Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is shining a light on the Kingdom's Red Sea region, a luxury tourism destination that remains deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is not only reshaping its hospitality offerings but also ensuring that its rich traditions and history are ingrained into every aspect of the guest experience.
Red Sea Global – the leading developer of regenerative tourism destinations at the Red Sea – is at the forefront of this transformative approach. While their operational properties set new standards for luxury hospitality in the region, they also promote and honour authentic Saudi heritage, blending past and present through a suite of immersive experiences. Five exceptional resorts are already open at the Red Sea. Beyond bespoke services and holistic wellness programmes, they are deeply anchored in history and tradition. Through architecture, gastronomy, art, and meaningful interactions, these destinations offer a true connection to the essence of Saudi Arabia.
A Sense of Place: Weaving Culture into Every Detail
From Desert Rock and Shebara Resorts to Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Six Senses Southern Dunes, each destination tells a story offering guests a true sense of place and a distinct perspective on Saudi culture. Desert Rock Resort takes guests on a journey where personalised luxury, nature, and heritage are inextricably linked. Carved directly into the ancient mountains of Hejaz in western Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea coast, the resort’s architecture pays homage to the Nabataean civilisation, which once inhabited the Arabian Peninsula.
The untamed beauty of Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and its dramatic rock formations are revealed via guided desert tours. Meanwhile, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a sanctuary that reflects the Kingdom’s seafaring traditions and the relationship between Saudi culture and the ocean. Guided boat trips take guests through a deep-rooted history of pearl diving and fishing practices that have sustained coastal communities for generations. Shebara Resort celebrates the Kingdom’s unique biodiversity with design and architecture inspired by coral formations and the marine environment of the Red Sea. An array of guest experiences from underwater landscapes to snorkelling and traditional desert safaris celebrate the delicate balance between culture and environment.
Culinary Traditions
Red Sea Global is partnered with globally renowned brands such as Six Senses and Four Seasons to integrate luxury hospitality and gastronomy as part of the offering., Six Senses Southern Dunes and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort welcome guests with dining experiences rooted in sustainability and tradition, where ingredients are locally sourced, preserving the connection to the land. Dining here becomes an elegant affair with menus designed around land, sea, or local produce, serving anything from sayadieh – made with black cod, calamari, and onion rice – to slow-cooked lamb infused with aromatic spices. Culinary storytelling continues with live cooking demonstrations featuring age-old techniques and curated tasting menus that highlight the Kingdom’s rich spice heritage, bringing Saudi gastronomy to life in a spectacular setting.
Holistic Wellness
Beyond food and architecture, wellness offerings are equally infused with cultural significance.
Red Sea resorts offer Saudi-inspired spa rituals that use ancient healing practices through indigenous ingredients such as camel milk, frankincense, and desert botanicals. These holistic treatments offer a deeper connection to the land while aligning with modern practices.
Delving deeply into the origins of Saudi heritage, Red Sea Global’s developments represent the Kingdom’s traditions and identity on the world’s stage, partnering with hospitality brands that capture and honour the essence of these places and shape a new narrative for culturally immersive hospitality.
