Saudi Red Sea: A Rising Star in Luxury Tourism
By John Heffernan
The Saudi Red Sea is fast becoming a go-to spot for luxury travelers, blending untouched natural beauty with high-end hospitality. Spanning 28,000 square kilometers along Saudi Arabia’s west coast, this destination boasts over 90 pristine islands, the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system, and a mix of desert dunes, mountains, and cultural sites. Part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Red Sea Project by Red Sea Global (RSG) aims to redefine tourism with sustainability at its core, limiting visitors to one million annually to protect the ecosystem. With several hotels already open and residences for sale, here’s a look at what’s drawing the world’s elite to this coastal gem.
Hotels Open for Business
Several world-class hotels have opened their doors in 2024 and early 2025, setting a new standard for luxury in the region.
- Six Senses Southern Dunes: The first to open in 2023, this inland resort offers 76 rooms and 40 pool villas with desert mountain views. It’s all about wellness, with an Oasis area inspired by a desert flower, featuring an Earth Lab showcasing eco-friendly practices. Guests can enjoy meditation and spa treatments, blending Bedouin heritage with modern luxury.
- St. Regis Red Sea Resort: Opened in January 2024 on Ummahat Island, this 90-villa resort, designed by Kengo Kuma, offers overwater and beachfront stays with private pools. It’s a water sports hub with two restaurants, a spa, fitness center, and a kids’ club, accessible by speedboat or seaplane. Its Dark Sky Reserve status makes it a stargazing haven.
- Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Launched in May 2024 on Ummahat Island, Nujuma is the priciest hotel in the Middle East at $3,431 per night. With 63 one-to-four-bedroom villas, it’s surrounded by coral reefs and the Blue Hole, offering diving, stargazing, and wellness rituals at Neyrah Spa. It’s solar-powered, with 28,000 mangroves planted to boost the ecosystem.
- Shebara Resort: Recently opened on Sheybarah Island, a 45-minute boat ride from Al Wajh, this RSG-owned resort has 73 stainless steel villas—overwater and beachfront—designed by Killa Design to mirror the sea. A 30-40-meter reef drop-off makes it a diver’s paradise, with dining, a nature-inspired spa, and solar energy powering the whole operation.
- Thuwal Private Retreat: Fully opened in 2024, this buy-out-only island sanctuary spans 1.7 hectares in a coral archipelago. It’s an ultra-exclusive escape with personalized service, blending ancestral traditions with modern luxury, ideal for those seeking total privacy.
Residences for Sale
RSG is rolling out luxury residences for sale, targeting high-net-worth buyers looking to own a piece of this paradise.
- Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences on Ummahat Island: These 21 beachfront villas are masterfully designed to harmonize with nature, offering an exclusive retreat under the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand—the only one in the Middle East.
- Shura Island Residences: Shura, the main hub island, features several premium options:
- Jumeirah Residences: Waterfront homes blending elegance with island living.
- Miraval Residences: Villas focused on wellness, set against a bay with lush mangroves.
- Four Seasons Private Residences: High-end homes sculpted into nature, offering unmatched elegance.
- SLS The Red Sea Residences: Combining design and luxury for a modern coastal lifestyle.
- Shura Marina Residences: Steps from the marina, redefining coastal luxury.
- Fairmont Residences: Beach villas near an 18-hole golf course, infused with Fairmont’s signature hospitality.
- Laheq Island: Slated for 2028, this 400-hectare private residential island will feature luxury homes, two resorts, a marina, and a golf course. Designed by Foster + Partners, “The Ring”—an 800-meter structure around the lagoon—will house apartments, hotels, and retail.
Foreign ownership rules are easing in Saudi Arabia, allowing non-GCC investors to buy property outside Makkah and Madinah for investment purposes, per recent Ministry of Investment updates, making these residences more accessible to global buyers.
Best Islands and Beaches
The Red Sea’s archipelago offers some of the most stunning islands and beaches, each with its own charm.
- Ummahat Island: Home to St. Regis and Nujuma, this island has crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Its beaches are perfect for private relaxation, with direct access to the Blue Hole for diving enthusiasts.
- Sheybarah Island: Known for its reef drop-off just 30-40 meters from shore, Sheybarah’s beaches are a gateway to a thriving underwater world. The island’s seclusion, 45 minutes by boat from the mainland, offers untouched sands and marine biodiversity.
- Shura Island: The main hub, set to open fully in 2025, features pristine beaches linked to the mainland by a 1.2-km bridge. Its dolphin-shaped layout includes luxury marinas and an 18-hole golf course, with beaches offering stunning vistas and water sports.
- Laheq Island: While opening in 2028, Laheq promises pristine beaches and a focus on resort-style living, with its lagoon encircled by “The Ring” structure, blending luxury with natural beauty.
Why Visit the Saudi Red Sea?
The Saudi Red Sea isn’t just about luxury—it’s about experiencing nature responsibly. RSG’s commitment to sustainability includes powering resorts with solar energy, planting mangroves, and protecting turtle nesting sites. Only 1% of the area is being developed, with 75% of islands preserved for conservation. Whether you’re diving vibrant reefs, hiking desert canyons, or unwinding in a solar-powered villa, the Red Sea offers a unique blend of adventure and serenity, making it a must-visit for luxury travelers in 2025 and beyond.
