A bit of Egyptian sunshine

It’s hard to describe Egypt in one word; a country so diverse and vast, yet from one side of the country to another, there’s such a world of difference. I guess ‘varied’ is probably the best way of describing it, yet the word really doesn't do it justice.

Steeped in ancient and fascinating history, Egypt isn't all about the pyramids and sphinxes, however fascinating. No, Egypt’s hugely popular Red Sea Riviera is just as jaw-dropping, not least for its underwater world.

I imagine you’re thinking Sharm el Sheik now, as that is the most famous on the Riveria, but there are many purpose built resorts springing up all over the coast, and one of the best has to be El Gouna.

Consisting of sparkling lagoons, sweeping golden beaches, countless restaurants, shops and even a fantastic 18 hole golf course, El Gouna was made with luxury in mind, at less than luxurious-standard prices. Whether it’s winter or summer sun you’re after, you could do far worse than this Egyptian wonder.

Flights to Hurghada Airport are plentiful all year, with some great deals to be had. If you choose to tailor-make your own holiday, i.e. book your flights, transfer and accommodation separately, you’ll give yourself a world of freedom to not only cut costs, but make your holiday exactly how you want it, and not be dictated to by package deals. A great addition to any holiday is a night in an airport hotel, and for early flights, travelling with children, or simply for a pre-flight chill-out, I can’t recommend them enough. I regularly stay at the Gatwick Airport hotels, and having stayed at a few now, I can certainly vouch for them, not only in terms of price, but also in the standard of service you’ll receive. If you’re flying out of the capital’s other large airport, you’ll also find a large range of Heathrow hotels on offer, so nobody misses out.

The Red Sea Riviera has countless opportunities to see the local marine life, no matter which resort you base yourself in, and there are even PADI accredited courses on offer, so you not only get to see the fish, enjoy your holiday, but you also come away with an actual qualification too – who said holidays weren't educational?! Your hotel staff will be able to advise you on which courses are available, as well as the best ones to take. If you don’t want to get so deep into it however, you can simply put on your snorkel and dip your head under the crystal clear water to see some stunning sights.

El Gouna’s beautiful marina is a lovely place to go for a wander and a refreshing drink, or bite to eat, and there are many shops for a hit of retail therapy – which is certainly where I’d be going! If you fancy even more relaxation, there are spa facilities, with pampering as standard.

The general vibe in El Gouna is chilled-out and that reflects in the night-life, as the resort runs a dine around programme, meaning you can eat at any participating hotel in the programme, and you’re not tied down to your particular hotel. This is great for those that like to try different foods, but in general, nobody will struggle to find cuisine to suit.

As you can see, El Gouna is a perfect get-away-from-it-all break, basking in golden Egyptian sunshine. Relax before you even board the plane by pre-booking your airport hotel, with AirportHotels.com, and your cares will be firmly left behind.