THE WEEKEND
Someone needs to tell the Red Sea that summer is over.
Because El Gouna didn't get the memo.
When the North Coast begins winding down, Gouna is exactly where I'd look for a long weekend. The weather becomes easier, the days still revolve around water, and there's something very appealing about a beach trip that doesn't feel like a race to attend everything.
Here's the version I'd book.
A beautiful room with water somewhere in the picture. A slow first day. An early boat trip the next morning, if the weather allows it. Lunch that lasts longer than planned. A sunset walk around the marina. Dinner somewhere I'd genuinely go back to.
On the final morning, I'd have breakfast before even thinking about packing. One more swim. One more coffee. Then home.
That's it.
El Gouna has enough to fill a longer holiday, from water sports and beaches to restaurants, wellness and places worth discovering away from the obvious routes. But the best weekend is not necessarily the busiest one.
The real luxury is coming back feeling like you actually went away.
THE CURATOR SAYS: Summer ends. Boat season doesn't have to.
My autumn Gouna favourites include breakfast at Villa Caracas in Fanadir, a boat outing towards Bayoud when conditions allow, and an unhurried Sailing Club afternoon with La Plancha's burger. For dinner, I'd choose Zia Amelia in Downtown or Tandoor on Abu Tig Marina. If you prefer a beach day, The Smokery and Zouni are worth checking for current entry rules and reservations.