Whilst Instagram influencers queue up for the same shot on the world’s most popular beaches, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline is quietly making waves as an exclusive new luxury destination.
Futuristic overwater villas, eco-luxury design and sun-soaked beaches await on the Red Sea, the newest destination for families, couples and solo travellers looking for lesser-visited beach retreats, backed by some of Saudi Arabia’s most beautiful natural attractions.
Where futuristic architecture meets pristine coral reefs, and mountain-backed desert adventures are only a dune away, the Red Sea resorts offer the exclusivity, serenity and cultural immersion hard to find elsewhere.
Red Sea Resorts unveiled
A pioneering tourism project on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea is now open for business. The first five luxury resorts are fully operational, with 11 more globally renowned brands such as the Marriott set to open by 2026.
By 2030, the Red Sea resorts aim to expand to 50 hotels and 1,000 residences, accommodating up to 1 million visitors annually across 28,000 kilometres of islands, beaches, deserts, mountains, and even volcanoes, to become the world’s most exclusive eco-luxury destination.
The project emphasises zero waste-to-landfill, no single-use plastic, and carbon neutrality goals, with 75 per cent of the destination’s islands to be preserved for conservation. The Red Sea International Airport provides seamless accessibility.
1. Shebara Resort – for design lovers and solo travellers
A constellation of 73 stainless-steel orb-like villas floats above a turquoise lagoon at Shebara Resort, one of the Red Sea’s most striking new properties, a short boat ride from the mainland. Each overwater pod offers unparalleled sea views and direct access to the water.
Guests can snorkel vibrant coral reefs, try catamaran sailing, or simply savour the silence of their private sea-view deck. Shebara exemplifies eco-luxury resorts in the Red Sea, ideal for solo travellers or couples seeking futuristic design and complete privacy.
2. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort – for families and culture seekers
A standout among Saudi Arabia beach resorts is The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, one of just two exclusive resorts on the private islands of Ummahat. Elegantly designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the 90 overwater villas fit seamlessly into the tropical setting, each featuring a private pool and butler service.
Previous guests include footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his family, with a wide range of activities to keep both adults and kids entertained, such as snorkelling, kayaking and fat-tire biking. When it comes to romantic dinners, St. Regis excels, serving up indulgent Japanese-inspired dining at Gishiki 45 or Middle Eastern classics at Nesma.
3. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – for stargazers and romance seekers
The second private island resort on the Ummahats, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve outdoes itself with a selection of seashell-shaped overwater and beach villas, boasting natural curves and turquoise horizons best enjoyed from your own private panoramic deck.
Named after the Arabic word for “stars,” Nujuma offers in-room telescopes, Levantine-inspired cuisine at Sita and rejuvenating wellness treatments at Neyrah Spa. A world-class accommodation rooted in natural wonder, Nujuma Resort balances romance, adventure and sustainable luxury, where couples can snorkel the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef by day and unwind under a sky full of stars by night at Maia bar.
4. Six Senses Southern Dunes – for wellness and adventure
Contrary to expectations, not all Red Sea resorts are set on the water. Lying inland between dunes and wadis (grand valleys), Six Senses Southern Dunes is the ultimate sanctuary, inviting guests into a world of Nabataean-inspired architecture, culinary heritage and transcendent desert landscapes.
Six Senses is a leading example of Saudi Arabia wellness resorts, featuring sunrise yoga, desert spa rituals, sandboarding, trail running, mountain biking and guided desert hikes. The “Oasis” communal hub houses an Earth Lab, cooking school and artisanal workshops, perfect for travellers seeking cultural immersion alongside holistic wellbeing.
5. Desert Rock Resort – for families and explorers
Built directly into the craggy cliffs of the Hijaz mountain, Desert Rock Resort’s villas blend seamlessly into the Mars-like landscape. Families can embark on quad biking adventures, camel rides and desert safaris, while couples can retreat to cliffside suites with private pools.
By night, Nyra restaurant serves wood-fired specialities under the stars. For explorers, this Red Sea adventure resort offers the unique chance to combine otherworldly landscapes with eco-luxury comforts.
Beyond the resorts: experiences to match
Beyond its show-stopping villas, the Red Sea resorts are home to an incredible mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences and active adventures, in proximity to some of the planet’s healthiest coral reefs.
While stargazing nights and private picnics on secluded shores will entice couples, diving excursions, desert safaris, water parks and island-hopping boat tours cater to all the family. Windsurfing, e-Foil adventures and snorkelling trips are also easily arranged from most resorts, with various day trip options for longer stays.
Extend your trip to explore Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district or try heritage food tours at nearby towns. Sports fans, meanwhile, can also look forward to the new championship golf course in development on Shura Island, another reason to visit Saudi’s ambitious Red Sea Resorts.
A luxury frontier
A captivating holiday destination, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts offer a new kind of travel: sustainable, culturally rooted, and blissfully uncrowded.
Whether flying solo, adventuring with a partner, or travelling as a family, these Red Sea luxury resorts deliver exceptional, lesser-known experiences, marking the arrival of the future of luxury travel.
Ready to dive in? Visit Saudi today.
