The best hotels on the Red Sea

Whereas in the past few travelers associated Saudi Arabia with sun, sea, and sand, the new luxury hotels on the Red Sea have completely changed that image in a short period of time. For a long time, this coastline was characterized by vast deserts, deserted beaches, and crystal-clear waters, where fishermen tried to bring in the catch of the day in peace. It was a rugged and virtually untouched landscape, far removed from the mass tourism that had long since arrived elsewhere around the Red Sea.

That changed when Mohammed bin Salman announced his ambitious Vision 2030 in 2016, with the aim of transforming Saudi Arabia into a diverse and attractive travel destination. One of the most prestigious projects in this plan is Red Sea Global. For decades, the Saudi Red Sea coast was overshadowed by destinations such as Egypt, but with nearly 1,700 kilometers of coastline and hundreds of islands and reefs, the country has a natural area that is virtually untouched: with pristine landscapes, crystal clear waters, and coral that is still completely intact.

Red Sea Global is the driving force behind this development and is responsible for the planning and execution of the mega project. The first luxury hotels have now opened their doors, with many more to follow in the coming years. Some resorts are spectacularly hidden in the cliffs of the desert, while others seem to float above the azure blue water like futuristic UFOs. What they all have in common is a strong focus on sustainability, exclusivity, and luxury of the highest level.

Shebara Resort

Long before you reach Shebara's main jetty on the Red Sea , the resort comes into view with its striking mirrored villas. These futuristic spheres appear to float above the shallow water and reflect the sunlight in dazzling reflections, causing them to blend almost completely into the landscape of sea, sand, and sky from certain angles. The sprawling resort, with a circular length of seven kilometers, consists of two parts: the iconic water spheres and a desert-like island where secluded beach villas are discreetly hidden among dunes, date palms, and tamarisk trees, designed for maximum privacy.

Although Shebara exudes tranquility and seclusion, there are also plenty of facilities for more active guests, including a state-of-the-art gym with personal trainers, a swimming pool, a running track, and padel and tennis courts. On a separate private island, you will also find the exclusive Royal Villas Ensemble, a resort within the resort that can accommodate up to fourteen guests. During the day, visitors often retreat to the privacy of their villas or explore the sea on diving and snorkeling trips, while the resort comes to life in the evening when the restaurants fill with guests, including visitors who moor their superyachts for dinner.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

The St. Regis Resort is located in the beautiful Al Wajh Lagoon in the Red Sea and quickly evokes associations with tropical island destinations such as the Maldives. The clear water varies from turquoise to deep blue and provides an idyllic setting for a relaxing luxury beach vacation. The resort is located on one of the Ummahat Islands, approximately 22 kilometers off the Saudi coast, and can be reached by boat or seaplane from Red Sea International Airport. The elongated island offers views of the mainland mountains on one side and an endless horizon over the Red Sea on the other.

The resort has 90 villas, divided between beach villas and villas above the water. The Dune Villas are close to the amenities and feature spacious terraces with plunge pools and views of palm trees, sand, and sea, with light interiors that combine natural materials. Even more spectacular are the Coral Villas, which are located above the water and offer panoramic views of the sea and sky through large windows. These spiral-shaped villas have spacious sun terraces with sunbeds, a dining table, and a plunge pool above the Red Sea.

Desert Rock Resort

The Desert Rock resort is tucked away in a remote valley where the architecture blends seamlessly into the rugged mountain landscape. Spread over some 30,000 m², the villas and suites are partly built into the rocks or appear to float above the valley. Large window openings allow abundant daylight to enter and give the accommodations the feeling of natural cave entrances. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations - from Wadi villas in the valley to spectacular Cliff Hanging villas and cave suites in the mountain - all with private pools and a personal villa host.

