The Red Sea's best family staycations this summer
From complimentary stays for kids to island adventures and mountain escapes, here’s where to book your next family getaway
Summer holidays are in full swing, and while many residents have headed overseas, there’s a good reason to stay a little closer to home.
Instead of spending hours in airports or on long-haul flights, you could be checking into a beachfront villa, spotting marine life, stargazing in the desert, or exploring dramatic mountain landscapes, all without leaving Saudi Arabia.
As you may know by now, The Red Sea is home to some of the Kingdom’s most spectacular luxury resorts, and several are sweetening the deal this summer with family-friendly offers. Think complimentary stays and meals for children, kids’ clubs, water sports and experiences that make travelling with little ones a whole lot easier.
If you discover a new favourite while you’re there, don’t forget that voting is now open for the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2026. One of our newest public-voting categories is Favourite Staycation. If a resort wins your family’s heart, show it some love by casting your vote.
In the meantime, here’s where to check in this summer at The Red Sea.
Desert Rock Resort
If your children love exploring, Desert Rock Resort offers a stay unlike anywhere else in Saudi Arabia.
Why book: Built into the mountains, the resort’s summer package includes a two-night stay in a One-Bedroom Wadi Villa with breakfast, airport transfers, an extra bed for one child under 12, Kids Club activities, Arabian Astronomy stargazing and the Al Sukhoor Nature Walk.
When: Throughout July. Desert Rock will be temporarily closed from Aug 1 to 29 for enhancements.
Reservations: +966 9200 11099
InterContinental The Red Sea Resort
Families looking for a holiday where there’s something for every age group should add InterContinental The Red Sea Resort to their list.
Why book: The Red Sea Family Summer offer, available until September 20, includes up to 20 per cent off stays, daily breakfast, complimentary dining for children under 12 (one meal per child when dining with a paying adult), an extra bed per booking, access to Planet Trekkers and ADRENA Adventure & Water Park, a complimentary 30-minute kayaking session each day, and 15 per cent off treatments at Spa InterContinental. Families can also choose from five dining venues across the resort, making it easy to keep everyone happy from breakfast through to dinner.
The resort’s Planet Trekkers programme keeps younger guests busy with activities ranging from treasure hunts and origami workshops to splash pad fun and arts and crafts, while teenagers can try archery, table tennis, art sessions and virtual reality experiences throughout the day.
When: Until Sept 20
Reservations: [email protected], call +966 14 504 0007 or WhatsApp +966 55 668 2557
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
For an island escape without leaving Saudi Arabia, head to Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property.
Why book: Children aged 12 and under receive complimentary lunch and dinner when dining with a paying adult. Families can also enjoy daily breakfast at SITA restaurant, the Kids Club, a dedicated family pool, immersive nature and marine discovery experiences, and private stargazing from the comfort of their villa.
When: Until Sept 17
Reservations: +966 145 044 444 or book here
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
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For families looking to unplug for a few days, Six Senses Southern Dunes is all about spending time together, surrounded by the desert.
Why book: The summer package includes a two-night stay in a Wadi Suite with breakfast, meet-and-greet services at Red Sea International Airport, return e-car transfers, one child under 12 staying free on half board, complimentary cookies at the Kids Club, a 60-minute signature massage for two adults, and an archery experience.
When: Until Sept 15
Reservations: +966 14 514 1414
SLS The Red Sea
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If your family likes to stay active on holiday, SLS The Red Sea has plenty to keep everyone busy.
Why book: The offer includes a two-night stay in a Captivate Junior Suite with breakfast, airport transfers, an extra bed for one child under 12, a half-day children’s programme featuring beach and water activities, 15 per cent off dining at Fi’lia, 20 per cent off spa treatments, and a complimentary 30-minute kayaking or paddleboarding session.
Reservations: +966 9200 34111
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Beach-loving families will feel right at home at The St. Regis Red Sea Resort.
Why book: Children aged 12 and under receive complimentary lunch and dinner from the children’s menu when dining with a paying adult. Families can also enjoy daily breakfast at NESMA restaurant, make the most of the Children’s Club, complimentary water sports, a dedicated family pool, and private beach cabanas available to reserve.
When: Until Sept 18
Reservations: +966 145 040 000 or book here.
Getting there
All resorts are easily reached via Red Sea International Airport, with direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
Whether you’re after a beach break, a mountain retreat, or a few days in the desert, The Red Sea proves you don’t have to leave Saudi Arabia to enjoy a brilliant family holiday.
Images: Supplied
