On Egypt’s Red Sea coast, El Gouna blends championship golf, refined design and lagoon-side living into a secure, quietly sophisticated resort destination.
On the Red Sea coast, El Gouna has quietly established itself as one of the region’s most sophisticated resort towns. Thoughtfully planned, impeccably maintained and notably secure, this lagoon-based destination is often compared to the Venice of Egypt. Canals, marinas, bridges and softly hued architecture create an environment that feels both exotic and reassuringly familiar to a European high-end clientele.
At the heart of this refined setting lies the Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna, a property that perfectly combines leisure, design and privacy. More than a five-star hotel, it is a lifestyle destination for golfers, families with children, and travelers aged 35 to 65 who value quality, tranquility and tailored experiences.
Golf and Family-Friendly Luxury
The Steigenberger’s championship golf course is one of the finest on the Red Sea, designed by Gene Bates and Fred Couples. Its 18 holes stretch across manicured fairways, desert contours and reflective water features, offering a technically challenging yet visually spectacular game. Golfers enjoy an uncrowded, serene setting, while rooms and suites overlooking the greens or lagoons ensure comfort and privacy.
The resort also welcomes families, though it does not have a dedicated kids’ club. A children’s pool and some organized animation provide activities for younger guests, allowing parents to relax while still enjoying a family-friendly environment. Service remains discreet and attentive, reflecting international five-star standards expected by a sophisticated clientele.
Dining Experiences by the Lagoon
Culinary offerings at the Steigenberger complement its leisure and golf focus. The hotel’s seafront restaurant overlooks the spacious lagoon, providing an elegant setting for lunches or sunset dinners. The menu merges Mediterranean and international influences in a refined yet relaxed environment.
For a unique culinary experience, the hotel is home to El Gouna’s only teppanyaki restaurant, where Japanese precision meets performance. This immersive dining moment adds a layer of exclusivity, making the Steigenberger a destination in itself for gourmets and travelers seeking memorable meals.
El Gouna: Security, Serenity, and the Venice of Egypt
El Gouna’s reputation extends beyond its aesthetics. The town is exceptionally safe, with controlled access, gated communities and a strong infrastructure ensuring peace of mind. Electric tuk-tuks glide quietly through the streets, and boats navigate the lagoons, replacing traffic noise with gentle motion. Architecture, public spaces, and urban rhythm are carefully curated, offering a sense of calm and order familiar to Monaco-based travellers.
Curated Escapes
The Chedi El Gouna provides a contrasting experience: luxury, design, fine dining and a full-service spa. Visitors can enjoy a day by the beach or pool, indulging in wellness treatments or signature culinary offerings, all within an environment of understated elegance.
For dinner, Botanica at La Maison Bleue offers a distinctive, intimate experience. The restaurant combines ingredient-led cuisine with a boutique, Mediterranean-inspired setting that feels personal and cultivated.
In a quiet corner of the town, Habiba Horse offers private horseback rides along the shoreline. Limited to small groups, the experience emphasizes meaningful interaction with the animals. Habiba Horse operates with a strong ethical philosophy, rescuing and rehabilitating horses, making it an appealing choice for travelers who value animal welfare and responsible tourism.
A Destination of Balance and Intention
El Gouna is defined by proportion rather than spectacle. Its combination of world-class golf, family-friendly accommodations, refined dining, security and harmonious urban design creates a destination that feels considered and intentional.
At the Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna, every element—from the championship golf course and lagoon-view rooms to the teppanyaki dining and serene lagoon-side restaurant—comes together to offer an experience of calm sophistication. Coupled with curated excursions, wellness options, and ethically mindful activities like horseback rides at Habiba Horse, the resort captures the essence of El Gouna: a modern Egyptian retreat where elegance, comfort and discretion meet effortlessly.
