What to do & where to eat
El Gouna - Golf Villa 68
Our top pick favorites:
Diving – There are many places that offering diving excursions. Call the info centre for options Info Center at ext 32100. The Dive Connection is one option, and they offer half-day speedboat trips and complimentary introductory dives in cooperation with The Club House, which will also host courses and provide an integrated, high class diving equipment sales point. The Dive Connection also provides snorkelling trips, Rebreather, Tec and professional training, as well as a full repair and maintenance service as licensed repair facility for Apeks, Poseidon, Aqualung, Scubapro, and Sherwood regulators. For information call ext 43101 or +2 012 110 3019
Golf – T-off a the Steigenberger Club house 10 minutes down the road from Glof 68. You can also book lessons for you and the kids, or simply go to the driving range and whack a few balls into the sea. It is a PGA Certified Glolf course good enough for even the President of Egypt. Prices are reasonable. The Club House restaurant has decent lunch menus too (Same location as the Spa, by the way). Book via El Gouna operator.
Angsana Spa of Banyan Tree Group: This is TOPS on our list and ranks as about the best massage you will experience anywhere in the world. We know – we have tried them almost everywhere. Take the “Fusion” for 2 hours. 10 minute walk to the Steigenberger. A small boat next to the pool will take you across the water to the Golf Club House where the Spa is located (much nicer than the Moevenpick outlet).
T (+2 065) 354 4501, F (+2 065) 354 5160
spa-elgouna@angsana.com www.angsanaspa.com/resortspas/elgouna
Breakfast & Bakery: 7th Star Restaurant Ext 77972 – take transport to the Marina. Best European style bread in town. Greatcappuccino’s, croissants, cheese croissant and on Friday and Saturday – Oriental Breakfast. Option to reserve your bread choices for the next day. Great for dinner too! Cheese fondue or fresh fish –grilled/pan fried – are delicious with a bottle of local Egyptian white wine. (for a good Egyptian bakery go to DownTown and ask directions – good coffee too).
Free Internet, Beach, Chill music day and night – Moods – Marina at the very end, with own beach. A great place for a shift in scene. Large wind screened outdoor lounge couches on the beach. Swim in the sea.
Under 12 Children’s Fun– Cheeky Monkeys – Marina: Large indoor and outdoor play venue.
Re-cycle your left over food – Yalla Horse Stable – Collect your food in the kitchen and on your trips to the Marina, ask your drive to make a quick stop here to give your food to feed the animals. The managers really appreciate this gesture. If you have time, hang around and rent a horse. Kids love to pet the animals. It is pretty simple set up.
Beach Day – Kite Surfing Paradise – Mangroovy Beach: Hang out here for a half day, even if you don’t surf. Great site. Good swimming.
Shopping:
Duty Free – Marina – get there within 48 hours of arrival with your passport & Visa stamp to buy booze, excellent value Italian wine and very cheap cigarettes.
Malaika – Marina – the very best in Egyptian cotton bedding and other things, run by Mrs. Sawiris, the Equatorian designer. Good value for top quality.
Best Buy – DownTown – get all your food, water, etc. at this general store. It is safe and has more than you might expect.
Fruit & Vegetables – DownTown – two doors down from the Bakery. See what is in stock. Often lots of variety and very fresh. We usually visit here first and buy the rest at Best Buy
Eating:
Our regular feeding posts include:
7th Star Restaurant Ext 77972 – day or night. Make reservation for the evening.
Buffet at Steigenberger or Sheraton – breakfast / dinner
Ice Cream – Austrian Café Servus – Tamir Henna DownTown – excellent. Freshly made seasonal flavors. Safe. Steigenberger pool side has good ice cream too.
Club House – DownTown – Casual eating and option to hang out at the pool too.
Upstairs ext 33050 – Downtown, more formal
Chez Chantal – Marina – Belgian chef
Fish Market – DownTown – reputation for freshest fish in town. Casual.