The resort also offers an extensive range of restaurants, wellness facilities, and activities. Culinary highlights range from wood-fired dishes at Nyra to relaxed poolside dining and creative mocktails around fire pits. At the spa, at the foot of the mountain, guests can enjoy luxurious treatments and yoga sessions, while adventurous visitors can opt for hikes, zipline experiences, or stargazing under the clear desert sky. Those who prefer to relax can head to the tranquil Wadi pool, while the kids' club provides entertainment for younger guests.

Nujuma – a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Nujuma is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East and is located on the remote Ummahat Islands in the northern Red Sea. The resort combines refined luxury with an unspoiled natural environment and has 63 villas, 20 of which are built above the water and the rest along the beach. The architecture is characterized by elegant, shell-like shapes with subtle Saudi accents, while infinity pools and large terraces offer sweeping views of the sea.

Nujuma also offers an exceptional culinary experience. Under the guidance of Michelin chef Lucas Julien-Vauzelle, French cuisine and regional flavors come together in four restaurants. During the day, guests can explore the colorful underwater world on snorkeling or diving excursions, discover the resort by bike, or experience Saudi culture at the Conservation House. In the evening, the clear desert sky provides the backdrop for stargazing with an astronomer, making Nujuma the perfect balance between relaxation, nature, and culture.

InterContinental The Red Sea Resort

The InterContinental is one of the first hotels to open its doors on Shura Island, the largest island in the Red Sea, where future residents read like a who's who of the hotel world - Four Seasons, Mirabelle, Edition, SLS, and Rosewood. Although many of them are still under construction, the InterContinental already exudes a surprising sense of tranquility and established elegance. Winding paths are flanked by fragrant frangipani trees and bushes full of overhanging, fuchsia-colored bougainvillea that look as if they have been growing here for years, subtly concealing the resort's 210 detached villas from view.

This is an excellent choice for families: the colorful Planet Trekkers kids' club is a world of fun, with indoor and outdoor play areas that are sure to give parents a carefree afternoon by the pool. Or perhaps you'd prefer to visit the resort's atmospheric spa, with an outdoor hydro pool, a yoga deck surrounded by nature, and an extensive maze of treatment rooms. The five restaurants also offer guests plenty of variety, from a Miami-inspired pool club to Moroccan mezze and refined Peruvian cuisine.

Thuwal Private Retreat

Thuwal Private Retreat is an exclusive private island in the Red Sea, off the coast of Jeddah, which can be rented entirely and exclusively by one group at a time. The island has recently opened and is accessible via a private boat transfer of approximately forty minutes from the Kaust North Marina. The retreat can accommodate up to twelve adults and three children and offers a completely customized experience. Guests stay in a spacious three-bedroom master beach villa or in separate beach pavilions, all designed with a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. In addition, the island features an overwater diwaniya with an open kitchen, living and dining area, and a large terrace.

The stay is fully catered, with chefs preparing meals anytime, anywhere, from breakfast by the pool to lunch on the beach or sushi aboard a private yacht. Activities range from kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing to diving and snorkeling at the house reef and Turquoise Hole. For relaxation, there are massages, a sauna, whirlpool, and a gym with sea views, while water sports instructors and personal trainers are available to guide guests.

Six Senses Southern Dunes

Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea is an exclusive destination resort set amid spectacular desert scenery of rolling dunes, with the Hijaz Mountains in the distance. The resort feels like an oasis and consists of stylish rooms, suites, and villas with tent-like roofs that blend harmoniously into the surroundings. The accommodations combine a contemporary look with warm, traditional influences; rooms and suites feature spacious terraces, while the villas offer extra living space and private pools, with the largest variants feeling like your own private resort.

One of the highlights is the extensive Six Senses Spa, covering almost 4,000 m², with treatment rooms, a fitness room, two swimming pools, and a pool bar. Guests can also take part in a wide range of activities, such as cooking workshops or fishing trips on the Red Sea. There is also plenty of choice when it comes to cuisine, from a gelateria to refined gastronomy in the Al Sarab restaurant.