Private Villa with heated pool and lagoon

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about this place? It’s actually tucked away in Upper Nobia, which is honestly one of the quieter corners of El Gouna – and I mean that in the best possible way. While everyone’s crowding around the main marina area, you’re here with your own slice of paradise that feels surprisingly secluded for a 3-star spot.

The heated pool is the real star here, and I’m not just saying that because it’s in the name. We visited in February when the Red Sea was still a bit nippy for most people, but this pool stayed perfectly warm. There’s something about floating around in the evening with that desert silence around you – well, except for the occasional call to prayer drifting over from town, which honestly adds to the whole experience. The lagoon access is legit too, though it’s more of a calm inlet than what you might picture when you hear “lagoon.” Still, you can literally walk from your villa to the water, and that’s pretty special in El Gouna where waterfront usually means paying through the nose.

The villa itself is… look, it’s not going to win any design awards, but it’s got character. Three stars feels about right – everything works, the AC keeps up with the heat (crucial in summer, trust me), and there’s enough space that you’re not tripping over each other. The kitchen is actually functional if you want to grab groceries from Abu Tig Marina, which is maybe a 10-minute drive. Speaking of driving, parking is never an issue here, unlike some places closer to the action where you’re circling forever. The WiFi was solid enough for video calls, which saved me when work decided to be work even on vacation.

Here’s the thing about El Gouna that nobody really tells you – it can feel a bit artificial sometimes, like a resort that’s trying too hard to be a town. But staying out in Upper Nobia gives you some breathing room from all that. You’re still close enough that downtown is totally doable for dinner (try Morels if you haven’t – locals actually eat there), but you can also just… exist without feeling like you’re constantly surrounded by other tourists. The owner was pretty responsive when we had a minor issue with the pool heater on day two, and honestly, that kind of personal attention is what you get when you’re not staying in some massive resort complex.

I’d definitely recommend this spot if you’re looking for something that feels more like borrowing a friend’s place than staying in a hotel. Just know that you’ll want a car or scooter to get around easily – the shuttle situation in this part of El Gouna is pretty hit or miss. But really, having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore the whole Red Sea coast at your own pace, and coming back to your own private pool after a day of diving or wandering Hurghada? That’s exactly the kind of low-key luxury that makes a trip memorable.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $179. Villa with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 1 double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Colin from United Kingdom – 21 December 2024 (8/10)

  Excellent location. Very friendly and charming hosts.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities