Staycation review: The Red Sea EDITION
Inside a pampering stay at The Red Sea EDITION, the first resort to open on Shura Island
It’s no secret that The Red Sea on Saudi Arabia’s west coast is high on everyone’s travel bucket list. Billed as the world’s most sustainable luxury tourism destination, this gigaproject is one of the last unspoiled natural landscapes, surrounded by coral reefs, desert canyons, dormant volcanoes and archaeological sites.
Developed by Red Sea Global, the Public Investment Fund-owned company behind the masterplan, the vision is ambitious: 50 resorts dotted along the coastline by 2030. Since welcoming its first guests in 2023, the destination has gradually taken shape, with nine hotels now open and more on the horizon.
At the heart of it all lies Shura Island, the striking dolphin-shaped archipelago designed to anchor this new era of seaside escapes in Saudi Arabia.
Each resort here brings its own perspective to luxury, shaped by its brand and setting. But this review turns the spotlight on one in particular – The Red Sea EDITION.
It is the second EDITION property to open in Saudi Arabia, following The Jeddah EDITION, and became the first hotel to welcome guests on Shura Island when it opened in October 2025.
The Stay
Your journey to The Red Sea EDITION doesn’t begin at reception. It starts over the water. After landing, you’re driven across the longest overwater bridge in the Kingdom, a stretch of road that slices through turquoise sea and open desert, connecting the mainland to Shura Island.
It’s cinematic in the best way. Windows down, phone out, already feeling like you’ve left everyday life behind.
By the time you pull up to the entrance, you are more than ready to switch off.
We arrived in the middle of the day, when the sunlight streams directly through the floor-to-ceiling glass in the lobby, flooding the space with natural light. Complete with an abundance of greenery, it immediately feels open and airy – bright but not harsh, sleek yet welcoming.
There’s music playing softly in the background, the lighting warms up as the afternoon settles, and the whole place exudes that effortless, well-put-together vibe EDITION hotels are known for. It’s refined without trying too hard. Luxury, just without the stiffness.
The design leans into clean lines and earthy tones, but it never feels minimal for the sake of it.
The Setting
This is where it really hits you. Shura Island feels stunningly remote, encircled by impossibly clear waters and pristine desert landscapes.
You wake up at The Red Sea EDITION to peaceful silence. No traffic. No city noise. Just sea vistas that stretch endlessly and sunsets that truly make you pause mid-sentence.
The architecture merges with the landscape instead of clashing with it, which makes the entire experience feel deliberate. You aren’t just staying somewhere attractive – you’re staying somewhere carefully crafted around nature.
And while the broader Red Sea destination is grand in scale, here it feels personal. You’re on an island, but not cut off. It’s peaceful, but not dull. There’s just enough buzz to keep things lively, while still feeling like you’ve escaped.
The Room
We stayed in a Seafront Bay Suite: expansive, bright, airy, and elegantly simple. The EDITION brand’s signature style is evident here.
Our room felt like a proper retreat – floor-to-ceiling windows framing the sea, the living area opened onto the private pool, a perfectly placed lounge chair for slow mornings, and a bed so comfortable we genuinely debated skipping dinner plans.
The bathroom? Spa-like. Double vanities, rainfall shower, a standalone tub, plush robes… It’s the kind of setup that makes you take your time getting ready.
All in all, the result is a space that feels both serene and contemporary – the perfect recipe for a truly relaxing stay.
The Food & Drink
If you come to The Red Sea EDITION thinking the views are the stars, wait until you taste what’s on your plate. The dining here feels like an extension of the hotel’s personality – thoughtful, beautifully executed and with just enough flair to keep every meal interesting.
There isn’t just one restaurant; there’s a small constellation of them, each with its own vibe and reason to visit.
Central
Central, the hotel’s all-day heartbeat, is where breakfast unfolds each morning – an easy, unhurried start to the day in a space inspired by New York City’s Grand Central Station.
We returned one evening for dinner, and that’s when the concept really came to life. As you sit down, you’re handed what looks like a first-class train ticket – just a playful little touch that sets the tone.
Each dish takes inspiration from a different American city – bold, smoky flavours from Texas, soulful influences from Louisiana, fresher, lighter touches from California. It feels like a cross-country culinary journey, but in a way that’s fun rather than forced.
The kitchen is led by Chef Norberto Valdez, alongside Chef de Cuisine Andrés Luduena, and this is evident in their confident execution. The theme could easily become gimmicky, but it does not. The food delivers – bold flavours, well-balanced, and generous enough to share. It’s relaxed, subtly theatrical, and genuinely enjoyable.
From Central, a white Venetian plaster staircase winds its way up to the lobby, where a snooker table casually occupies a corner – a small but fun detail that somehow makes the whole night feel less structured and a little more spontaneous.
Jiwa Terrace
Jiwa Terrace is poolside and easy – ideal when you want good food without fully leaving “lounger mode”. It’s relaxed, breezy, and exactly right for a long, lazy bite between swims.
Chef de Cuisine Made Suriana oversees the kitchen across both Jiwa concepts, with a strong focus on Indonesian flavours. At the Terrace, the style feels lighter and more refreshing.
