Throughout 2024, Red Sea Global made incredible strides transforming what was largely an unknown, pristine archipelago on Saudi Arabia’s west coast into one of the world’s most exciting eco-tourism destinations. This stunning and biodiverse stretch of sea is now home to a number of forward-thinking resorts that put people and planet first. From eco-lodges chiselled into ancient mountain faces to stainless steel overwater pods, these island retreats blend sustainable, futuristic design with Saudi heritage and hospitality.
Here are five new Red Sea resorts that set a new standard for exclusive and sustainable travel in the Kingdom and beyond.
Desert Rock
The jewel in the crown of Red Sea Global’s portfolio, Desert Rock is an extraordinary eco-resort built into the rugged massifs of the Hejaz mountains. Designed by Oppenheimer Architecture, this boutique, sustainable resort is powered by 100% renewable energy and has advanced water collection and conservation systems reflective of ancient Nabatean civilisations. Suites and villas come in a spectacular variety of options, from three-bedroom ones hidden in an earthen valley to cliff-hanging ones perched high up in the hills with private suspended pools.
Guests at Desert Rock can enjoy a range of authentic dining experiences, from wood-fire cooking at Nyra to casual poolside dining at Wadi. The resort’s spa offers treatments inspired by its desert surroundings, including the ‘moonlight meteorite massage,’ which uses oil infused with meteorite extracts – a subtle nod to the resort’s ambient, otherworldly atmosphere.
Six Senses Southern Dunes
The first resort to open at The Red Sea in 2023, Six Senses Southern Dunes is built along an ancient trade route. Like Desert Rock, the architectural language of the resort speaks to Nabatean traditions, infused with minimalist, contemporary design elements. The low-density resort has 36 guest suites and 40 pool villas, each with incredible views over the Hejaz mountains. Six Senses Southern Dunes embraces its coastal, mountainous landscape with a selection of on-site activities ranging from conservation diving to mountain biking and trail running. It’s the perfect Red Sea resort for an enriching, active break, made even better with an exceptional selection of dining options.
Shebara Resort
Among the most unique and futuristic resorts in The Red Sea is Shebara Resort. Built on the banks of the gleaming Al Wajh Lagoon, this secluded haven is a collection of air bubble-shaped stainless steel orbs that beautifully mirror the sky and sea. The resort was designed by Killa Design, the same architects behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future, and is entirely powered by a local solar farm. Activities available at this overwater resort include e-motor watersports, catamaran sailing, snorkeling, and a spa. Shebara may look like a quiet Maldivan honeymoon resort, but it is child and family-friendly with plenty of outdoor play areas and a kid’s club. It is a 30-minute seaplane ride from Red Sea International Airport.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nujuma, meaning ‘stars’ in Arabic, is a seashell-shaped resort that opened its doors in May 2024 on Ummahat Island. It is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East and features 63 solar-powered villas, 20 of which are built over the water in a perfect circle with elevated causeways. Each villa is adorned with traditional Saudi-inspired decor with Bedouin textiles, locally-crafted artefacts, and domed wooden lattice ceilings. Thoughtfully crafted for an enriching stay, the rooms each have a telescope and panoramic windows to soak up the star-filled Red Sea skies. Activities and amenities here include a spa, snorkelling, sailing, and unique stargazing experiences led by a local Saudi astrologer.
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Not far from Nujuma on Ummahat Island lies The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, a standout destination owned by Red Sea Global. As one of the largest resorts in The Red Sea, it has 90 avant-garde villas, including stunning overwater coral villas and quiet beachfront dune villas. While its exceptional spa and world-class dining impress, the real highlight is its outdoor experiences. Guests enjoy fat-tire and gravel biking, heritage diving, and wing surfing, absorbing the raw beauty of one of the world’s most untouched and unspoiled landscapes.
