La Maison Bleue
Egypt
La Maison Bleue
Kite center road, El Gouna- Hurghada,
Red Sea Governorate
www.lamaison-bleue.com/
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
N/A
Shareholders
Privately Owned
Date of Creation
2011
Hotel General Manager
Jeanne Drotter is the General Manager of La Maison Bleue in El Gouna. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu with a Grand Diplôme, she holds a master’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Paris. Jeanne launched her career with her first restaurant, ‘Yard,’ in Paris, later managing ‘Back Yard’ and becoming an F&B consultant in Paris. In 2020, she worked closely with Chef Bruno Verjus at ‘Restaurant Table,’ earning 2 Michelin Stars. In 2021, she opened ‘Le Chai’ in Saint-Tropez and continues her consulting work across various locations, including Paris, Saint-Tropez, Saudi Arabia and Mamula Island in Montenegro.
Hotel Positioning
5-star luxury boutique hotel/guest house – Relais & Châteaux
Development Strategy
We are excited to announce the opening of Botanica, a new standalone restaurant with a private entrance for hotel guests, offering Mediterranean-inspired dining with sustainable hydroponic farming.
As part of our evolution into a wellness retreat, we are enhancing our spa services, including daily yoga classes, private training sessions, and personalized wellness journeys tailored to guest preferences, including spa treatments, body movement, and customized meals by Chef Vincent.
Lastly, our Tee Boat is undergoing renovation for seafaring adventures, from picnics to snorkeling, allowing guests to explore our stunning coastline.
LA MAISON BLEUE
History & Story
La Maison Bleue was built around friendship, designed by antiques collector Amr Khalil and architect Olivier Sednaoui as a dock and guest house for destination developer and investor Samih Sawiris to host his loved ones and encourage creativity in its many forms.
Over the years, the house gathered history. In the 13 suites throughout the property, one finds unique furniture pieces, painted wall murals by local artists, parquet floors, marble stairways, and lofty ceilings.
After putting the finishing touches on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, architect Olivier Sednaoui met antiques collector & interior designer Amr Khalil at a party and was tasked with designing a mansion full of life, home to myriad stages for entertaining guests and acting as the perfect springboard for exploring the best of El Gouna.
Looking to a handful of European landmarks for inspiration from Saint Mark’s Basilica of Venice to the Minoan murals of Santorini and Barcelona’s Palace of Catalan Music he set about to transfix the attention of the onlooker through a palette of rich materials and imaginative use of light and shadow within a classical, rational-style building.
La Maison Bleue’s construction began in 2005 & opened its doors by the end of 2011 attracting couples & celebrities with its five-star service, timeless elegance & secluded ambiance.
From exemplary amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, private swimming lagoon, & luxury spa to spacious, individually designed suites, La Maison Bleue offers guests the ultimate Red Sea experience.
Borrowing architectural influences from Italy, Turkey, Syria, and North Africa with antique European furniture and ornaments from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries throughout, the decadent guest house offers a serene and timeless escape.
Date Renewal
2022 (full renovation)
Date added extensions
No extension added
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Lavish Mediterranean mansion, beachfront, year-round warm weather, private lagoon, secluded ambiance, sur mesure experience, private spa, French cuisine, intimate and exclusive, possibility to privatize, 24/7 service, 30 min from Hurghada international airport, bespoke design, organic culinary experience, daily body movement & yoga classes, wellness and relaxation; at competitive rates.
Location
El Gouna is intricately designed around a network of lagoons and canals that create a tranquil atmosphere. This layout not only fosters a serene environment but also promotes a vibrant water sports culture, making it a favorite for enthusiasts. Among the thrilling activities available, kite surfing stands out, with a kite boarding club located just a short walk from La Maison Bleue.
With four marinas offering accommodations and boating facilities, El Gouna emphasizes the importance of marine life and provides easy access to its stunning coastline, where visitors can explore coral reefs, swim with tropical fish, and even enjoy dolphin watching for an unforgettable experience.
Hurghada International Airport is conveniently located just 30 minutes away from El Gouna, providing direct connections to major European cities with flight times ranging from 3 to 5 hours.
La Maison Bleue is ideally set between the sea and mountains, making it a perfect retreat. It is only a few kilometers away from El Gouna’s vibrant center, where the excitement of lively dining, shopping, and nightlife venues awaits. Notably, Fanadir Marina, which is within walking distance, offers a dynamic nightlife scene that enhances the allure of this picturesque destination.
Key sites/activities in the area
La Maison Bleue serves as the perfect gateway to uncover the vibrant and diverse experiences that El Gouna has to offer.
Down at the dock, guests will find our Tee boat, a small motorboat perfect for seafaring picnics, exploring the local area, dolphin spotting, snorkelling, entertaining guests out on the water, and taking in this serene stretch of coastline which includes beautiful coral reefs.
El Gouna boasts a handful of world-class golf courses designed by such star names as Gene Bates, Fred Couples, and Gary Player — and given the nod of approval by countless international players at the top of their game. Curving lagoons, stretches of reclaimed desert, and peninsulas that jut into the Red Sea mean softly undulating greens and fairways flanked by water and sand.
For the adventurous, there’s windsurfing, kitesurfing, horseback riding, boating, and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities further afield. If you’re interested in exploring the desert, our reservations team can arrange unforgettable trips that include a scenic hike through a shaded canyon at sunset, followed by a cozy bonfire dinner under the stars, or a journey along the ancient Roman Road with local Bedouins, where you can discover historic forts and enjoy a traditional fire-cooked meal while gazing at the stunning night sky.
