For decades, passing through airport passport control had become a familiar ritual. I'd watch the official's eyebrows raise sceptically upon seeing my place of birth. 'You were born in Alexandria? In the UK?' My well-practised explanation about the Scottish town near Loch Lomond named for Alexander Smollett would eventually satisfy them, and we'd be on our way.
The difference this time was profound. We weren't in the UK, but in the land of the original Alexandria. My wife and I had travelled to the renowned Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt for a week of autumn sunshine, leaving behind our parental duties for some tranquil respite.
A Warm Welcome in the Land of Peace
Our direct flight from Glasgow took less than six hours. Arriving late in the evening, we were instantly embraced by the warm desert breeze. The Gaelic phrase 'Ceud mile failte' – meaning a hundred thousand welcomes – sprang to mind as we were met with a whirlwind of enthusiastic greetings.
Our excellent guide, Sam, explained that Egyptians, much like Scots, pride themselves on hearty hospitality. The sea of friendly faces felt wonderfully reminiscent of home. We enjoyed our first cold beers under the stars on the terrace of the stunningly beautiful Rixos hotel, the epitome of bespoke luxury.
Bespoke Luxury at the Rixos Resort
The Rixos experience is meticulously crafted. Every wish is catered for, down to the finest detail. Each swimming pool features a tailored playlist to suit individual musical preferences. Some pools boasted swim-up bars, while others offered quieter, more formal settings – all perfect for a cocktail or coffee.
Should guests over-indulge in the delicious fare – as we frequently did – an on-call golf cart stands ready to ferry you back to your room. The à la carte restaurants were exceptional, with the Turkish, BBQ, and Indian venues all proving superb. Surprisingly, my most memorable meal came from the Palm restaurant's pasta chef, who transformed simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, chilli, and cherry tomatoes into culinary gold.
Adventure in the World's Biggest Aquarium
Embracing the hotel's 'Let Yourself Go' motto, we embarked on a Red Sea snorkelling cruise that provided an unforgettable experience. The harbour buzzed with excitement as we headed towards Tiran Island in the Gulf of Aqaba.
The coral reefs teemed with exotic fish of every colour imaginable, creating the world's biggest and best aquarium. Clownfish – Nemo to many – were surprisingly easy to find. For those less comfortable in open water, lifejackets and trusty crew members were available to dive alongside.
On our return journey, we spotted the famous Farsha Café built into the cliffside and knew we had to visit. As the sun lowered, we sipped our final sundowners in Sharm. The warm, fragrant air carrying scents of oud felt hypnotic. When the countdown bell rang, the entire cliffside, the seawater below, and a wall of phone flashes illuminated simultaneously. For this cynical half-centenarian, it felt truly magical.
Just as ancient Egypt served as a melting pot for trade and learning, today's tourism resurgence brings travellers returning in droves. There's simply too much to see and do in Sharm El Sheikh for one visit to suffice. We were so completely captivated that we've decided to return next year with our youngest son – back to the land of a hundred thousand welcomes.
TRAVEL FACTS
TUI offers a seven-night holiday to Sharm El Sheikh staying at the 4T+ Rixos Sharm El Sheikh on an all-inclusive basis from £1,162 per person. This price is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double Room with a Garden View and Balcony or Terrace, departing from Glasgow on December 14, with transfers included. To find out more or to book, visit tui.co.uk.
