These Saudi hotels have been awarded Michelin Keys
Seven Saudi properties have made the cut
Saudi Arabia is known for its jaw-dropping stays, each better than the last, and is now not only getting its own Michelin-starred restaurants but also Michelin-keyed hotels too. These are the Saudi hotels with Michelin Keys.
The Michelin Guide, normally known for awarding stars to restaurants all over the world, also awards keys to deserving hotels worldwide. In total, 2,457 hotels received one (1,742), two (572) or three (143) keys across the globe.
The Michelin H
How does the Michelin Key system work?
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Michelin Keys are to hotels what Michelin stars are to restaurants and chefs globally. Michelin made its very first hotel recommendations in 1920 and has been part of the guides in Europe and Asia ever since.
After selecting thousands of hotels worldwide, the Michelin Guidenow selects the crème de la crème of the selection and awards them a Michelin key (similar to the Michelin Guide selecting restaurants and awarding a few chosen ones stars). The Michelin Key was just launched last year.
A property can be awarded one key, two keys, or three keys. If a property is awarded one key, it’s classified as a very special stay; two keys count for an exceptional stay, and three are the best of the best that offer an extraordinary stay (trip of a lifetime per the Michelin website).
Saudi properties awarded
Several Saudi properties have been awarded Michelin Keys this time around, with some even being awarded two.
Two keys
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.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
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.
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. Read our review here.
Desert Rock Resort
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. Read our review here.
One key
Banyan Tree AlUla in Saudi Arabia
In a neat enclave in Ashar Valley, you’ll find Banyan Tree AlUla, which has given a welcome glow-up to the former Ashar Resort while still maintaining that Bedouin-inspired luxury. The sprawling 300-hectare site means the resort requires a north and south side, although it’s easy enough to get scenic buggy rides from one side to the other. All villas have the same earthy palette of warm creams, terracotta and sand reflective of the surrounds, with rolling desert vistas enjoyed from floor-to-ceiling windows
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort in Saudi Arabia
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.
Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al-Sharq
Featuring 46 rooms and suites that are designed to impress, each suite exhibits golden ceilings, marble bathrooms, and a view of the Red Sea. The Waldorf Astoria Jeddah also boasts two gorgeous restaurants. Indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine at Mataam Al Sharq or refresh your taste buds with Venetian delights at Aromi. Al Shurfa Lounge offers breakfast, coffee, and afternoon tea.
