El Kheima Beach Resort

This is a three-star resort in the centre of Sharm el-Sheikh, with the practical sort of layout that suits a diving holiday: breakfast, a swim, a massage or a walk are all within the same general orbit. You can keep the day simple here, which is often exactly what tired legs and a full logbook require.

The hotel team speaks English, so the useful conversations should not require underwater hand signals. Air conditioning, a fridge, Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception cover the basics, while the garden, terrace and outdoor spaces give you somewhere to sit when the room feels too close for comfort.

El Kheima Beach Resort sits in central Charm el-Sheikh, in Egypt, with the city around it rather than a remote strip of resort road. Sharm El Maya Beach, Terrazzina Beach and the Old Market are all nearby, giving you a choice between sea air, a beach stop and a wander through one of the area's established shopping and dining districts.

The resort has a private beach and beach facilities, as well as water-sports equipment. There is also parking, including nearby parking and a garage, which is useful if you are travelling with your own vehicle or hiring one locally. Airport transfers and car hire are available through the hotel.

The room selection runs from standard accommodation to deluxe rooms, suites and family suites. For two, the standard double room with a balcony and sea view is the obvious choice if the view matters more than extra space. For three, the deluxe triple rooms give you a more practical starting point, with sea-view and water-view versions available. The private bathroom is part of the standard room set-up across the named categories.

The useful post-dive details are refreshingly unglamorous: air conditioning for cooling down, a fridge for keeping water cold, and tea-making facilities for the first drink before anyone discusses dinner. Suites add a safe, telephone, toiletries and towels. Room service is available, and selected rooms include a kitchenette, so you are not entirely dependent on the restaurant if your appetite runs on a different timetable from the rest of the resort.

A balcony and sea view make the double room the one to consider for a couple who want a little outdoor space at the end of the day. The family suite gives larger travelling parties a separate suite format, while the adult-only policy sets the general tone of the property. Check the exact room details when choosing, particularly if you need a particular view, balcony or kitchenette.

The resort has a restaurant, a bar and breakfast, with coffee and tea available for guests. There is also a kitchenette and a kettle in the facilities mix, plus bottled water. In other words, the basic food-and-drink routine is covered without requiring a daily expedition into town.

The available meal arrangement depends on the room booking, so the practical question is whether your chosen stay includes breakfast or another meal plan. Ramadan can affect meal availability. There is no reason to dress this up as a culinary destination: the useful point for a diver is that food is on site, the bar is close, and a hot drink does not require a trip beyond reception.

The swimming set-up includes an outdoor pool, a pool and a water park, with beach facilities and a private beach for a change of scenery. The sun terrace, garden and outdoor furniture give you places to stretch out without turning the afternoon into another organised activity. Sometimes the correct plan is a lounger, water and absolutely no timetable.

For a little more movement, the resort offers fitness equipment, cycling and hiking. A picnic area and barbecue facilities suit an easy-going afternoon, while the tourist information service can arrange excursions when you want to see more of the area. Massage is available for those who would rather leave the day's stiffness to somebody else.

Check-in starts at 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00. Reception operates around the clock, with express and private check-in and check-out available. There is luggage storage, a safe, an ATM, laundry, dry cleaning and ironing, so the hotel can handle the small logistical annoyances that tend to appear halfway through a diving week.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and airport transfers can be arranged in private or shared form through the hotel. Car hire is also available, with parking, nearby parking and a garage on site. The hotel accepts smokers in designated areas, while the accommodation itself is non-smoking.

Couples sharing a room must present a valid marriage certificate at check-in; without it, the property may refuse the booking or require a second room. That is the sort of detail worth knowing before an otherwise straightforward arrival. Electrical sockets are type C and F, with a 220-volt supply.