Hotel Review: Shebara Resort at the Red Sea
The dreamy destination makes for the perfect getaway…
For some people, the future involves flying cars, holograms, and maybe even time travel. For us, it’s now. What I mean is, for me, the perfect future is already taking shape with the opening of the glorious Shebara Resort at the Red Sea. Picture stunning overwater pod-shaped villas, and then remember you’re not in fact in the Maldives, but in Saudi Arabia.
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Owned and operated by Red Sea Global, the hyper-luxury resort first opened its doors to visitors back in November 2024, but we’ve been dreaming (and writing) about the resort for a tad longer. First announced in November 2023, the jaw-dropping renders of the property took the internet by storm, and I’m here to tell you, it’s real.
When I was there, though, it did feel like I was imagining the seagulls flying by, or the sunset reflecting on the show-stopping stainless steel orbs, the wind on my face, or the two pools (one of which leads directly into the ocean, FYI). One wrong move and you’re out; like I could blink, and I’d be back in the office in Riyadh (no offence team, but it’s no Shebara out here).
The futuristic resort goes by the motto “Where Now is Forever,” so for the two nights I was there, I truly embodied it.
Location
The Shebara Resort is situated in the southern part of the development, nestled within the thriving, pristine Al Wajh Lagoon on the uninhabited Shaybara Island, located 45 minutes by boat from the mainland. The remote location of this gorgeous island destination is part of its appeal, but thanks to direct flights to Red Sea International Airport (RSI) from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dubai, it’s becoming increasingly accessible.
The Red Sea International Airport is located at the Red Sea destination, near the city of Hanak, Tabuk, in the west of Saudi Arabia. Upon landing at Red Sea International Airport (RSI), you will be met by the Shebara airport greeting service team, who will accompany you through customs and whisk you to your preferred mode of transport to the resort. It is located just a 30 to 40-minute boat ride from Turtle Bay Arrival Lounge or a 30-minute seaplane ride away from Red Sea International Airport.
Look and feel
The resort combines one-of-a-kind architecture with a conscious intention to protect the natural environment around it. You can see it on each stainless steel pod, whether above the water or on the beach, as it reflects the stunning view of the horizon on its surface. The pods nearly disappear into the sky, and you feel like you’re truly in the presence of greatness. And you can thank Killa Designs for this particular greatness; by the way, the jaw-dropping, unique architecture of the project is the product of wanting to build “something that has never been built before.”
The design takes inspiration from the island’s natural surroundings. The corals, in particular, are a focal point of the design giving rise to the circular effect. This circular shape, according to Killa Designs, serves as a symbol of unity, integration, and wholeness. While the beachfront villas are thoughtfully placed to provide guests with a sense of privacy, are designed to be reminiscent of the sweeping sand dunes.
In true futuristic fashion, and with its true focus on sustainability and innovation, Shebara is home to its own solar farm that powers up the resort entirely
Villas
Shebara features 73 overwater and beachfront villas, divided by the number of rooms, exclusivity, privacy, and, of course, sheer vivacity. What I mean is, just when you think the resort couldn’t possibly get any better, boom, another beach royal villa catches you off-guard, or one of the many foodie outposts will serve up a dish you won’t be able to get out of your head (okay, maybe that’s just me).
From afar, the overwater villas look like the most magnificent string of pearls, and up close, the pods look like spaceships that are taking you to possibly the best holiday of your life.
The 38 overwater villas are divided into one- to two-bedrooms with the most comfortable king- and queen-size beds. According to the incredible staff on deck, people have actually reported sleeping better when at Shebara. Each villa also features a glorious infinity pool, a pool deck, a comfortable daybed (I may have dozed off quite a few times, and yes, I did sleep better), pool loungers, and an outdoor shower.
And then there are the 35 beachfront villas, which are divided into one- to two-bedroom pods, each with a stunning view of the horizon and beach, and we’re talking drawing you in to leave your shoes, flip-flops, and all manner of footwear behind and feel the sand between your toes type views. And this is the one time I’ll encourage you to listen to the siren’s song.
There are also the beachfront crown villas, which include one-, three-, and four-, bedroom beach royal villas that offer unparalleled luxury on a private islet of Sheybarah Island.
Facilities
Shebara’s facilities are truly unmatched. Picture a glorious spa with excellent massage therapists and a featured spa treatment right out of our dreams, and I’m, of course, talking about the pearl and green caviar signature hammam. There’s also an incredible gym to check out, and multiple pool options, including the adult pool and family pool. For the little ones, a vibrant kid’s club also awaits featuring an outdoor play area, creative activities, and educational play.
There are also several underwater excursions to go on, including snorkelling, where you can opt for a guided tour of vibrant house reefs or stunning outer reefs filled with marine life and be among the first people to explore the reefs. You can also elevate your diving skills through a diverse range of courses tailored for certified divers. There will also be windsurfing and catamaran sailing lessons, and if you’re feeling like some extra fun, you can book yourself in for a thrilling e-motor water experience, too.
Food
Food is not an afterthought at this resort. Far from it, actually, there are actually five incredible food and beverage outposts all across the resort, each better than the last. So while I was savouring the view, I also got to savour some of the most incredible dishes (full disclosure, at some points I didn’t know what was better, the view or the food, or maybe it was both).
There’s Nikkei cuisine at iki.roe, where I fell in love with the carefully crafted fusion dishes with Japanese and Peruvian notes. The venue has a sophisticated ambience, an interactive kitchen, and an Omakase dining journey too.
Ariamare is a tribute to Mediterranean culture through and through. This is where Michelin-starred restaurateur Chef Marco Garfagnini invites you to the pasta lab, and this is one invite that I was only too happy to accept.
Moving along, out by the beach, there’s Lunara, a swanky international brasserie where chic design meets global flavours, where you can tuck into delightful breakfasts, lunch favourites, and personalized service.
Then there’s SARIA by the pool, and if you’re anything like us, this is the one that will make you want to stay all your days (and I considered it, I’ll be honest). The Pool Bar and Grill serves top-tier Levantine cuisine amidst stunning coastal views
Lastly, there’s the adults-only pool bar, Solera, a cutting-edge bar that also doubles up as the best seat in the house for when you want to catch the sunset. I spent a good two hours getting the perfect shot, so truly, take your time with this one.
Rates
Rates start from SAR9,000 per night for a one-bedroom beach villa and SAR10,000 for a one-bedroom overwater villa. While a two-bedroom beach villa will run you SAR15,000 per night, and a two-bedroom overwater villa starts at SAR16,500 per night.
Shebara Resort, Al Wajh Lagoon. shebara.sa