Traveller's notes

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How to get there: The easiest option is by plane. Orascom has its own service which leaves Cairo on Thursday at 6pm and returns from El-Gouna on Saturday 9pm. A ticket costs around LE700, but weekend packages including accommodation in the four-star Dawar El-Omda or Sultan Bey hotels cost roughly LE800 B+B per person sharing, or about LE1,200 at the five-star Mövenpick.

If, however, plane times are restrictive to your schedule there is a daily bus also run by El-Gouna to and from Cairo. The office is next to Ramsis Hilton, downtown.

Or just drive. It takes around six hours and major parts of the highway have been re-done, making it more or less a smooth journey.

And if you fancy incorporating Luxor into your itinerary -- a good idea in the winter months -- there is a daily bus service from El-Gouna to Luxor organised by Pro Tours Excursions. For more details call: (+2065) 580 085/ 86.

El-Gouna Limousine offers taxi services to various destinations in Hurghada (for about LE100) or further afield: Al-Quseir (LE350 round trip), for example, or Sharm El-Sheikh (LE1,500 round trip) and Alexandria (LE1,500 round trip).

Where to stay: The options are diverse, starting with quaint three-star hotels directly at the Abu Tig Marina including the Turtle Inn and Captain's Inn.

The downtown area options include the domed and picturesque structures of the Sultan Bey and Dawar El-Omda hotels.

And if you decide on the five-star option, the Mövenpick, Sheraton or Steigenberger hotels are the establishments to choose from.

All reservations can also be made through El-Gouna's Central Reservation Office: 0800 444 0444 or by mobile 1444. Also the Cairo Marketing Office numbers are: (+202) 305 7843/42/41.

Where to eat: Travelling to El-Gouna is not the time to consider dieting. The selection of restaurants includes the Bua Khao Thai restaurant in the Mövenpick Hotel; Italian/international cuisine at La Scala restaurant on the Abu Tig Marina; steak fanciers can satisfy their appetites at the appropriately named Steak House at the Captain's Inn, and those curious about Belgian cuisine can sample favourite dishes at Chez Pascal in TTC Rihana.

Want to scuba dive? Diving centres include Blue Brothers at the Paradisio and TTC Ocean View: www.bluebrothersdiving.de ; Colona Diving Center at ITC Rihana Resort www.colona.com ; Easy Divers Academy www.easydivers-academy.com ; TGI Marine Sporting Club at the Sheraton www.tgidiving.com and the Dive Club at Mövenpick Resort www.divetribe.com.

Specially for kids: Located at the entrance to downtown El-Gouna is Les Petites Nursery, which provides baby-sitting services. For more information call (+2012) 292 4407.

Hospital: The hospital claims to be well-equipped and capable of providing a broad range of medical care. Tel: (+2065) 580 012 or ext 2201 from within El-Gouna.

Pharmacies: There is one at the entrance of the hospital, open from 9am to 2pm and 6pm till 9pm; and one each in the downtown and Abu Tig Marina areas. Both appear to be well-stocked.

Internet facilities: Available both downtown and at Abu Tig Marina.