Fun Facts
• The story of El Gouna is a fascinating tale of passion and creativity. Samih Sawiris, the billionaire founder of El Gouna and the owner of La Maison Bleue, was initially captivated by the area due to his love for fishing and boating. He would often visit what would become El Gouna to dock his boat and indulge in his fishing hobby. His enjoyment was so profound that he decided to build a small house and a pontoon there. However, he soon realized that being alone in such a beautiful place wasn’t ideal, leading him to plan for 20 houses to accommodate his friends. As the demand for homes grew, Samih found himself overwhelmed by the interest from friends and acquaintances wanting to buy property. To avoid the hassle of constant cooking and hosting, he envisioned opening a bar and restaurant. To obtain an alcohol license, he realized he needed to build a hotel. Thus, El Gouna transformed from a quaint gathering of friends into a vibrant town, all sparked by Samih’s love for fishing!
• La Maison Bleue is not just a hotel; it is a masterpiece born from the minds of two artistic geniuses: Amr Khalil, the antiques collector and interior designer, and Olivier Sednaoui, the architect. Their collaboration, however, was anything but straightforward. Despite their immense talent, the duo faced significant challenges in agreeing on the design and vision for the hotel. It took a remarkable six years of discussions, debates, and creative brainstorming to finalize the design. This dedication to their craft and the pursuit of perfection resulted in the stunning La Maison Bleue that guests enjoy today.
Children’s Corner
La Maison Bleue is an adult oriented hotel. No children under the age of 16 are allowed.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• Number of suites: 13 suites starting at 645 sq. Ft.
Suite categories: 6 premium suites (back/mountain view), 4 super premium suites (sea view), 2 beachfront suites (beachfront with private access to the lagoon), tower suite (360 view with a private rooftop terrace).
Room amenities: luxurious bathrooms featuring marble finishes, a bathtub, double sinks, and glass shower doors, high-end egyptian cotton robes, premium towels and linens, high-quality local toiletries ‘nefertari’, walk in dressing room, in-room coffee service with complimentary nespresso and coffee options, well-stocked complimentary mini-bar with a substantial selection of drinks, complimentary laundry and shoe shining service.
• Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 13 suites
Restaurants & Bars
• Half-board plan – 1 gourmet ‘Le Restaurant’ featuring a seasonal French and Egyptian à la carte menu, created around our greenhouse harvest by our french executive chef, Vincent Guillou.
• 1 pool bar featuring comfortable sofas and daybeds with f&b service, handcrafted cocktails, and specialty drinks.
• Our Greenhouse – Surrounded by a small garden filled with vegetables and fruit trees, the Greenhouse serves as the perfect rustic canopy for a romantic atmosphere from plant to plate. Private meals in our greenhouse can be organized.
• A new standalone restaurant will open soon right next to La Maison Bleue with a private entrance for our hotel guests. Botanica is the blossoming result of our kitchen team, wellness experts, and farming friends at O’Roots working together towards exceptional dining, inspired by the Mediterranean and using environmentally conscious hydroponic farming methods.
• Agouri Bar – Our contemporary speakeasy serving up handcrafted cocktails and light bites located in Fanadir marina – walking distance from La Maison Bleue.
Wellness
• Outdoor pool (heated during winter)
• Our in-house wellness team approaches good health holistically. We offer yoga, movement classes, and personal training, with tailored support from nutritionists, physiotherapists, kitchen staff, and concierges.
• Spa featuring a lavish Turkish hamam, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and relaxation area with a splendid and soothing fountain.
• Two treatment rooms in our spa offering guests an unparalleled array of massages and personal face & body treatments focusing on the rejuvenating, restorative, and preventative benefits of natural products from our partner, Ananné.
• Daily yoga or pilates classes in our Marina with Sandy.
Corporate & Celebration Events
• From large weddings, a birthday or anniversary, to small gatherings, a family reunion, or a corporate get-together, La Maison Bleue serves as a private house for all kinds of events, able to be hired out in its entirety.
• The main event space event at La Maison Bleue is outdoors, overlooking the sea and large enough for a grand reception of up to 250 guests.
Extra Notable Features
• Greenhouse on site using vertical farming and hydroponic systems, producing the highest quality of ingredients in an innovative and sustainable structure (private meals in the greenhouse can be organized).
• Daily yoga or pilates classes in our Marina with Sandy. Private training sessions available with coach Abdelrahman in our deck by the lagoon.
• Guests can embark on a journey of discovery and relaxation as they navigate the Red Sea aboard our well-equipped and privately owned Tee boat.
• Desert trips where guests can enjoy a scenic hike through a shaded canyon at sunset, followed by a cozy bonfire dinner under the stars, or a journey along the ancient Roman Road with local Bedouins, where they can discover historic forts and enjoy a traditional fire-cooked meal while gazing at the stunning night sky.
• La Maison Bleue is perfectly situated between two of the most popular kitesurfing clubs – walking distance from the beach – making it an ideal destination for both seasoned kitesurfers and beginners eager to learn.
• Sur mesure wellness where guests can relax and rejuvenate at their own pace with a personalized wellness journey, designed around their preferences, offering the perfect balance between luxury, relaxation, and health.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2023
• Green star
• Booking.com traveller review award
2021
• World luxury hotel awards
Number of employees
65