Cozy villa with private pool in Upper Nubia

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to this villa on W 125 in El Gouna, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come in understated packages. This little gem in Upper Nubia completely changed my perspective on what makes a great stay in the Red Sea area.

The private pool is actually the real star here – and I mean that literally, because you’ll find yourself floating in it at night staring up at some of the clearest skies you’ve ever seen. During the day, it’s this perfect little oasis where you can escape the intensity of Hurghada’s heat (trust me, you’ll need it). The villa itself has this lived-in comfort that feels more like staying at a friend’s place than some sterile hotel room. The AC works like a dream – which, honestly, is half the battle in this part of Egypt during summer months. I actually found myself sleeping better here than at some of the flashier resorts down the coast.

What really struck me about the location is how it sits in this sweet spot between the main El Gouna action and the quieter residential areas where actual locals live. You’re close enough to walk to the marina district when you want that buzzing restaurant scene, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the constant hum of tour buses and party boats at all hours. The neighborhood has this authentic feel – you’ll hear the call to prayer echoing in the early morning, catch the scent of someone grilling fish for lunch, and maybe even get invited to share tea with neighbors who are genuinely curious about where you’re from. The villa’s setup is pretty smart too – there’s actually decent parking (which anyone who’s driven around Hurghada will appreciate), and the entrance is tucked away enough that you feel like you have real privacy. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – no lengthy presentations about timeshare opportunities or pressure to book expensive excursions.

I mean, it’s not going to win any design awards, and the WiFi can be a bit temperamental during peak hours, but that 8.5 rating makes total sense once you settle in. It’s the kind of place where you actually end up extending your stay because you’ve found this perfect rhythm of morning swims, afternoon siestas, and evening walks through Upper Nubia’s winding streets. The whole experience feels more authentic than those massive resort complexes where you could be anywhere in the world. If you’re looking for that Instagram-perfect luxury experience, this probably isn’t your spot – but if you want to actually experience a slice of real Egyptian coastal life while still having your own private retreat to come back to, this villa nails it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $201. Villa with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Kerry from United Kingdom – 23 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, close to the marina. Very spacious villa with everything we needed. We would definitely return.
  
  What could be improved: There was a bit of construction work nearby that woke us at 7am every morning. But this is a temporary issue and wouldn’t stop us rebooking the property.

• Judith from Germany – 2 February 2025 (8/10)

  Super schöne Villa in guter Lage mit vielen Kühlschränken und einer Gefriertruhe. Leider sind so mache Sachen kaputt und gehören repariert u.a. der Safe und die Sonnenschirme aber ansonsten haben wir uns sehr wohlgefühlt. Gerne jederzeit wieder.

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