Nestled between the tranquil shores of the Red Sea and the golden dunes of the Egyptian desert lies one of North Africa’s most exclusive luxury hideaways: The Chedi El Gouna, a proud member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World collection. In this enclave of sophistication and serenity, every moment is carefully curated for the most discerning travelers — a true celebration of the art of fine living.
Upon arrival, we are welcomed by the resort’s imposing minimalist architecture, which blends seamlessly with the desert and coastal landscape in natural elegance. As we enter our spacious suite, it is immediately clear that this is a private sanctuary where contemporary comfort meets refined oriental aesthetics. Generous balconies open onto lush gardensdotted with colorful flora, offering sweeping views of the hypnotic blue of the Red Sea. Each morning feels like awakening inside a living painting, where sea and sky merge in calming, inspiring tones.
The Restaurant . The Beach House . Nihon
The gastronomic journey begins at the heart of the hotel: the iconic The Restaurant, a stage for flavors where international cuisine is elevated to an art form. Here, we had the privilege of savoring the exclusive ‘Golden Wining Menu’ crafted by Chef Mohamed Gelal, recently awarded at a prestigious culinary competition in Cairo. Each dish, a creative fusion of Mediterranean ingredients and oriental spices, was paired with expertly selected wines. As the sun begins to set, the ideal scene shifts to the relaxed yet refined The Beach House, where the sea breeze and gentle sound of the waves accompany a fresh, contemporary menu that celebrates local terroir and coastal simplicity. For lovers of Asian culture, Nihon offers more than just exquisite dishes. With a breathtaking sea view as our backdrop, we joined an exclusive Sushi Workshop led by Chefs Karim Samir and Eslam Shika — a divine, highly enjoyable experience for all participants, made even more delicious in the end. Through a balance of explanation and hands-on practice, we learned that sushi is more than a technique: it is a philosophy rooted in respect for ingredients and aesthetics.
Experiences: The Spa & El Gouna
No stay at The Chedi would be complete without a visit to its sanctuary of well-being: The Spa. Inspired by Asian healing rituals, the space offers a refined menu of treatments using premium products from Saskia Spa. A deeply relaxing massage transformed our afternoon into a sublime moment of pure calm and renewal.
Later, we took the opportunity to explore the town of El Gouna, which reveals itself as a surprising blend of sustainable urbanism and singular charm. Born from a visionary project, El Gouna is today a shining example of harmony between Arabic architecture, ecological innovation, and warm hospitality. On a guided tour, we explored local markets, contemporary art galleries, and uncovered the secrets of the lagoon that gave the town its name. This is a lesser-known, yet profoundly authentic Egypt. At The Chedi El Gouna, every detail — from the subtle fragrance in the corridors to the discreet smile of the staff — tells a story of refined hospitality. Surrounded by lush gardens and suites with endless blue views, a stay here is more than a luxury retreat: it is a sensory journey that stays with you long after your return.
By Carla Branco
INFO: www.thechedielgouna.com