Tag Archives: Bicycle

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.

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

A Luxury Resort In The Desert

The Arrival

We landed at Dubai International Airport at 6 a.m. Then we took the road to Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Located in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve. the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert looks like a luxury oasis opened to the desert. 

From the lobby (first photo of the post), it feel so different and exotic with a friendly welcome. After a quick stop to our villa to cool off, a kart drops us off at the Kaheela restaurant for breakfast. Soothing view of an elegant fountain (third picture below), with a large selection of Arabic, Indian and Western cuisines. Exciting!

    

The Villa

  

View Of The Pool & Desert

Our villa of 158 square meters is oriented towards the desert. When I got in for the first time, I was impressed by the height of the ceilings and the “Hollywood” vast and extremely comfortable bathroom.

I really enjoy the space and distribution of rooms which offers a great intimacy, each one can breath without disturbing the other. Inspired by Bedouin culture, the interior design is contemporary, sober and functional.

I also like the woodwork, the dressing room and the king size bed with direct views of the pool and the desert. Besides, I stayed in the pool for a long time to look at the dunes … 

  

The Equestrian Centre

Horseback Riding In The Desert

On the program, we planned a ride on Arabian horses in the desert. It promises to be wow! Problem, I did a horseback ride once in my life, in Mexico a long time ago.

In short, today I did not spend more than five minutes on the saddle. Colombo, my horse is adorable, but I do not feel comfortable (it moves, lol). I need to take some lessons to gain confidence.

I decide to stay at the Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre (which is in the property of the hotel) and discover the other horses, while two small gazelles run in front of me! So cool!

You can take private riding lessons, unfortunately I will not have time during this short stay. So I will bike (yes, guys!) because each villa has bicycles available.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Related articles : Hotel Review Destinations

Many thanks to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert for this beautiful invitation. As always these are my opinions.