Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has seen massive growth in recent years, with the launches of several new luxury resorts and destinations across the country, with many more on the way as the kingdom works towards achieving goals set under Vision 2030.
Under the ambitious economic blueprint, the kingdom aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030 – 70 million international and 80 million domestic. The Red Sea Global (RSG) has emerged as one of the country’s most promising megaprojects, boasting pristine coastlines and a diverse range of new experiences for curious tourists to enjoy.
Located 500km north of Jeddah, this eco-luxury destination spans over 28,000 square kilometres of islands, beaches, deserts, mountains, and even volcanos. Encircled by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system, its oceans remain relatively unexplored compared to other popular Red Sea dive destinations. The area offers a wealth of opportunities for scuba diving enthusiasts, with pristine reefs teeming with abundant marine biodiversity.
Flydubai’s recent addition of twice-weekly flights from Dubai has made the Red Sea Global destination more accessible for tourists. The Red Sea International Airport also receives weekly flights from Riyadh and Jeddah.
With three resorts currently hosting guests, the destination is gearing up for an exciting summer in 2024, featuring a range of offerings. These include brand-new guest facilities and exclusive experiences, positioning it as one of the most upscale destinations in the region.
Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The newest addition to the Red Sea megaproject is the luxurious Nujuma resort, located on Ummahat Island. With room rates starting at $2,640 per night, it is one of the most expensive hotels in the region. The three-bedroom Royal Nujuma Villa, the resort’s most luxurious offering, costs more than $20,000 per night.
Guests can arrive at the resort via electric sedan and luxury yacht, or splurge on a seaplane ride. The all-villa island retreat features 63 beach and overwater villas, each with a private pool and access to the surrounding natural beauty. The interiors combine traditional Saudi elements with modern luxury.
Nujuma offers ten themes, divided into two categories: Red Sea culture and Earth elements. The resort features a conservation house dedicated to preserving indigenous plant and animal life, as well as exclusive excursions highlighting the region’s unique characteristics. The Neyrah Spa provides regional treatments, while the Galaxea Diving Centre offers water sports activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing.
Dining at Nujuma features Arabian communal dining and local fishing culture. Options include all-day restaurant Sita, Mediterranean-inspired Jamaa, contemporary seafood at Tabrah, and evening mocktails under the stars at Maia, guided by star experts.
Six Senses Southern Dunes
Guests seeking an inland experience can visit Six Senses Southern Dunes. The resort is a 45-minute drive from the coast along the historic incense trade route in the desert. It features 40 villas, each with large outdoor terraces and plunge pools, as well as 36 boutique hotel rooms.
Dining options include a cooking school, private chef’s table, patisserie, gelato pod, and private dining at various destinations around the resort. The all-day restaurant, Bariy, serves healthy, nutritious food, while Merkaz offers Arabic tapas, pastries, and light bites. At the highest point of the resort, Al Sarab serves up Arabic fine-dining dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
The resort takes wellness seriously, with a spa that spans almost 4,000 square metres. The spa features six treatment rooms, including a meditation dome, holistic anti-ageing centre, and biohacking lounge. Guests can choose from multi-day wellness programs focused on sleep, detox, and weight management, as well as fitness and wellness activities like aerial yoga, breathwork, and meditation.
Families can enjoy the Grow with Six Senses Kids’ Club, and educational activities at the Earth Lab. Family-friendly activities inspired by the desert heritage are also available. The resort offers a summer half-board offer, including gourmet breakfast and seasonal culinary adventures, as well as a complimentary lunch or dinner for guests staying more than three nights until September 30th.
St Regis Red Sea Resort
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is situated on a private island, 22 kilometres off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The resort boasts 90 expansive overwater and beachfront villas, each with its own private pool.
Visitors can access the island through a 25-minute amphibious seaplane journey from Red Sea International Airport or a 45-minute speedboat ride.
The island resort is powered entirely by renewable energy, utilising solar power and one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities located on the mainland.
Sustainability is a core value throughout the resort, from environmentally safe water sports to excursions exploring the mainland’s dormant volcanoes, heritage sites, and desert dunes. The St. Regis Spa offers signature treatments such as a 24-karat gold facial and wellness programmes incorporating yoga and meditation.
The resort features two signature restaurants, Gishiki 45 and Tilina, offering Japanese-inspired cuisine and a unique “reeftop” overwater grill, respectively.
Activities
The Red Sea destination has introduced three subsidiary brands – Akun, Galaxea, and WAMA – offering guests opportunities to discover the diverse land and seascapes of the region.
Akun focuses on land-based adventures, providing guided tours of historical sites, culinary adventures, and outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and desert safaris. During summer, guests can enjoy a sunrise hike, beach lunch on a secluded island, spa treatments, and evening activities featuring stories under the starry skies.
WAMA and Galaxea deliver unforgettable experiences both above and below water, including diving, snorkelling, kayaking, kite surfing, and sailing.
The Red Sea boasts two prestigious PADI 5 Star Dive Centers: the Nujuma Dive Center at the Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve Hotel and the TBV Dive Club at Turtle Bay Village, the first and only PADI Adaptive Service Facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Resorts to open later this year
Shebara
Later this year, the first RSG-owned resort, Shebara is set to open on the private Sheybarah Island. Accessible by a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, the resort features 73 eco-friendly villas, including overwater and beach options.
Each space at Shebara has been designed to flow with its environment, with futuristic stainless steel villas reflecting the colours of the ocean and sky.
On the island, dive enthusiasts have a nearby 30 to 40-metre reef drop-off for marine exploration. For those seeking exclusivity, the furthermost island can be booked exclusively, featuring a private yacht mooring and villas.
Desert Rock
The second resort that remains on track to open this year is Desert Rock. Set in a hidden valley, Desert Rock will be a luxurious 60-key boutique hotel. With architecture fully integrated into the mountainside, guests can choose from ground-level dwellings, crevice hotel suites midway up the ridge, and a select number of rooms built within the rock itself.
By 2030, the Red Sea destination aims to comprise 50 resorts, offering over 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The development will also feature luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, and leisure facilities, creating a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors.
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