I stayed at the largest Four Seasons in the world – Here is what I never expected.. | Travel News | Travel

I arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh in my usual long-haul uniform – cosy airport clothes, hair in a bun, face half-asleep – and stepped straight into a lobby that radiated calm, polish, and understated glamour.

Marble everywhere, an enormous burst of flowers in the centre, families and couples aesthetically matching the surroundings. I genuinely felt like Annie walking into the Warbucks mansion for the first time.

Slightly scruffy from the flight, slightly dazed, but instantly charmed.

Before I could take it all in, a staff member handed me a cold green smoothie. Another staff member welcomed me with the kind of warmth you don’t always expect at a big luxury resort, and casually mentioned that this is the largest Four Seasons in the world.

Outside, you could hear the soft splash of water features, the breeze through the palm trees, and the warm, fragrant air filled with the scent of freshly cut flowers.

The whole scene felt peaceful, warm and strangely grounding.

My driver had already told me there are 4,000 palm trees on the property and that I’d need buggies to get around because nothing is as close as it looks.

He wasn’t exaggerating.

The Premier Sea-View room was far bigger than I expected – more like a private apartment, complete with its own front garden. It was quiet, calming, and almost too spacious at first.

Egyptian details blended with modern touches: carved windows, cool marble floors, muted colours.

The detail I fell in love with?
The automatic curtains.

Every morning, I pressed a button, and they opened dramatically to reveal the Red Sea in full, stunning daylight.

Watching the blues shift through the day was addictive – I found myself planning less and simply staying in the room to enjoy that view.

On my last day, I took it so slowly I nearly missed my flight. No regrets.

The small touches added to the charm: a handwritten note, fresh fruit (Egyptians are very big on fruit, I soon learned), and the best surprise – a framed photo of me next to a plate of macarons.

I genuinely paused and thought, “How did they get this?” It made me feel seen in a place with hundreds of guests.

The restaurant everyone insisted I try was Reef Grill, right on the beachfront. As a pescatarian, it was perfect.

I ordered seabass, and it arrived on a tiny, smoky BBQ – the sort of interactive dish you’d normally only see when you’re with a group.

I was dining alone, which made it unintentionally funny, but the staff were so warm and chatty that the whole thing felt relaxed rather than formal.

Breakfasts became a highlight, mostly because of the buggies. You can’t walk everywhere – the resort is too big – so each morning I’d call and choose where I wanted to go.

It felt oddly glamorous being “collected” to start the day, and I secretly wanted to drive the buggy myself every time. They looked far too fun to just sit in.

I had long conversations with the restaurant manager about food, wine, hospitality, Egypt – everything.

When he asked what stood out most during my stay, the answer came easily: the service. It wasn’t just efficient; it was genuinely kind. People talked to me like a person, not a guest number.

I have a longstanding fear of deep water and, unfortunately, an overactive imagination when it comes to sharks. But the heat was intense, and I eventually convinced myself to try paddleboarding.

From the beach, it looked peaceful and slow. In reality, the current had other plans.

I ended up sitting down to paddle because standing was a lost cause. Tiny fish darted underneath the board, which sent my heart rate flying every time I saw one.

Guests kept telling me I had to try snorkelling because the marine life is apparently unbelievable, but I was quite happy staying on top of the paddleboard.

Travel tip: if you stay here, book water activities early – the popular ones go quickly, especially snorkelling trips. Even if you’re nervous, the staff are reassuring, and the sea life really is something everyone raves about.

One afternoon, I met Ammar Sameh, one of the managers, and he showed me parts of the resort that don’t appear on any booking site – including a royal palace and royal suite that guests have to arrange directly with the hotel.

They felt like something from a film set, completely private and pristine.

And then there was the turtle.

A guest left their pet turtle behind, and it now lives happily behind the front desk like it’s part of the staff.

That moment alone told me everything about the vibe here: luxury, yes, but also character, humour and soul.

By the time I checked out, I felt refreshed, settled and unexpectedly moved. I saw families making memories, kids glowing from long days in the sun, and parents soaking up moments they’ll talk about for years.

One mother asked her children at dinner, “What’s been the highlight of this trip?” and it took me straight back to my childhood holidays.

If I had to sum up the Four Seasons Sharm el Sheikh I’d say this:
Luxury here isn’t loud – it’s gentle. It’s in the small things, the warmth, the fruit bowls, the familiar faces, and the calm you carry home with you.

I left wanting to return before I’d even reached the airport — and that, to me, says everything.