Bass Hotels & Resorts marked a double milestone in its Middle East and Africa expansion program last month, with the opening of its first new Crowne Plaza resort property in the region at Sharm El Sheikh, which also marked the brand's entry into Egypt.
The new Crowne Plaza Resort Sharm El Sheikh will become Bass Hotels & Resorts' sixth Egyptian property, while another 10 are currently under development. "This is an exciting development, which takes our commitment to meet the needs of leisure travellers into another new resort destination in the region," said Michel Tourniaire, regional vice-president, operations, Bass Hotels & Resorts, Egypt. Built over a 250,000 square metre site sloping gently towards the sea in El Pacha Bay, and within 10 minutes of the airport, the Crowne Plaza Resort Sharm El Sheikh is an impressive property providing magnificent views over the renowned Far Garden coral reef. The first of two Crowne Plaza resorts opening on Egypt's south Sinai coastline, it has 329 deluxe rooms. The resort also features one and two bedroom apartments and villas for rent, offering a complete city concept with high standards of service and accommodation for holidaymakers. Local handicraft shops, spice bazaars, and an Arabic cafŽ feature on both sides of a pathway leading to the beach. All rooms offer in-room tea and coffee facilities, computer connections, international satellite and movie channels. Non-smoking and disabled rooms are also available. "Guests have a multitude of dining options to choose from; an all-day cafe, specialty restaurant, seafood restaurant, and beach, pool and Arabic shisha cafŽs," said general manager Moine Kandil. The hotel has its own private waterfront, as well as a diving centre with its pool, water-sports and wind-surfing centre, three swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, state-of-the-art gymnasium, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Conference facilities include two 200 square metre multi-purpose function rooms, with terraces offering views of the coral reefs, as well as smaller breakout rooms on the mezzanine level. Egypt's second Crowne Plaza resort opens next year at Abu Soma, between the Red Sea resorts of Safaga and Hurghada.