Billed one of the most beautiful cities on earth, it's no wonder the world's heads of state keep coming back: It's one of the most idyllic vacation spots in the world.

Perched on the southern-most tip of the Sinal Peninsula, Sharm is actually a series of bays nestled in between graceful mountain ranges that offer a picturesque backdrop that mesmerizes local and international tourists alike.

The most famous and developed of Sharm's bays is Na'ama, where pioneering hotels, resorts and diving centers first took up residense in the early 1980s. Na'ama Bay is bustling with activity at all hours. Its numerous beachside cafes and restaurants are both inviting and unpretentious.

Whether you enjoy scuba diving, windsurfing, waterskiing or just soaking up the rays of the brilliant sun that never seems to hide behind clouds, you'll find something of interest in Na'ama Bay.

Diving enthusiasts claim the real attraction lies beneath the surface of the crystal blue waters. Hundreds of diving centers in the area attract would-be divers to the underwater wonders of the Red Sea, which boasts some of the world's most spectacular corals and fish. It is relatively guick, easy and inexpensive to obtain an open water diver's license from one of Sharm's reputable diving centers. For certified divers, excursions are available from Na'ama Bay to Sharm El-Sheikh's best-known dive sites, which include Ras Nosrani, White Knights and Ras Umm Sid, famous for its magnificent fan corals. Ras Mohamed National Park and the Straits of Tiran are also must-sees. Divers can experience the famous 'drop-of' and amazing drift drives. If snorkeling is more your speed, there is also an abundance of shallow water reefs around Sharm's bays.

Six kilometers north of Na'ama Bay is Sharks Bay, a quieter, less developed area ideal for divers or diving students who prefer a less commercial atmopshere. The beach at Sharks Bay is a primitive version of Na'ama Bay, where you can relax on the sand with a book without interruptions or distractions.

Although tourism in Sharm revolves around marine sports and the diving industry, a couple of new resorts offer pure relaxation without the pressure to dive. The Movenpick Golf resort, with it's 18 hole golf course, clubhouse and spa, is attracting golf enthusiast from around the world. The Ritz Carlton sits in the middle of 100,000 sq meters of lush landscape. Famous for it's luxurious cliff-top spa, the Ritz can be a vacation in and of itself. Inside an Arabian tent set up on the beach guset ca receive Swedish, Shiatsu or antistress massages.

Just five minutes from Na'ama Bay, the beautifully teraced Hyatt Regency Resort offers fantastic rooms, the gorgeously private beach and one of the best breakfast buffest in town. Not to be missed in this secluded, pristine resort: is the Thai restaurant Sala Thai, which gives Cairro's best a run for their money. Reservations are a must for Thai and the Hyatt's relaxing massages. When the sun sets, Sharm comes to life with its thousands of glittering lights reflected in the still black waters of the sea. If you're not to busy with night dives there are plenty of evening outings to ??? a range of tastes. Night-time ??? at the most hotels and resorts will undoubtebtly prove corny for Egyptians and expats,but will delight foreign tourists. Those in the know head for the Sanafir complex , the center of Na'ama Bays activity. This hotel-cum-entertaintment zone is home to Bus Stop, Sharm's coolset pub/dance club, and the famous roof-top Arabic Cafe built on top of the hotel's Nubian style rooms. There isn't a better place in the world to enjoy a shisha and gaze at the stars.

Mellow star-gazing with chill out music in the backround was the primary attraction at Sanafir for many years, but of late management kicked things up to notch. Since 1999, house and techno music have come to scene. International DJ's are regularly brought in for 'House Nation' on Thursdays nights and the Hits Mania parties on Saturday. Sanafir also organizes parties at their 'Echo Temple', an outdoor desert theater and stage. If house music isn't your night, try to catch Sanafir on a weeknight for a glimpse of the way things used to be. Or try for one of Sharm El-Sheikh's remarkable culinary experiences. There's no shortage of restaurants to choose from.