El Gouna: an upmarket resort near Hurghada
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El Gouna, a picturesque beachfront resort, is a real gem on the Red Sea coast. It’s actually a complex network of islands and lagoons, which adds to the charm, connected by serene canals. El Gouna is just 30 km north of Hurghada.
About El gouna
El Gouna (official website at elgouna.com) is a unique and luxurious resort that provides holidaymakers an unforgettable experience.
It successfully mixes together traditional Egyptian architecture and modern design, resulting in a unique atmosphere that reflects the town’s history and culture.
It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing holiday. Local hotels are high-end, with better than average facilities and services.
With its calm and crystal-clear waters, El Gouna is also perfect for watersports enthusiasts. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and so much more.
El Gouna is also home to a golf course co-designed by the famous American golfer, Fred Couples. Off the course, the town’s restaurant and nightlife scene is diverse, with an array of well-renowned restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
You’ll also find a ‘green’ theme here. Beyond its leisure activities, El Gouna is also environmentally conscious, with strict guidelines for sustainable development, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourists.
things to do
El Gouna is a vibrant and dynamic town that offers a wide range of activities.
For those seeking an active holiday, El Gouna has a wide choice of watersports, including scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, water-skiing or parasailing.
You can also take a catamaran or sailboat out for a leisurely sail around the lagoons.
For golf enthusiasts, there’s a 18-hole golf course, co-designed by Fred Couples, which offers stunning views of the Red Sea and surrounding mountains.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, there’s a top range of spa facilities in El Gouna where you can indulge in massages, facials, and other treatments.
You can also take a peaceful walk or bike ride along the town’s pedestrian paths, enjoying the beautiful scenery and warm weather.
El Gouna is not just for couples. For those with younger children, there is lots to keep everyone entertained and happy. There’s a small aquarium, go-kart track, paintball arena, tennis courts, horse stables, and even a football stadium.
In the evenings, El Gouna comes alive. The town offers a range of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Food-wise, choose from traditional Egyptian cuisine right through to international dishes.
Where to stay in el gouna
Accommodation here is of a high standard, and generally a notch or two higher than neighbouring resorts of Hurghada and Makadi Bay.
We’ve picked out our two three hotels that we think you should consider, and included useful links on how to book them for the best prices.
Sheraton miramar resort el gouna
The Sheraton Miramar Resort is located on a private lagoon, with stunning views of the Red Sea. The hotel offers spacious and elegant rooms with private balconies, overlooking the lagoon or gardens.
The resort has a range of restaurants and bars, serving international cuisine and local delicacies. The hotel also offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, a tennis court, a fitness centre, and a spa. There’s three swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar. All perfect for a refreshing dip and cooling down from the Egyptian sun.
The Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna is currently rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
Steigenberger golf resort
This is the perfect holiday hotel for for golf enthusiasts, as it’s located right next to the golf course. The Steigenberger Golf Resort offers stylish and spacious rooms, with balconies or terraces overlooking the golf course or lagoon.
The resort has several restaurants and bars, offering a variety of cuisines and cocktails.
The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, and a large swimming pool. The Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
Ancient Sands Resort
Located in the heart of the town, this luxury hotel has elegant and spacious rooms and suites, with private balconies or terraces.
The resort has several restaurants and bars, serving international cuisine and local specialties.
The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, and several swimming pools, including one with a lazy river.
The Ancient Sands Resort is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
how to get here
El Gouna is just 30 km north of Hurghada. on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. Hurghada International Airport is the closest airport with many direct flights available from the UK.
Once you arrive at Hurghada Airport, there are several options available for getting to El Gouna. The most popular and convenient option is to take a taxi, which can be easily found outside the airport terminal.
The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs around 250-300 Egyptian pounds (roughly £10-12). Agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid any confusion.
For those who prefer not to have to find a taxi, it’s possible to book a private transfer.
history of el gouna
El Gouna has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The town was once a vast desert wilderness, uninhabited and forgotten. However, in the 1980s, an Egyptian billionaire named Samih Sawiris discovered the potential of the area and decided to develop it into a world-class resort town.
Sawiris imagined a beachfront resort that offered a high-end lifestyle for Egyptians and Europeans seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
He brought together a team of architects, designers, and landscapers to create a town that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The town was designed to blend in with the surrounding natural beauty, incorporating the lagoons and canals that were once just an obstacle in the desert.
The development of El Gouna began in 1989, and over the years, it has evolved into one of the most prestigious resort towns in Egypt.
The town’s architecture is a mix of traditional Egyptian styles and modern designs, creating a unique and harmonious blend that reflects the town’s history and culture.
The town is also environmentally conscious, with strict guidelines for sustainable development, making it a perfect destination for eco-tourists.
El Gouna has come a long way from being a barren desert wilderness to a world-class resort town. Its development is a testament to the vision and determination of Samih Sawiris, who turned his dream into a reality.
El Gouna’s unique mix of traditional Egyptian architecture and modern designs, coupled with its environmentally conscious approach to development, make it a destination that is truly special.
