Egypt has too numerous resort areas to mention. In past few years the developers (considerable money from oil rich Gulf Countries) has gone crazy. El Gouna, is a purpose built, self contained fully integrated town (hospital and international school, library etc.) attractive to me, tourists, and persons wanting to purchase a holiday vacation home. (not to mention a helluva investment for anyone that bought a few years back). Located on west side of Red Sea about 30 km's north of Hurghada (nearest international airport).
All the poop about this place is found on the net and I have included links below. But, my impressions are these, after 3 family visits and 1 on my own. Keep in mind we live in Cairo so maybe have slightly different opinions of good, bad, ugly as opposed to short term tourists.
Highlights
-Hotels are generally of very high standard - I think about 14 now. If hotel guest, on full board, you can eat at any hotel, not just the one you are checked into. There are a few simple rules, but nothing outlandish.
-Swimming pools and beach areas, are in abundance. (pay attention to season you visit).With the ocean views, and man made waterways, it is a really nice place with a bit of Venice flavor if you use your imagination.
-Whole area is nice and clean and if new, and want to get a reality check, go visit Hurghada, or Cairo, or just about anywhere else.
-For local transportation they have 3 wheel tuk tuks, buses and water taxi's. I had my car there and was so impressed as at every traffic circle there was at least one warden in green reflective shirt with direction flashlight to assist with directions and traffic control I guess, but never saw enough traffic to worry about.
-Pretty large community of expatriates who bought apartments for holidays or retirement living during cold month in Europe as well as a wonderful mix of upper crust Egyptians that speak better English than I do.
-Marina area is the focal point for me - lots of eatery choices, drinks available, beautiful view with many beautiful yachts, and just pleasant place to be. Music type street entertainment in season. (Bit loud I thought).
-Sports wise there seems a reasonable selection beyond sun tanning and checking out the babes bikinis. Some water sports, diving, and ask at information area in marina area, if any charters available for boat / fishing trips. I have friend living in El Gouna with a yacht but have not as yet been out. And not to forget Golfing with 18 hole course. For kids there is a go cart track.
Cons are the distance to drive from Cairo (about 5 hours if you don't want to get speeding ticket) and boring highway - but very good highway.
Popular for tourists is to fly directly from Europe to Hughada about 30 km away. but it is a bit of chore for any tourists to include the pyramids and museum in Cairo considering distance. Of course it is a only a short plane ride to Cairo and back.
I also should mention, especially for families, apartment rentals are also available and there are food stores in downtown area and for more choices you can order, or visit, the Metro store in Hurghada. This site is popular here for apartment rentals (I used this for Sharm as my only experience, but friend who owns apartments in El Gouna also lists here.) Link Also you can contact El Gouna people directly from their web site below.
Anyone interested in more information check these links:
El Gouna Site - all the poop and can book all you hotels etc here Link
Trip Advisor also a good study Link
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