Five-star living is a reality for some people, but for me, on a journalists salary, the only chance to enjoy this type of luxury is when a long-lost great-aunt dies and leaves me with a cushy inheritance or if my boss sends me over.

Which was why, after spending a few days at the five-star deluxe Ritz-Carlton hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh, coming back to Cairo was about as much fun as getting run down by a pack of camels.

The Ritzs calming allure is a far cry from the taxing hustle and bustle of the capital. Lets start with the check-in experience if you can even call it that. While you sink into the plush couches in the lobby and drink fresh juices across from the huge windows that frame the Red Sea, everything is taken care of in a matter of minutes. I would have been happy sleeping right there, but the staff loaded me onto a golf cart and off I went to get settled in my room.

There are 307 rooms at the hotel including 50 suites in low-rise, two-level buildings overlooking either the sea or the landscaped gardens and swimming pool. Living in Cairo, I had forgotten what groomed plant-life looks like, so the 100,000 square meters of manicured nature was a welcome sight.

Bigger than some apartments Ive lived in, with furnishings fit for a king, each of the 50 square-meter guest rooms comes with a private terrace, satellite television, and a large bathroom complete with a separate shower and bathtub.

Much as youd like to hide in the comfort of your room, you will eventually feel compelled to leave and explore the grounds and when you do, housekeeping is in and out of your room before you know it. A well-trained staff is happy to assist no matter where you are at the Ritz-Carlton, ready to deliver on any request while at the same time presenting themselves in a way that reminds you what five-star privacy is all about.

The hotel is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and the view is nothing short of picture-perfect. Sit by the enormous pool and enjoy food and drinks all day long, or find a nice spot on the hilly beach, perfectly laid out to give each family, couple or individual their own private spot in which to soak up the sun.

If marine sport is your thing, youre definitely in the right place. The reef along the beach presents an ideal opportunity for snorkeling, with a ramp that delivers you past the reef for a dip in the refreshing Red Sea waters.

Take in too much sun and youll have no choice but to head over to the hotel spa for the sunburn treatment. The experience will have you feeling good as new in no time. Facilities offered include an indoor heated whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and a unique Arabian massage tent overlooking the Red Sea. While there, enjoy the services of the professional masseurs and masseuses, who come from all over the world and are trained in Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu, and Egyptian massage techniques. Treatments include wraps, as well as mud, herbal, and milk baths .

Worked up an appetite? At the Ritz-Carlton, youll again find yourself in good hands. With a number of restaurants to choose from, offering a variety of cuisines, Executive Chef Arnaud Berthelier produces exciting creations to make your mouth water.

Begin the day at The Café for a delicious breakfast. Here you can also enjoy a Californian, European, Far Eastern or Middle Eastern lunch or dinner buffet. The Italian cuisine at La Luna is prepared by Chef Marco Valneri, who says he has been making pasta since he was old enough to walk and as soon as you take the first bite, you just might believe him.

Some of the best Thai food in the country can be had at the Ritz-Carltons Blue Ginger restaurant. Just as impressive is The Fayrouz, which specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine complete with live entertainment.

Should you decide to venture around Sharm El-Sheikh, the hotel is at your service. Shuttle buses will zoom you to and from Naama Bay so you can experience the wilder side of Red Sea nightlife. From the travel agency located in the hotel you can also organize a tour out to Ras Mohamed National Park, a one-and-a-half-hour boat ride to famous shipwrecks and underwater treasures.

Luxury is indeed the keyword at the Ritz-Carlton. Not only one of Egypts best hotels, but also one of the finest in the Middle East, you will come back from the experience feeling like a new person.

I certainly did its just a shame my salary wont be seeing me back there anytime soon. et

Ritz-carlton sharm

Ras Om El-Sid. Tel: (06) 966-1919 www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/sharm_el_sheikh