Soulful 1BR in Italian Compound / Nubia, El Gouna

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first pulled up to this place in Nubia – honestly, the name “Soulful 1BR in Italian Compound” sounds a bit pretentious, doesn’t it? But walking through the gates, I actually got it. There’s something genuinely charming about how they’ve tucked this apartment into what feels like a proper Italian villa compound, complete with those terracotta-colored walls and little archways that make you forget you’re in Egypt for a hot minute.

The whole Nubia area is actually one of El Gouna’s better-kept secrets – I mean, everyone talks about staying right in the marina or near the beaches, but this spot gives you that authentic neighborhood feel without the tourist circus. You’re close enough to walk to the lagoon (maybe 8-10 minutes if you don’t mind the heat), but far enough back that you won’t hear the jet skis starting up at dawn. The apartment itself is surprisingly spacious for a one-bedroom – they’ve got this open-plan thing going that works really well, and the kitchen is actually functional, not just for show. I appreciated that they stocked it with decent coffee and basic spices, those little touches that suggest someone who actually travels stayed here and thought, “you know what would be nice?” The Italian influence shows up in unexpected ways too – the bathroom tiles, the way the bedroom opens onto a small terrace, even the lighting feels more European than your typical Red Sea resort setup.

What really sold me on this place though was the compound’s common areas – there’s this courtyard where you’ll find yourself chatting with other guests in the evenings, and the pool area feels like someone’s private backyard rather than a hotel amenity. The management is refreshingly straightforward too; check-in was quick, they gave me actual local recommendations (not just the touristy stuff), and when I had a minor issue with the air conditioning, they sorted it within an hour. Honestly, for a 3-star place, the attention to detail rivals spots charging twice as much down by the marina. The location works especially well if you’re planning to explore El Gouna properly – you’re positioned to hit the downtown area, the beaches, or even take day trips to Hurghada without feeling like you’re staying in the middle of everything. Sometimes you want to come back to somewhere that feels a bit like home, you know? Just heads up though – if you’re the type who needs to roll out of bed onto the beach, this might not be your spot. But if you want character, space to breathe, and that rare feeling of staying somewhere with actual personality, this little Italian compound surprise really delivers.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $90. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities