Sofitel and Orascom Development Egypt Announce the Signing of Sofitel El Gouna
Accor, a global leader in hospitality, and Orascom Development Egypt, a leading developer specialized in creating vibrant, integrated communities, are pleased to announce the signing of a management agreement to reposition the iconic Mövenpick El Gouna as Sofitel El Gouna Resort, a luxury resort. The property will undergo an extensive phased renovation program starting in 2027, transforming it into a flagship destination under the Sofitel brand, further strengthening Accor's luxury portfolio in Egypt.
Developed in partnership with Orascom Development Egypt and Arabian Peninsula Hospitality, the project reflects a shared ambition to partner with El Gouna Red Sea, a premium coastal destination by Orascom Development in Egypt, where lifestyle, culture and hospitality converge.
As a pioneer in creating platforms across art, culture, entertainment, entrepreneurship, hospitality, gastronomy and sports, El Gouna continues to shape Egypt's lifestyle scene. From the El Gouna Film Festival to Taste El Gouna to international sporting championships, the town leads and inspires its global community of more than 50 nationalities.
A Flagship Resort in the Heart of El Gouna Red Sea
Located along the Red Sea, El Gouna is a sunny seaside livable town that operates all year round, defined by its waterfront living, lagoons, distinctive architecture, and vibrant marina lifestyle.
Developed over the past 36 years, El Gouna is a vibrant destination, home to a diverse international community representing more than 50 nationalities, while welcoming around one million visitors annually. Just 30 minutes from Hurghada International Airport and within a five-hour direct flight from the UK and major European cities, the town offers seamless accessibility for both residents and visitors.
This combination of accessibility, established community, and year-round livability is reflected in a fully developed ecosystem, from boutique hideaways to five-star resorts, with more than 18 hotels set within a vibrant town that includes five schools, a hospital, and thriving business hubs.
With over 100 dining concepts, El Gouna has also set a new benchmark for hospitality on the Red Sea, reinforcing its position as a place where people choose to live, work, invest, and truly belong.
Sofitel El Gouna Resort will benefit from a rare and expansive beachfront peninsula setting, combining both sea and lagoon access - an exceptional feature within the destination. This unique positioning will enable the creation of a large-scale, immersive luxury resort designed to become a central anchor within El Gouna's grand hospitality landscape.
The project aligns with the town's strategy of creating unmatched premium experiences to visitors and residents alike, further reinforcing its appeal to international travelers.
A Luxurious Experience for Every Traveler
Following a comprehensive renovation, Sofitel El Gouna Resort will feature 420 rooms and suites, all reimagined to reflect Sofitel's signature art de vivre, where French zest meets local inspiration. The interiors will combine contemporary sophistication with subtle references to Egyptian heritage, creating a refined and immersive atmosphere.
The resort will offer a rich and diverse culinary scene, designed to appeal to an international clientele while celebrating local flavors. This will be complemented by an extensive range of leisure and wellness facilities, including a spacious spa, fitness center, and outdoor areas designed to fully leverage the property's exceptional natural surroundings.
In addition, the hotel will include dedicated meeting and event spaces, positioning Sofitel El Gouna Resort as a destination of choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking a distinctive and elevated experience on the Red Sea.
A Strategic Conversion Supporting Egypt's Tourism Growth
The project represents the phased transformation of Mövenpick El Gouna into a flagship luxury resort, aligned with the rapid evolution of Egypt's hospitality landscape toward more experiential and high-end offerings.
Against a backdrop of sustained tourism growth and rising international demand, the Red Sea Riviera continues to establish itself as a leading year-round destination. In this context, Sofitel El Gouna Resort is set to play a defining role, introducing a large-scale, full-service luxury resort that complements the area's evolving high-end positioning.
Strengthening Sofitel's Presence in Egypt
The signing of Sofitel El Gouna Resort reinforces the brand's commitment to Egypt as a strategic luxury market, complementing its existing network including Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah and Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile (615 rooms), while supporting its ambition to deliver culturally rooted, emotionally engaging experiences; the brand is also progressing with Sofitel Legend Giza Pyramids, expected in 2028.
With this new addition, Sofitel further strengthens its presence in key resort destinations, offering travelers a distinctive blend of French art de vivre and local authenticity in some of the world's most desirable locations.