There's a White Lotus-style resort where pints are under £2

It’s impossible to finish The White Lotus without immediately wanting to book a holiday that would financially ruin you.

But what if you could have that level of luxury, minus the chaos and toe-curling family dynamics, without battering your bank balance?

Think 30 degree sunshine bouncing off stylish architecture, bright blue lagoons and world-class hotel staff - all while getting a pint cheaper than you would at your local Wetherspoons.

Sounds worthy of a TV show itself.

Built on Egypt’s Red Sea coast in the Eastern Desert just 36 years ago, El Gouna is one of the country’s most high-end resorts - yet many Brits still haven’t heard of it.

The town is built around a series of man-made waterways

The strength of the pound against local currency means that a luxury holiday at the resort is a fraction of the cost of many European destinations.

Flights by easyJet and Wizz Air allow Brits to get there across the 12-month season and once settled in, sunseekers can grab a glass of wine for as little as £1.50.

Like the hotels used in The White Lotus, El Gouna has been crafted to be a tasteful luxury resort that doesn’t shove its opulence in your face.

There’s a strict desert-toned colour palette that all buildings follow. No beachfront high-rises, no neon signs.

Instead it’s soft arches and textured clay walls that make even the stroll to breakfast feel like a moment in the HBO series.

Many British tourists still don't know about the exclusive resort

The huge coastal resort houses 20,000 permanent residents across a network of interlocked islands.

The gated community, which has hosted the likes of Mo Salah and Sylvester Stallone, has its own hospital, international schools and a private airport.

There’s also four marinas, over 100 restaurants and 19 hotels - 18 of which are managed by Orascom.

The welcome

Like episode one of The White Lotus, guests of Orascom’s hotels are greeted personally upon arrival and assigned their own ‘ambassador’.

The Ambassador Programme means you’ll be able to WhatsApp a staff member 24/7 to make dinner reservations, book in a spa treatment or just get a Margarita brought to your location.

If you fancy heading out, your ambassador will arrange a TukTuk driver to meet you at the lobby and for less than £1 you can go anywhere in the resort.

Staff in El Gouna aim to give you a personal experience

For this trip, we’re staying at the five-star Steigenberger Golf Resort on El Gouna’s 18-hole championship course.

Recently refurbished, Steigenberger’s prime location means that the nearby lagoons and gardens spill into every possible view.

With rooms for up to three people starting at £113 per night, it’s seriously impressive what you get for your money - especially when you compare it to five-star rates back home.

There’s also luxury hideaway The Chedi with its tropical pools, high quality restaurants and spa facilities.

Each hotel has its own distinct style

Over at Casa Cook, you’ll find stylish accommodation with private pools and an on-site kitesurfing facility.

For those all about the nightlife, there’s the adults-only Cook’s Club - poolside DJs, a private beach and just a short walk from the shops and bars of downtown El Gouna.

Where to eat in El Gouna

Thanks to the town’s Dine Around Programme, booking an all-inclusive, full-board or half-board stay means you're not stuck eating at the same place every night.

Instead, you can mix it up by hopping between restaurants across certain hotels. The number of meals you can swap out depends on how long you’re staying: one meal for four nights, three if you're there for a week, and four for stays over eight nights.

Nihon at The Chedi is one of the most atmospheric dining spots in El Gouna. Elegant Japanese and pan-Asian dishes, created with the kind of attention to detail that makes them destined for Instagram if you can take a second before tucking in.

Rooftop dining at Nihon

Steigenberger’s Fairways restaurant offers endless options with its international buffets. Whether you’re easing into the day at breakfast by the lagoon or stacking your plate at dinner, even the pickiest eaters will find themselves going back for seconds.

If your ideal morning starts with great coffee and sea views, head to Tandoor’s terrace in Abu Tig marina and check out its excellent breakfast menu.

Steigenberger is also home to teppanyaki restaurant Harumaki. Expect a memorable evening of egg-throwing and knife-spinning theatrics as your meal is prepared right in front of you on the iron plate.

What to do in El Gouna

While most of the action at The White Lotus usually happens poolside, in El Gouna the sun loungers are just the warm-up.

Once you’ve had your fill of laying around, you can be quad biking through the desert with Alex Safari, teeing off on a championship golf course for less than £10, or tuk-tuking your way to a DJ set at one of the marinas.

For stylish souvenir hunters, downtown El Gouna is packed with independent retailers.

There’s also watersports at Casa Cook’s Duotone Pro Center and nine diving centres for those hoping to explore the nearby reefs.

Alex Safari hosts sunset quad biking in the desert

Sandbox music festival sees over 60 DJs across three days in May while the El Gouna Film Festival rolls out the red carpet in the winter months.

Earlier this year, Red Bull even staged Egypt’s first official tuk-tuk race through the man-made lagoon town.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, all-year-sun, or just incredible luxury for less - El Gouna might just be the escape you need.