For a travel journalist, hopping between the world's most fabulous hotels is a professional perk. Yet a recent trip to Egypt has created a formidable problem: the bar for hospitality has been set so astronomically high that every future holiday is now under threat of disappointment.
From Cairo Chaos to Unparalleled Comfort
The adventure began with a flight into Cairo. After navigating the famously hectic passport control, the journalist was met by a driver named Adel, holding a Four Seasons sign. This marked the start of a service ethos that would redefine expectations. The first stop was the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, a grand 30-plus-storey building on the bank of the Nile.
The room was vast, with deep, plush carpets. The hotel's renowned personalised care was immediately evident. Returning to the room became an event, with surprises like a leather tech pouch, a chocolate truffle mould of Ramses III, and an abundance of snacks awaiting.
Adventures outside were seamlessly arranged by the concierge. A private tour to the pyramids, complete with a camel ride, was a standout. Transport was never a worry, with Adel always on hand, his car stocked with icy water and Four Seasons-branded wet wipes.
A Red Sea Retreat of Monumental Proportions
The journey continued with a short flight to Sharm El Sheikh, home to the world's largest Four Seasons resort. The scale is staggering; the 90-acre property requires golf buggies to navigate. The Premier Sea-View Room was larger than a London flat, featuring a walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom with a TV in the mirror, and a huge private terrace. A personalised chocolate photo frame provided a delightful welcome.
The resort's amenities are vast: two diving centres, a high-end gym, and serene garden walks. With 12 bars and restaurants on-site, guests need never leave. The service was so attentive that staff remembered guests' names.
Culinary highlights included:
- Zitouni for Levantine dinners, with a perfect traditional lamb dish.
- Arabesque for a Middle Eastern breakfast buffet overlooking the Red Sea.
- Luna, a poolside Latin-inspired diner, for lunchtime chicken tacos.
The trip concluded with snorkelling along the resort's private coastline, leaving a feeling of immense gratitude tinged with the realisation that other hotels would now struggle to compare.
Practical Details for an Egyptian Escape
Travellers should note that Egypt is a cash-first country; you'll need USD, Sterling, or Euros to purchase a visa on arrival unless arranged online beforehand.
Flights from the UK to Cairo are operated by EgyptAir and British Airways. In January 2026, direct return flights with EgyptAir from Heathrow started from around £358 per person. Internal flights from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh with EgyptAir or AirCairo can cost from just £49 per person.
For those inspired to visit, dynamic pricing applies, but sample rates for January 2026 were:
- Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh: All-inclusive Bed and Breakfast rates from USD 515 per night for a Superior Room.
- Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza: Room-only rates from USD 430 or Bed and Breakfast from USD 485 per night for a Superior Room.
This Egyptian odyssey, spanning ancient history and Red Sea tranquillity, delivered a standard of luxury so complete it has become both a blessing and a curse for all holidays to come.
