Mangroovy retreat

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from Mangroovy Retreat when I first pulled up – honestly, the name made me think it might be one of those cheesy themed places. But this little 3-star gem in El Gouna actually surprised me in the best way. It’s tucked away in what locals call the M3 district, which is sort of the quieter residential side of El Gouna, away from the main tourist hustle around Abu Tig Marina. The minute you walk in, there’s this laid-back vibe that just works – think modern Egyptian coastal style without trying too hard to be fancy.

The thing about El Gouna is that it can feel a bit artificial sometimes (I mean, it’s basically a planned resort town built from scratch), but Mangroovy manages to feel genuine somehow. The staff actually seem to enjoy working there, which – let’s be honest – isn’t always the case at Red Sea hotels. My room had this great little balcony where I could see glimpses of the lagoons that El Gouna is famous for, and mornings there with coffee were pretty perfect. The AC worked like a dream too, which matters more than you’d think when it’s 40 degrees outside in summer. I stayed in July and yeah, it gets hot, but the retreat has this smart design where there’s always a breeze flowing through the common areas.

What really sold me on this place was the attention to details that actually matter to travelers. The WiFi didn’t cut out every five minutes (shocking, I know), there’s decent parking if you rent a car to explore Hurghada proper, and the breakfast – well, it’s not going to win any awards, but it’s fresh and there’s always something you’ll want to eat. The location is clutch if you want to experience El Gouna like a semi-local rather than just another resort tourist. You’re walking distance to some of the better local restaurants along the lagoons, and it’s easy to catch the shuttle buses that run around town. Plus, you’re only about 20 minutes from Hurghada airport, which beats being stuck way down the coast when your flight’s at 6 AM. The pool area gets busy around midday with families, but early morning and late afternoon it’s this peaceful spot where you can actually hear yourself think. For a 3-star place pulling an 8.5 rating, Mangroovy Retreat delivers exactly what it promises – no more, no less – and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $99. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 double beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Rana from Egypt – 23 August 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, great place
  
  What could be improved: Good view and atmosphere

• Jasmin from Egypt – 2 May 2025 (8/10)

• Kanzy from Egypt – 19 November 2024 (8/10)

• Y from Austria – 7 October 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities