Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort Grand Select

Flanked by other beachfront all-inclusives, the Sunrise Grand Select Arabian Beach Resort is a notch above its neighbors in both style and services. It doesn’t quite live up to its advertised five-star status, but it is certainly one of the best upscale options in the Shark’s Bay area. Grounds are beautiful and well-kept, with spacious lawns dotted by palm trees, big decks housing ample seating, and a lovely beachfront area complete with cabanas, loungers, and a pier. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with a daily entertainment program and music around the main pool, and activities and areas exclusively for children.

The design has incorporated strong local influences throughout, including arched windows, latticework details on walls and screens, painted tiles, and fountains both indoors and outdoors. The lobby is grand both in terms of size and style, and features big golden pillars, gleaming marble floors, fresh flowers, and several small front desks that make for a more exclusive feel. There isn’t much seating and few guests hang out there, but it gives a nice first impression of the resort. 

Though the property doesn’t quite measure up to the top luxury properties in the area, rates are competitive, and it offers an excellent array of on-site amenities. Travelers shopping around for something truly decadent may prefer the Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, though they should expect rates up to three or four times the Sunrise’s. The Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh is a great alternative for couples seeking a quieter atmosphere, while the Iberotel Palace is another good upscale adult-only resort with lower rates. The neighboring Sultan Gardens Resort is a great pick for families on a budget. 

The hotel is one of many resorts set on a long beach overlooking Shark’s Bay and Tiran Island on the southern top of the Sinai Peninsula. There’s little within walking distance aside from a golf course across the street, but an easy five-minute drive gets guests to the many restaurants and bars at Soho Square. Bustling Naama Bay, located about a 10-minute drive south of the resort, offers even more nightlife, shopping, and dining options. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. 

The resort has 420 rooms, all of which are decorated in a subdued color palette of off-whites and pastel-pink that make them mostly elegant albeit a tad bland. Touches such as wooden lattice details, stone-topped wooden furniture, and mirrors with pointed-arch designs in entry-level units are cute and add character, but the feel is overall a tad simple for a hotel at this price point. Higher-category rooms and suites have a few stylish extras, such as wood lattice screens, wooden floors instead of tiles, and white contemporary couches. Each unit, though, is big enough to fit a sitting area with at least a sofa bed and a coffee table, and big glass doors open to a furnished balcony. Swim-up rooms offer direct access to a shared pool. 

Standard features include free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, robes, and minibars stocked with a handful of sodas. Turndown service is provided daily in all rooms. Bathrooms are clean and in good shape, and feature walk-in showers in Superior and Deluxe rooms, and separate showers and jetted tubs in the rest of the rooms and suites. 

Features here are extensive and cater to both adults and children. There are three pools, all of which are clean, big, and pleasant. The main pool has a lively atmosphere, with activities, games, and music, while the other two are quieter. The pool located closest to the main building has two slides for children, while the one by the beach is the place to go for some peace and quiet, complete with cabanas and drink service. The beach is narrow but sandy and packed with loungers and umbrellas. Water sports, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and catamarans are available for a fee at the dive center. 

The resort gets tons of praise for its excellent and varied dining options. There are nine restaurants on-site, ranging from Greek to Indian to Thai. Guests can book breakfast-only, half-board, or all-inclusive packages. All but the seafood restaurant Felucca are covered by the all-inclusive rate. Additionally, there is a wealth of bars and lounges for guests who just want to have a drink and a snack, including one at the beach and a swim-up one in the pool. 

An upscale and relaxing spa offers a wonderful array of treatments, including four-hand and hot stone massages, reflexology sessions, and treatments for babies, children, and couples. There is also a hammam and a hydrotherapy area. The gym is well-equipped with cardio and strength-training machines, and guests can join group fitness classes free of charge or book a session with a personal trainer for a fee. The kids’ club offers indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages.