Planning a girl's trip isn't always easy. From endless messages in the group chat about what days to go away, to conversation after conversation (read: argument) about where to go, what to do and - of course - how much to spend.
Thankfully, El Gouna - a resort town in Egypt that's just five hours away from the UK by plane - quite literally has it all, and for every budget too. From luxurious (yet affordable) adults-only hotels to white sandy beaches, off-road adventures and thousands-of-years-old history, here's everything you need to know about El Gouna, and why it should be top of your list the next time you're planning a girl's trip.
Situated just 30 minutes away from Hurghada International Airport is the thriving resort town of El Gouna. Bought by a local entrepreneur three decades ago, El Gouna was once just another plot of land on the Egyptian coastline but has since been transformed into an eco-conscious seaside oasis.
Now, El Gouna is home to a multicultural community of over 25,000 residents and 18 hotels, as well as hundreds of restaurants and top-of-the-line sports and leisure facilities (including two professional golf courses and nine PADI-certified diving centres).
Non-stop flights from the UK depart regularly, but you can also reach El Gouna (via Hurghada) by catching a connecting flight through Cairo - meaning you have the option to extend your stay in Egypt to see the world-famous pyramids.
Cook's Club hotel is described as "a year-round paradise for stylish travellers," and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd landed in Ibiza after checking-in - thanks to the hotel's boho styling and the poolside DJ spinning tunes all day long.
As well as the DJ bringing those much-needed girl's trip party vibes, there's also plenty of relaxation to be had at this four star, adults-only hotel. Cook's Club offers direct access to the saltwater lagoon - on which you can paddle board and kayak - and features its own private beach, in addition to the pool.
For those who prefer to spend their vacay chilling by said pool, Cook's Club has everything you need to do exactly that, so spread out on a sun lounger or sink into a beanbag. When you get peckish, the on-site restaurant - La Cantina - serves international and North African food all day, while the poolside bar has plenty of handcrafted cocktails and snacks. What more could a girl want?
Alternatively, hail a TukTuk (or ask the front desk to call you one) and travel the short distance to the local marina and downtown area. There you'll find shops, restaurants and bars to keep you busy!
Cooks Club, El Gouna is available to book from 1,904 EGP (approximately £50) per night.
If all of the above sounds like your cup of tea (read: spicy marg), but you want to add a little more luxury, then the five-star Casa Cook is for you.
This adults-only hotel boasts an array of modern facilities - including one hell of an Instagrammable spa - all nestled amongst tropical palm trees. In addition to the spa, which features five treatment rooms, a gym, a yoga space, a sauna, a steam bath, a plunge pool and more, you can also find an on-site boutique, hair salon, kitesurfing center, private beach and, of course, a pool.
Perhaps the best part of Casa Cook is how private you can tailor your experience to be. Book yourself into one of the hotel's beautifully decorated rooms, or one of Casa Cook's 59 junior suites (which feature a shared pool). Want even more seclusion? Opt for one of Casa Cook's eight private villas, all of which have a private pool.
When we say the vibes are immaculate here - we really mean it.
Casa Cook, El Gouna is available to book from 3,984 EGP (approximately £103) per night.
Balance out all those spicy margs with a sunset hike through the desert. Head deep into the nearby Wadi Bileh with the locals and learn about history, culture, the universe and yourself as you soak up the breathtaking landscape - and climb a few rocky hills, too. The experience ends with a bedouin-style meal, a steaming cup of traditional Egyptian coffee and stargazing.
Book your sunset hike - full moon ritual or sound bath experience - with El Gouna Mountain Goats, here.
What would a holiday to Egypt be without a bit of history? An absolute must on your vacay in El Gouna is a day trip to Luxor, where you'll be immersed in the history of Ancient Egypt and see the tombs of kings and pharaohs, including Tutankhamun.
Fully-guided day trips to Luxor will take you to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, among other historical sights. We advise heading to the supermarket the day before to grab snacks and supplies, as the round-trip travel time from El Gouna to Luxor is 10 hours by road.
Luxor day trips can be booked from the lobby of your hotel.
Get to know the local surroundings with a boat tour around El Gouna's lagoon - many of which will give you a glimpse at the waterside mansions of the rich and famous.
Boat tours can be booked from the lobby of your hotel or the local marina.
Perhaps the most luxurious hotel in El Gouna (prices start from approximately £173 per night), The Chedi offers an escape from everyday life and for those not staying at the hotel, you can still book in for a spa experience. On our visit, we opted for a relaxing back massage - but there really is something for everyone, just take a look at the hotel's spa menu.
Book your spa experience or dinner via The Chedi's website, here.
After your visit to The Chedi's spa, be sure to book in for dinner at Nihon - the hotel's on-site sushi restaurant. As well as serving spectacular views of the hotel, lagoon and the sea - thanks to the restaurant's al fresco dining setup - Nihon also serves some of the best sushi we've ever eaten.
BRB, off for another girl's getaway in El Gouna...