The Chedi El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt

Red Sea ease with a touch of desert calm

Sunlight does most of the work at The Chedi El Gouna. You lift your sunglasses, take in that glittering stretch of the Red Sea, and let the rest happen at its own pace. Between desert-toned gardens and calm, impeccably styled spaces dressed in Egyptian cotton and earthy hues, the mood is polished but never fussy. Even getting around is easy, with golf buggies gliding you from room to beach to pool without a second thought.

Rooms keep things sleek and soothing, with smart comforts that make the days run smoothly: thoughtfully controlled lighting and air-conditioning, strong coffee on standby, and a minibar for when you decide your only plan is staying put. For the best of the setting, the Beach Front Rooms put the sand and sea right where you want them, either with a balcony view above the shoreline or a terrace that steps straight onto the beach.

Pool time here comes with options. There are two full-size pools for proper swimming and slow lounging, plus a shaded toddler pool watched by a lifeguard. Daybeds and parasols ring the water, and service comes to you, so drinks and bites arrive without you ever needing to leave your spot. In winter, the main pool and toddler pool are heated, which keeps the rhythm unbroken even when the evenings cool down.