Just Back From: El Gouna
Avoiding the crowds and all-inclusive hotels of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, our reader Per booked a snorkelling holiday in more low-key El Gouna. He tells us about his experience, and recommends the Red Sea’s best kept secret; its very own ‘St Tropez’.
Who did you go away with?
My girlfriend Katie.
What did you think of your accommodation?
The Arena Inn was clean and the staff really helpful. Asked for a new room higher up after we were given a room with a view into some trees on the first floor. We didn’t have all inclusive, which was good since I wasn’t impressed with the quality of the breakfast, but then again, I’m a snob when it comes to food.
Where was the best place you ate out?
Anywhere in Abu Tig, by far. All the restaurants in down town El Gouna weren’t particularly impressive, and not really cheap. We discovered Abu Tig the day before we went back and here the food was so much better, and just a tiny bit more expensive. I would rather pay 9 quid for a properly made dish than 8 for something totally inferior!
What was your favourite part of the holiday?
By far the best was the snorkelling. We went on two all day trips out to different reefs. We saw sea turtles, barracuda, dolphins and all the tropical fish you can possibly think of (yes, we saw Nemo). You shouldn’t pay more than 25 Euros for an all day trip. Some even throw in a free lunch on the boat. There are loads of people trying to sell you trips, and by the looks of it they’re all pretty good.
Any hidden gems you’d like to share with our readers?
Abu Tig. It’s like the Egyptian St Tropez. The yachts anchored there are just ridiculous, and the food is brilliant. At the end of the pier there’s a beach and if you pay 100 L.E (about 11 quid) you get a luxury mattress under a canopy and a free drink. You feel well posh there.
Would you go back and if so, would you stay at the same hotel?
I would like to go back to be in the Red Sea a bit more, maybe get a diving license. I would check out if it would be a lot more expensive to stay somewhere in Abu Tig, but I wouldn’t be sad if I had to stay at Arena Inn again.
Hays Travel have seven nights bed and breakfast at the Arena Inn from £379 each, based on two sharing a standard room, with flights departing Manchester on 4th June. This price includes transfers, 15kg hold baggage and in-flight meals. Other departure airports and dates available for a supplement. Click here or call Hays free on 0800 408 4131.
Prices are always correct at the time of blogging, but subject to availability and change. If you would like to share your holiday experience with us, please email challenge@betravelsavvy.co.uk
Impressive yachts in the marina at Abu Tig