Saudi Arabia invites travelers seeking an extraordinary experience to discover the Red Sea, a hidden luxury destination, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, countless adventure and relaxation opportunities.
Located on Saudi Arabia’s western coast, this 28,000 km² paradise is home to more than 90 islands, offering stunning beaches, desert dunes, rare coral reefs, extinct volcanoes, historical sites, and mountain canyons.
The Red Sea is not only an enchanting holiday destination but also a place where travelers embark on an unforgettable journey through its historical and cultural riches. With scuba diving activities at underwater archaeological sites, you can dive into history and explore sunken ships, or go hiking on trails that combine archaeology, history, and nature. The underwater paradise of the Red Sea, home to 314 species of corals, 230 species of fish, and endangered species like the hawksbill turtle, offers extraordinary opportunities for underwater exploration with its unparalleled visual beauty. Visitors looking to witness the vibrant life beneath the sea can experience exciting water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and sailing, all designed to be accessible for guests with disabilities.
The Red Sea, which opened its doors to guests with Six Senses Southern Dunes and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, will welcome visitors from May 26, 2024, with the opening of Nujuma under the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand, marking its first in the Middle East and one of only seven globally. Additionally, the futuristic overwater globe villas at Shebara Resort and Desert Rock Resort will begin operations later this year.
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, located on the untouched Ummahat Island, is accessible by seaplane or boat. The resort features 90 villas with private pools and sunbathing terraces, both on the water and by the beach. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including Gishiki 45, offering flavors inspired by Japanese cuisine, Tilina, where delicious grilled dishes can be savored over the water, and Nesma, which presents Levantine-inspired menus. In addition to these, The Beach Club and St. Regis Bar are also available. The resort offers a signature spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor pool, padel and tennis courts, a water sports center, sunrise and sunset yoga activities, and a kids’ club. The legendary St. Regis Butler Service is also available to guests.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, set against the backdrop of the Hijaz Mountains and mystical desert views, pays homage to the architectural heritage of the Nabataean civilization. Located among the sand dunes, this spectacular complex consists of 40 luxury villas, 36 rooms, two signature restaurants, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and the world-renowned Six Senses Spa. Spa facilities include detox massage rooms, open-air therapy cabanas, an Alchemy Bar where guests can learn to make clean skincare products, a quartz sand therapy bed, a luxury gold hammam experience, an anti-aging holistic care center, health screenings, skin analysis, as well as spinning, aerial yoga, and traditional yoga classes.
Nujuma, bringing the exclusive service experience of Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the Red Sea, will soon open on Ummahat Island. Guests will experience the pinnacle of luxury while embarking on unforgettable journeys with the state-of-the-art diving center and various underwater activities.
By 2030, when the project is completed, the Red Sea will host 50 hotels, along with luxury marinas, golf courses, and top-tier entertainment and relaxation facilities. The tourism sector plays a significant role in the diversification of the Saudi economy, and the Red Sea is expected to contribute $5.9 billion to the economy. In this pioneering, renewable-focused luxury tourism destination, sustainability and environmental preservation are key goals. To prevent over-tourism, the number of annual visitors to the Red Sea will be limited to one million.
Since September 2023, Red Sea International Airport has been hosting regular domestic flights, with flights now operating through Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dubai. For guests staying at the Red Sea, transportation to and from the airport is available via seaplane, luxury yachts, and electric vehicles. Once the project is completed, the airport will operate as a carbon-neutral facility, powered entirely by 100% renewable energy.
