Egypt Hall, Savoy Hotel: "New Years Eve in the Sun" Sharm El Sheikh Nightlife Tip by SabrinaSummerville

Usually I hate New Years Eve, and this was one of the reasons I decided to travel abroad for it this year.

I was determined to make the most of it so I packed a wonderful dress for that night, and indeed I was so lucky that I did. Our hotel had organised an incredible new Years Eve gala dinner and dance for the night.

They ferried us across the road by coach to Egypt Hall, which is their conference centre. Here we queued outside an igloo (I kid you not, they had constructed an on-site igloo) outside the Hall and we went through a rigid security check (actually a relief to know security is tight these days) and walked into the igloo. When we emerged into what we expected to be an ordinary conference centre, we found ourselves in a giant ice cavern. I gasped, and I could hear others around me doing the same. The sight was truly breathtaking. The entrance area was set for the buffet banquet. Ice sculptures were everywhere, with the food dramatically displayed on counters made to look like snow drifts. Giant polar bears and penguins were interspersed among the snow drifts and "snow" was adrift on the floors.

This theme continued into the ballroom and everything glowed an almost eerie winter white.

Each guest was greeted with a glass of champagne to start the evening right. Tables were set with masks, streamers, and other party items.

After the meal there was a band (the hotel's resident band) and also a floor show Vegas-style. The best was yet to come. At ten minutes to midnight the main band of the evening came on and they were none other than the Gypsy Kings. The hall erupted. What better and more lively way to ring in the New Year than to the Spanish strains of Carlos guitar. At one point he broke a guitar string, reached from the stage, and handed it to me. It made my night perfect.

I want to do something similar next year :-)

Dress Code: Everyone made a great effort with their clothes. I brought a ball dress and so did many other ladies. I saw a couple of men in evening suits, but jacket and tie were probably the most appropriate for that evening. If you don't have a ball dress, bring a cocktail-type dress or at least something very pretty and party like for the ladies. There was no shortage of designer labels at this very posh party.

Theme: Other
Website: http://www.savoy-sharm.com