The best hotels in The Red Sea
From beachfront retreats to secluded villas perched high on the mountain, these are the best hotels in The Red Sea…
Planning a visit to The Red Sea? This northwest Saudi Arabian gigaproject boasts world-class properties, natural beauty, and an incredible underwater world. Five resorts are currently open at the Red Sea. So, if you’re seeking a pampering break this summer, here are the best hotels in The Red Sea.
Desert Rock
The Red Sea’s main leisure treasure might be its crystalline turquoise waters, but the destination is also home to rugged mountain peaks, which is where you’ll find its newest resort, Desert Rock. Another resort masterminded and operated by the Red Sea Global (RSG), it’s dramatically carved into the craggy mountains, ensuring a complete immersion into the natural landscape for guests. At the meeting of desert and mountains, it’s a 20-minute drive from the Red Sea airport, and the 54 rooms and suites range from spacious, family-centric wadi villas with private pools to gravity-defying villas that hang on the edge of the massif. Dining comes in the form of wood fire cooking at Nyra; Wadi, a chic pool bar and grill with Peruvian flair, perfect for poolside relaxation; and late night lounge, The Observatory, where signature sips can be enjoyed under the starry night sky. Days can be spent enjoying the natural playground that surrounds the resort – from climbing and abseiling to cultural excursions that shine a light on the areas history and heritage. And after hours of exploration, the Desert Rock Spa awaits, with five treatment rooms, an outdoor treatment space, hammam and water therapies, all designed to relax, rejuvenate and help residents reconnect with nature. Read our review here.
Rates start from SAR8,500. desertrock.sa
Shebara Resort
Shebara resort is the first hotel to be operated by RSG, the developer behind the entire Red Sea Project. Located at the southern part of the development, Shebara is set within the thriving Al Wajh lagoon. The 73 villas are each a show-stopping orb made from stainless steel to reflect the colours of the sky and ocean. They’re divided between 38 pod-like overwater villas, and the rest will dot the beachfront. To get to their villa, guests will head either north or south. To the north, you’ll find the coral reef water villas, beach villas and signature restaurant. The southern boardwalk will take guests to the lagoon villas, and a unique spa experience. Other wow-worthy facilities including a family pool, a spa and fitness centre within the island’s dunes, and an adults-only pool with lily pad style seating terraces perfect for sundowners. Read our review here.
Rates start at SAR9,000. shebara.sa
Six Senses Southern Dunes
For desert dwelling, book Six Senses Southern Dunes, which opened in November 2023. The wellness-focused desert retreat is located in-land, reachable via an hour drive from the airport. Offering seclusion and sophistication in equal measure, this far-removed retreat is a luxurious homage to the country’s Nabataean heritage. Pool villas are plush and spacious, the 4,000 square metre spa is a haven of relaxation, and the extensive array of activities includes cooking classes, Sadu weaving, and sandboarding.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, Southern Dunes Site 14, The Red Sea Development, Umluj, 48321, Saudi Arabia. Room rates start from SAR5,734. Visit: sixsenses.com Tel: +966 14 514 1414. @sixsensessoutherndunes
The St. Regis Red Sea
If you’re here for island living, then The St. Regis Red Sea is the resort for you. Reachable from the airport via a 15-minute seaplane or 40-minute yacht transfer (booked for you by the hotel), it’s one of two hotels that unrolls against Ummahat Islands. A collection of 90 beach and overwater villas are inspired by their locale, the former the desert dunes, the latter the colourful corals that dot the nearby reefs. There’s around-the-clock butler service, diving excursions to far-flung waters, and dining options that range from overwater degustation menus to crowd-pleasing plates at the St Regis Beach Club.
Room rates start from SAR5,880. marriott.com
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
For ultra-luxury island stays, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is one of only a handful of Reserve properties around the world. Set on a paradisiacal strip of sand in the crystalline Red Sea waters, Nujuma is the second of two resorts opening on Ummahat Island, joining neighbouring The St. Regis Red Sea resort. Lacing luxury service with stories inspired by Saudi heritage and culture, it’s home to 63 beach and overwater villas, a collection of restaurants that includes a beach club and constellation-inspired bar, and a rustic-luxe spa where treatments use local ingredients and time-honoured practices.
Villa rates start from SAR8,250 per night. ritzcarlton.com