The 18-hole, par 73 course opened in 2017 and was designed by American architect Karl Litten. It plays around 6,260 metres from the yellows, which is a fair test for most handicaps, and the front nine eases you in with relatively open holes through villa-lined fairways. The back nine is where things get more interesting, with lagoons coming into play and semi-island greens at 13, 15 and 18 demanding a committed swing. The standout is the second – a 600-metre par 6, a rare thing anywhere, let alone the Red Sea. Conditions hold up well year-round: fairways are healthy, the greens are quick rather than tricked-up, and the bunkers play firm. There’s also a 3-hole academy and full practice facility if you want to warm up properly.

The resort itself sits on a 40-foot rise overlooking lagoons and the sea beyond, with a Mediterranean-meets-Nubian look – domes, arches, white walls. Accommodation is mostly apartment-style suites and villas (around 132 keys in total), so you get a proper kitchen and balcony rather than a standard hotel room. Five outdoor pools, three heated through winter, plus the 7 Ciel Spa, gym and a couple of restaurants – Piazza for international plates and Crumbs Café for coffee and pastries. The Marina Beach Club is a short shuttle away. El Gouna town itself is worth exploring too – diving, kite-surfing, restaurants and a low-key bar scene around Abu Tig Marina.