You can call it fake and disneylandish and posh as much as you like, but you still have to admit that it's one of the most pleasant cities in the country. With it's tree-lined avenues, immaculate green spaces and well-tended public areas El Gouna is a welcome distraction from the usual urban chaos in most other Egyptian towns. Designed and built by the famously rich Sawiris family as their own version of Utopia from the 1990s onwards El Gouna now boasts many new developments as well as a well-established »old« part with a huge number of restaurants, shops and other amenities including two outposts of local and international universities. Though academic fame might be a long time coming, the town definitely has become the preferred Red Sea retreat for Egypt's moneyed elite, which can be seen sporting the latest fashion and flashy limousines on weekends and during holidays. Thanks to it's location by the sea and myriad canals that criss-cross the city water is never far, which adds much to Gouna's appeal. Water sports are a major drawcard during summer if the many diving schools, surf camps and yachts moored at the marina are anything to go by. Come evening, the crowds return home to their villas or to meet friends and family at their favourite local restaurant while the sun disappears in the ocean. And because all is as liberal as it gets in Egypt here, a cold bottle of beer or a glass of cold white are never far. You might be forgiven for thinking you've stepped into your very own Truman Show. Enjoy it while you can.
http://www.elgouna.com
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