuk, we arrive.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The flight! Finally! Except… this is EgyptAir. I was anticipating delays, but not like this. The plane took off two hours later than scheduled. By the time we were airborne, I'd already devoured three tiny, questionable airline sandwiches and developed a deep-seated resentment toward the guy snoring three rows back.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Landing in Sharm! The air is immediately warmer, the sky bluer. Instant mood boost. Pickup from the airport, thankfully smooth, except for the tiny, unnecessary argument with the driver about the correct "tipping etiquette". (I thought I was doing okay, but apparently, everyone has a different idea.)
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Check-in at Sinai Old Spices B&B. The pictures online made it seem idyllic. Reality? Better! The courtyards are even more lush and fragrant than the brochure promised. The staff is genuinely friendly (and not just the “forced hospitality” kind). My room? Simple, clean, and with a balcony. Sold. This is where I'm going to be relaxing, reading, and not doing any work for a while!
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Exploring! I'm going to get a feel for the area. Wander down to Naama Bay – It's the classic tourist zone, all open-air cafes and souvenir shops. I get mildly overwhelmed. Definitely need to get a good sense of my surroundings before exploring too much.
Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Dinner at a random seafood place on the beach. The hummus is great. The grilled fish is… well, I'm pretty sure it's fish. The sunset over the Red Sea is, however, genuinely breathtaking. I watch the colors melt into one another and just…breathe.
- An emotional reaction: Oh my god, the sunset! I was expecting something beautiful, of course, I'd seen pictures, but nothing prepared me for this. It was like the sky was on fire, oranges and pinks and purples rippling across the water. And the silence, the quiet! I’d completely forgotten how to just…be still. I feel like I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off and finally my body is telling me to stop.
Late Evening Back to the B&B, I take a walk in the courtyard, where there are several cats, maybe I’ll try to befriend them.
Before Bed: Write in my journal. (Probably a slightly rambling entry about sunsets and existential crises).
Day 2: Snorkeling, Sand, and (Potentially) Sunburns
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Argh! Wake up with a stiff neck, the result of an awkward sleeping style. Breakfast at the B&B. The coffee is strong, the bread is fluffy. All is good.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The REAL reason I came here- Snorkeling trip to Ras Mohammed National Park! This is supposed to be one of the best snorkeling spots in the world, and I'm hyped! I packed rash guard, sunscreen (lots and lots), and my snorkeling gear. The water is CRYSTAL clear. The coral is vibrant! The fish are like something out of a cartoon! I swear, one of them winked at me! I am now one with the sea.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch on the boat. It’s a very messy buffet, and the food is… serviceable. I'm too busy reliving the moments under the sea anyway.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): More snorkeling! I could do this all day!
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the B&B, shower, and contemplate whether I've successfully avoided getting sunburned. (Spoiler: I'm probably screwed).
- Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Dinner at the B&B’s restaurant. I want to taste the local specialties, whatever they may be.
- Quirky Observation: Watching the staff preparing food is a show in itself. The rhythmic chopping, the spices dancing in the air, it's like a culinary ballet. The smells are amazing.
- Rambling: If I like the food enough I may try to learn to cook some of the local specialties. I am pretty sure my mother would like that, and I may even get the chance to show her!
Day 3: Desert Daydreams (and Camel Comedy)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up, still not sure if I’ve completely peeled the top layer of my skin off. Breakfast again at the B&B.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): A desert safari with a camel ride! I’m picturing Lawrence of Arabia. I get my camel ride - It's awkward, my back hurts already, and I have a sudden intense fear of falling. The camel, bless its soul, seems equally unimpressed with the whole situation.
- Anecdote: I met a guy called Ahmed, he's from the local Bedouin village. He told me stories of the desert, of the stars, the desert's history, its people. I felt like I was a part of history, I was enjoying a taste of something completely different from my normal life!
- Disappointment: As much as I loved the time with Ahmed, I was also a little disappointed to discover that my Lawrence of Arabia fantasy was more like "Lawrence of Slightly Overweight Tourist Who Can Barely Stay in the Saddle."