Think vibrant sambals used sparingly for lift rather than heat, fragrant herbs scattered generously over grilled seafood, citrus-forward dressings, and dishes that energise rather than weigh you down. It’s flavourful but clean – the kind of food that works in the middle of a warm Red Sea afternoon.
This is where you order something fresh, perhaps something raw or lightly grilled, and go back to your sunbed feeling satisfied, not sleepy.
Jiwa Beach Club
Jiwa Beach Club wholeheartedly embraces its Indonesian roots. Inspired by Bali’s beach culture, it combines seaside dining and entertainment.
Under Chef Suriana’s direction, the menu here feels more daring and indulgent. Smoky satays straight from the grill, rich curries layered with spices, grilled seafood marinated in richer sauces, and sambals that pack real heat and complexity. The flavours are more vibrant, more multi-dimensional – designed to be shared as the atmosphere intensifies around you.
As the sun sets, fire show lights up the beach, with flames piercing the night sky while drums echo in the background. The whole experience becomes more immersive, more celebratory.
One of the standout moments? Chef Suriana’s sambal. It had that perfect depth – spicy, slightly sweet, full of character. We clearly didn’t hide our obsession because by the end of the night, he generously gifted us two jars to take home. A small gesture, but one that speaks volumes about the warmth behind the kitchen.
Jiwa Beach Club is more than just a beach club with good food. It embodies the Indonesian soul, right on the Red Sea.
Overall, the dining at The Red Sea EDITION reflects the stay: stylish, relaxed, and centred on how you truly want to spend your day here – slowly, socially, and with something delicious within easy reach at all times.
The Activities
As much as The Red Sea EDITION makes it easy to stay horizontal all day, there’s plenty to fill your schedule if you feel like it.
First and foremost: the beach. Wide, pristine and almost impossibly clear, it’s the kind of shoreline you imagine when someone says “escape”. You can claim a lounger and do absolutely nothing (highly recommended), or dip in and out of the water as often as you like. It never feels crowded, which makes the entire experience even better.
And if you’re already by the sea, you might as well make the most of it. Guests can enjoy a complimentary WAMA water experience, along with access to non-motorised sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. The water is so calm and clear that even if you’re not usually the adventurous type, it’s hard to resist heading out for a gentle paddle.
If relaxation is the brief, book a couples massage at The Spa by EDITION. It’s calm and designed for proper switching off. After a morning in the sun, it’s exactly what your shoulders didn’t know they needed.
For something more active, there’s padel. A friendly match in the late afternoon, followed by a cool-down drink, feels like the right kind of balance.
Then there’s pool time. It’s slow mornings, long afternoons, ordering something light from Jiwa Terrace and letting the hours blur.
And for golfers, Shura Links is the headline act. Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, the 18-hole championship layout extends across Shura Island with stunning sea views at nearly every turn.
Designed by Brian Curley, the course winds through rolling dunes and along the shoreline, with several holes playing directly against the Red Sea. It’s the kind of setting where you pause mid-round, not just to line up your shot, but to actually take in the view.
Whether you’re here to completely switch off or mix relaxation with a bit of movement, The Red Sea EDITION ensures you can do both – and do them well.
The Experience
What really stayed with us about The Red Sea EDITION was the balance. The staff are warm and attentive without ever hovering, the kind who notice the little things almost instantly.
Later that same day, they remembered exactly how I like my matcha. I didn’t have to repeat myself or remind anyone. It just arrived, just as I like it. It’s that kind of quiet attentiveness that makes a stay feel personal rather than polished for show.
Overall, the atmosphere has a social buzz, but it never tips into overwhelming. You can dress up smartly for dinner one night, and then stroll down to breakfast the following morning in linen and sandals without a second thought.
There’s a natural ease to the entire place that’s hard to fake. Days pass smoothly – beach, pool, long lunches, sunset drinks – and nothing ever feels planned unless you want it to be.
It’s polished, yes, but still playful. The sort of hotel where you can genuinely relax, settle in, and suddenly find yourself pondering how it’s already time to leave.
What to Pack
Think effortless, sun-ready, and slightly elevated. Lightweight linen is your best friend here – loose shirts, breezy dresses, relaxed trousers you can throw on over swimwear.
Days revolve around the beach, pool, and water activities, so pack at least two good swimsuits (you’ll rotate more than you expect). A wide-brimmed hat, oversized sunglasses, and easy-slip sandals will see plenty of use.
For evenings, nothing too formal, but opt for chic resort wear – tailored shorts, a silky co-ord, a statement dress, smart loafers or strappy heels. You’ll want something that feels put-together for dinner at Central or a night at Jiwa Beach Club when the fire shows begin.
If you’re planning to golf or paddle, bring activewear. And finally, don’t forget sunscreen, a good SPF lip balm, after-sun care, and a small bag roomy enough to carry back a jar of sambal… just in case.
What’s On the Bill
The Superior guest room starts at SAR2,058 per night for two, including breakfast.
The Final Say
What’s On Verdict: The Red Sea EDITION feels like the kind of place you post once… then gatekeep slightly. It’s cool, it’s calm, and it knows exactly what it’s doing.
Location: The Red Sea EDITION, Shura Island, Hanak, Saudi Arabia, 48313
Contact: +966 1-45044455 | @editionredsearesort
Images: Social / What’s On Archives
