Hotel Amwaj Oyoun Resort

The resort is located in Nabq Bay, a five minute drive from Sharm el Sheikh Airport.

The hotel originally opened as a Hilton, was then taken over by the Millennium chain and became an Amwaj Hotel early 2009. The chain is also opening a second hotel in neighbouring area, Hurghada in summer 2010. Amway is otherwise a Jordanian chain. Smoking is not permitted indoors. The health club has good facilities such as a good range of treatments but it could do with a renovation and a thorough clean, to match the rest of the hotel's interiors-we noticed missing shelves, dirty finger marks and dirty laundry during our visit. There is also a very basic ?quiet pool' across the car park out of the main lobby for guests looking for intimacy.

The good quality finish of the hotel sets it apart from many resorts in the area. The Amway Oyoun was one of the most pleasant hotels we visited in Nabq Bay. The drive to the main building is fairly long and is lined by newly-built villas due to open at the end of 2010. The hotel currently has 304 rooms. The lobby is tastefully decorated. Outside towards the main pool area, green gardens separate the bright orange three-floor accommodation buildings from the pool area. This helps create an illusion of space. The beach is just on the other side of the pool which means a walk to the beach is a mile long journey every time. Although the resort has managed to maintain a calm relaxed atmosphere, some guests may find the large orange buildings imposing.

All rooms have either a terrace pr balcony. The mini fridge is filled upon request and at an extra cost. Guests receive complimentary water bottles every week (otherwise glasses of water are free from all bars and restaurants). The rooms are spacious and the furniture and décor are tasteful. The bathrooms are equipped with Amway branded toiletries and complimentary slippers and bathrobes at the guest's request. The beds are comfortable. It is clear that an effort has been made when it comes to interior decoration. There are also rooms with sea views available upon request at the time of booking.

The resort has a main restaurant offering buffet style meals and two à la carte restaurants. For guests wanting a little variation in the buffet menu, there is an Italian and a Seafood restaurant where one meal is included in the all-inclusive formula (to be booked a day in advance). The restaurants can get a little crowded and noisy.

Guests will find the beach close to the main pool which is not to be taken for granted! It is not unusual to have to walk at least a mile across the resort before reaching the beach or to have to take a shuttle bus. The beach is clean and well kempt. The jetty leading to the coral for snorkelling fans is only 350m long, giving almost direct access. The beach is wide and sandy. The water is shallow close to the shore.