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Bedouin lunch in the desert. Grilled chicken over an open fire. Simple, delicious. The sheer quiet, after the chaos of the city, is almost overwhelming.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): More jeep trekking and sandboarding (which I am spectacularly bad at). I'm now covered in sand. Everywhere.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Back to the B&B, I sit at the courtyard. I re-read some of what I wrote in my journal, and I felt like something had been unlocked in me. I felt a deeper understanding of myself, and some peace.
- Before Bed: Write my daily journal entry.
Day 4: Taking a Day Trip to Dahab
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast at the B&B, coffee is a necessary remedy for my grogginess.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Transport to Dahab.
- Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Exploring Dahab! This is a more relaxed, backpacker-y vibe. The Blue Hole is a must-see for divers. I'm not a diver, but I’ll sit and watch. It's an amazing sight to see.
- Quirky Observation: Dahab is crawling with people who have dreadlocks and wear tie-dye. I feel underdressed in jeans and a t-shirt.
- Rambling: I am very glad I took this trip. I can't say if I'll come back, but I can safely say that it's a truly unforgettable experience.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Eat at a beachside cafe. Fresh juices and falafel. This trip has become a culinary adventure.
- **Afternoon (2:00 PM -
Escape to Paradise: Sinai Old Spices B&B - The Unfiltered Truth (FAQ Edition)
Is this place actually 'Paradise'?
Look, paradise is subjective, right? My paradise usually involves unlimited coffee, a quiet room, and no sand in my shoes. This place... it has its moments. The sunsets? Utterly breathtaking. The coffee situation… well, let's just say instant is your friend. And the sand? Oh, the sand. It's everywhere. Literally *everywhere*. Found some in my suitcase weeks later. So, Paradise? Maybe. Paradise with a healthy dose of dusty, sun-soaked reality. But, the sunsets. THE SUNSETS! Like, I nearly broke down crying the first night. (Don't judge me, the jet lag was real).
What's the deal with “Old Spices”?
Okay, so the 'Old Spices' part... well, it's definitely got a scent. And it's not *always* a pleasant one. Think more 'rustic charm' than 'freshly baked bread'. I *think* they were going for a cozy, Arabian Nights vibe, but sometimes it just smelled like, uh, *history*. Let’s just say open windows are your friend. And maybe some air freshener. (Don't judge. I brought my own. I have needs.) The spices themselves? The food was actually pretty good, especially the breakfasts – even if they *did* seem to reuse the same spices for, uh, everything. Look I don't know if they used the same spices, but still the breakfast was excellent though, you know, and then a few things came and it was all great.
Is the B&B actually in Sharm El Sheikh?
Yes. It is. Unless my taxi driver REALLY took a wrong turn (which, let's be honest, is always a possibility in a foreign country). Sharm El Sheikh is like a sprawling city of hotels, resorts, and shimmering, turquoise water. The B&B is tucked away, which is really a good thing in the end. Close enough to enjoy the chaos of the city, far enough to be able to get away from the chaos. You can find the right peace and quiet there.
What's the vibe of the place? Relaxed? Loud? Rowdy?
It kinda depends. Mostly relaxed. Like, I spent a lot of time doing absolutely nothing, which was bliss. But, you're also sharing the space with other human beings. One night, there was a karaoke session. I kid you not. It wasn’t professional level, let's put it that way. Think caterwauling, off-key renditions of 80s power ballads, and a whole lot of laughter. I, uh, I may have joined in eventually. After enough of that instant coffee. But, in short, there's room for both. Just, pack some earplugs just in case. That's a tip for everyone.
Are the staff friendly?
Honestly? Some are *super* friendly. Others… less so. You know how it is. Everyone has their bad days. The guy who made breakfast? Utterly lovely. Always smiling, always offering more coffee (bless him!). The woman who cleaned my room? Well, let’s just say I’m pretty sure she thought I was a slob. (I probably was). But, in general, yes. The staff are friendly. And, they're good at their work. Like, REALLY good.
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