Tag Archives: Beach

Egypt : 7 Activities I Did in El Gouna

1. Diving in The Red Sea

Like all scuba diving lovers, I could not ignore a dive in the Red Sea!

During my short stay in El Gouna, I had a nice dive with the Colona Diving Club. I did not dive deep, within 20 meters, but with a good visibility. Perfect as a refresher, after more than a year without diving! The whole team is very professional.

Leaving early in the morning by boat, we returned in the middle of the afternoon. After my first (and unfortunately unique) dive, I had a seasickness because there were a lot of big waves. But the landscape and the color of the water were stunning.

2. Discovering By Bike El Gouna

What is better than a bike ride?

Created 25 years ago north of Hurgada, this small seaside town, facing the Red Sea, is covered with countless lagoons. We ride a bicycle in a gradient of blue and turquoise. Pure happiness for the eyes!

There is a lot of wind and small bridges. We often ride on wooden bridges, while discovering points of view that are difficult to access otherwise. It’s a real pleasure! To experience early in the morning or at the end of the day, to avoid a strong sun.

3. Riding A Quad In The Desert

El Gouna is at the gateway to the desert

So we tested two types of activity to visit “the desert”: the jeep safari and the quad with Alex Safari. Both have strengths. But, I preferred the quad, because the tour is more active and spectacular.

It feels like entering the decor where the dust is master. We drove fast enough, with a first stop in the camp of a Bedouin family.

All along the trail, there are some small stops to “explore” geological curiosities, such as caves (photos above). The highlight of the excursion: the sunset facing the Dry Canyon, a landscape from a western!

5. Relaxing In A Beach Club

Yes, Lazing In The Sun!

We did not look far. Ideally located opposite our hotel, the Three Corners Ocean View, we had lunch and spent the afternoon at the Moods Restaurant & Beach Club.

The view is lovely and the atmosphere young and cool. I felt asleep while scanning the horizon and the sea, listenning some lounge music! Like everywhere in El Gouna, there is a lot of wind (which can be cold).

6. Jeep Safari In The Desert

Back To The Desert!

This time in a jeep! Nice tour (with a stop in the same camp of a Bedouin family) as when we were on quad. Same view for the sunset on the Dry Canyon.

Only the rhythm changes (longer stops along the trail). So I might recommend the jeep if you don’t like the quad, or go with your parents (and they don’t like or drive a quad, lol!). 

7. Dining In The Marina

El Gouna By Night

The two hotels where we stayed are very comfortable. So we had most of our dinners there. That’s why I would not be able to do a review of the restaurants in the marina of El Gouna.

We only dined in a restaurant in the marina : a delicious and delightful experience. And as we strolled along the pontoons cluttered of yachts, I saw several restaurants with beautiful terraces. The atmosphere is very nice and laid back.

I also spotted some shops, like Malaika which offers linens (with Egyptian cotton? Photos below).

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Sunweb.com, diving : www.colona.com, quad & jeep safari :  wwwalexsafarielgouna.com, Moods Restaurant & Beach Club

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many Thanks to Sunweb for this beautiful invitation. And many thanks to Colona, Alex Safari and Moods. As always these are my opinions.

Riu Palace Boavista in Cabo Verde

The Suite

Yes, Cabo Verde baby!

Winter lasts: what better than a break in the sun? Let’s go to Cape Verde, in my wishlist for a long time. After a TUI flight Brussels-Boa Vista, via Sal (the main island), we stay in the brand new Riu Palace Boavista, opened last December on the small island of Boa Vista.

The elegant architecture of the resort cuts harmoniously out in the arid landscape, whipped by strong winds (below last photo of the article). Our suite with a small pool (of the size of a large Jacuzzi) is facing the long main pool and the ocean. First impressions, a sense of space and calm. Few decorative elements in the room, which adds to the zen side.

The beds are very comfortable. Nice volumes in the bathroom, very pleasant to use, especially the spacious shower, with a seating area. I also enjoy the fact that we can both put our products on the broad edges of the washbasins, each with a dedicated space. During this short stay, we will be much outside and therefore less in our suite. 

    

In Beautiful Setting

Spaces To Relax

Honestly, the activities like shows and games do not interest me (now you know, I’m pretty boring, LOL!). In an all inclusive hotel, I am looking for comfort and tranquility. And I managed to find some privacy (like a cocoon) at Riu Palace Boavista.

The secret is to schedule activities that are out of step with the majority of other clients. To get up earlier to swim in one of the large empty pools, facing the beautiful beach. To dinner late, when the most of us are waiting for the show. To sit in front of the ocean at the end of the day, while the bar is closing. Or to spend your days visiting different parts of the island (we are hyper active).

Especially since the main restaurant (the best one) is large enough to have a table a little apart from the other holidaymakers. I really liked the breakfasts and some of the meals at the buffet. And throughout the hotel, the staff is very kind. 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Riu Palace Hotel, Tui Fly

Related articles : Hotel Review Destinations

Many thanks to all the team of the Riu Palace Boavista and TUI Fly, for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Mahé

The Sunset View

The Gecko Bar

The Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa is located opposite the busy beach of Beau Vallon, North of Mahé Island (first photo of the article).

Late in the afternoon, with Lisa, my friend from Seychelles, I discover the promenade next to the beach, with many restaurants, bars … and barbecues of fresh fish! 

It’s very lively and crowded (too much people for me). I am happy to have spent most of my stay in the South of Mahé which is more preserved and quiet.

At the Gecko Bar (photo above), one of the restaurants and bars of the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, you can enjoy a pleasant view of the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean (photo below). 

The Room

Great Bedding

The comfortable functional room has a well-equipped bathroom with separated bath, shower and toilet. Nice details: L’Occitane bath products. And a little balcony with a view of the swimming pool, where I used to rest on a sofa the afternoons.. 

The Swimming Pool

Huge And Graphic  

The largest pool in the Seychelles islands! To be honest, I didn’t have time to swim there, because I was busy to visit the different parts of Mahé. I like the tiled drawing of the flowers (photo montage above), more graphic in the evening with the lights.

Boasting a central position in the vast complex, the pool is close to the Grand Savoy restaurant, where I had breakfasts and dinner.

The Gardens

Many Shades Of Green

I really enjoy stopping on the way and stroll ing in one of those greenery oases (photo above). Luxuriant and scattered on all the resort, they offer a little freshness and privacy.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Savoy Seychelles Resort & SpaSeychelles Tourism BoardAir Seychelles

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks for the lovely stay to the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, the Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles. Thanks also to Céline and Lisa. As always, these are my opinions.