Introduction
Stretching along the western coast of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea is rapidly transforming into one of the world’s most captivating luxury travel destinations. Known for its crystal-clear waters, untouched coral reefs, and over 90 pristine islands, the region is the focus of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy by developing sustainable, world-class tourism.
At the heart of this vision lies The Red Sea Project—a masterfully planned, eco-conscious development that combines luxury, nature, and culture into one unforgettable experience. From overwater villas shaped like coral to desert resorts tucked between ancient dunes, these resorts redefine the concept of Arabian hospitality and environmental elegance.
This article explores four of the most iconic and recently opened resorts along the Saudi Red Sea coast, each offering its own unique take on luxury, sustainability, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re an eco-adventurer, a wellness seeker, or a lover of design and fine cuisine, the Red Sea resorts promise a transformative stay surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty.
1. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
Overview & Location
Opened in late 2023, Six Senses Southern Dunes was the first resort to launch within Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project, covering over 28,000 km² of reef-strewn islands and inland desert ritzcarlton.com+15Condé Nast Traveler+15Condé Nast Traveller Middle East+15. Positioned amid the Khuff desert dunes near Umluj, with panoramic vistas of the Hijaz Mountains, this eco‑retreat embodies sustainable architecture rooted in Nabataean traditions Condé Nast Traveller India+14sixsenses.com+14Visit the Red Sea+14.
Accommodations & Facilities
The resort features 36 guest rooms and suites plus 40 private pool villas, each blending desert tones and modern comfort The Sun+4Red Sea Global+4Red Sea Global+4. Every villa includes a private pool, curated interiors, and expansive views Condé Nast Traveller Middle East+15Red Sea Global+15Marriott+15. Facilities include climate‑sensitive design, a full wellness spa, dining venues, wellness programs, and desert‑inspired experiences like stargazing and cultural tours shebara.sa+4Red Sea Global+4sixsenses.com+4.
Why Visit
Guests describe it as a pioneering wellness destination, praising both design and service:
“To feel like a travel pioneer” Condé Nast Traveller Middle East+2Condé Nast Traveler+2Condé Nast Traveller India+2.
“The beauty that distinguishes this place…” — Booking.com guest review Booking.com+1Booking.com+1.
2. Shebara Resort (Sheybarah Island)
Aerial Aesthetics & Architecture
Launched in November 2024, Shebara Resort is located on Sheybarah Island and features 73 villas—38 overwater orbs and 35 beachfront retreats—designed in sleek stainless‑steel that mirrors sea and sky إنستغرام+7Visit the Red Sea+7Red Sea Global+7. These futuristic pods are inspired by coral and the marine environment.
Sustainability & Luxury
As a fully solar‑powered resort, Shebara blends architectural innovation with immersive natural beauty and wellness-centric amenities, including fine dining and children’s club access Red Sea Global.
Guest Appeal
Rated highly for its immersive nature experience and avant‑garde design, guests note its seamless integration with the surrounding marine habitat:
“Unique nature immersion … reflects the beauty of the sky and sea through enchanting air bubbles.” — Tripadvisor review تريب أدفايزر.
3. Nujuma, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve (Ummahat Islands)
Resort Profile & Opening
Nujuma, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve, opened in mid‑2024 and holds the distinction of being the first Ritz‑Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, situated on Ummahat Island in the Blue Hole cluster—where pristine reefs and starlit skies dominate the setting Red Sea Global+12travelandleisure.com+12watg.com+12.
Design & Accommodations
This private island sanctuary features 63 villas, many perched above the water, with shell‑inspired architecture, local artistry, and natural textures creating an atmosphere of barefoot luxury Visit the Red Sea. Villas include private pools, sundecks, and expansive living spaces embracing the marine setting ritzcarlton.comVisit the Red Sea.
Guest Experience
Travel reviews highlight superb cuisine, serene ambience, and vibrant coral reefs:
“Excellent quality and variety of food … the sea … has incredible colors and the sand is white.” — Tripadvisor review تريب أدفايزر.
And Travel + Leisure describes it as “a constellation of unforgettable experiences” ritzcarlton.com.
4. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort (Ummahat Islands)
Prime Location & Brand Prestige
Also located on Ummahat Island, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort stands as a flagship luxury property opening in early 2024, seamlessly blending St. Regis heritage with sustainable island luxury and pristine Red Sea views ritzcarlton.com+15Marriott+15Red Sea Global+15.
Luxury Villas & Services
The resort offers 90 villas, including overwater Coral Villas and beachfront Dune Villas, each with a private pool and generous sundeck, configured from one‑ to four‑bedroom layouts Marriott. Butler service, a cutting‑edge spa, fitness center, children’s club, and innovative dining venues such as Gishiki 45 and Nesma round off the offerings pagesix.com+1Financial Times+1.
Celebrity Spotlight & Experience
High-profile guests—including Cristiano Ronaldo—have highlighted the resort’s exclusivity and privacy:
Ronaldo enjoyed a $7 000‑a‑night family retreat here, describing it as “close to heaven” pagesix.com.
The Financial Times notes it is a key resort in Saudi’s Vision 2030 tourism push expected to deliver 50 luxury hotels across 22 islands by 2030 Financial Times.
Future Developments & Broader Vision
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is transforming the Red Sea coast into a global luxury tourism destination—committed to sustainable architecture, renewable energy, and a deep sense of cultural and ecological stewardship Financial Timestime.com. By 2030, the Red Sea Project will include resort islands, inland desert retreats, and restored heritage sites like AlUla, blending luxury tourism with environmental and cultural preservation.
Summary Comparison Table
| Resort | Opening | Villas & Setting | Design & Amenities | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six Senses Southern Dunes | Nov 2023 | Desert pool villas near Umluj, 36 rooms + 40 villas | Nabataean–inspired architecture, spa, wellness | First resort in The Red Sea project |
| Shebara Resort | Nov 2024 | 73 villas (overwater or beachfront) on Sheybarah Island | Futuristic orb design, solar‑powered, eco‑living | Bold, nature‑reflective architecture |
| Nujuma (Ritz‑Carlton Reserve) | May 2024 | 63 villas on Blue Hole islands, overwater and beach | Shell architecture, fine dining, barefoot luxury | First Ritz‑Carlton Reserve in region |
| St. Regis Red Sea Resort | Early 2024 | 90 villas overwater and beachfront on Ummahat Island | Butler service, spa, fine dining, family facilities | Celebrity clientele, ultimate luxury |
Final Thoughts
These four flagship resorts showcase Saudi Arabia’s transformation of the Red Sea coast into an international luxury destination tied closely to ecological stewardship, architectural innovation, and cultural resonance. Whether you prefer the desert serenity of Six Senses, the futuristic elegance of Shebara, the elegant isolation of Nujuma, or the refined indulgence of St. Regis, each offers a distinct slice of Arabian luxury.