Among the numerous tourism ‘gigaprojects’ under development in Saudi Arabia, The Red Sea Project is perhaps the most ambitious. Spanning 200 kilometres of Red Sea coastline and 90 pristine islands covering 28,000 square kilometres overall, the project is part of the Kingdom’s plan to transform its travel and hospitality offering for discerning visitors. The ever-growing collection of luxury hotel and resort operators signed up by The Red Sea Development Company to manage properties within the project was expanded recently with the announcement of three new resorts from some of the world’s most iconic brands.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will be the first from Marriott’s ultra exclusive Reserve brand in the Middle East, situated on a thin whisp of an island that’s part of the Ummahat Islands cluster. As well as 63 overwater and beach villas, Nujuma will be home to 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, offering what’s likely to be some of the most exclusive (and expensive) residential property in the Kingdom. Coupled with a lavish spa, conservation centre, swimming pools, a retail area and several dining options, the resort promises barefoot living at its best when it opens in 2023. www.marriott.com
On The Red Sea Project’s main hub, Shura Island, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and wellness focused Miraval Resorts, part of Hyatt, have also signed up to manage two spectacular resorts. Rosewood Red Sea will be home to 149 incredibly chic villas and suites, with a signature Manor Club, three restaurants and two oceanfront lounges, as well as an outpost of the brand’s spa and wellbeing centre, Asaya, complete with movement studios, yoga pavilion and seven treatment rooms. www.rosewoodhotels.com
Miraval The Red Sea will offer a host of wellness and wellbeing-oriented features, including the largest spa in The Red Sea Project. The Life in Balance Spa will be home to 39 treatment rooms offering signature Miraval spa treatments, as well as destination inspired experiences and innovative wellness programmes that pay homage to local culture and heritage. The sprawling resort, designed by Foster + Partners, features a collection of spaces created to promote moments of mindfulness, relaxation and introspection. Around the 180 guestrooms, suites and villas, walking trails and a mangrove boardwalk will encourage guess to explore, while dedicated spaces for art, music, lectures and workshops led by Miraval specialists will stimulate creativity, and cooking classes courtesy of the Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen will teach guests about mindful healthy cuisine. The property will be Miraval’s fourth resort and the first outside of the US. www.hyatt.com
Guests staying at both properties will have access to Shura Island’s luxurious offerings, which include a marina and yacht club, high-end retail and a variety of dining options, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course. The newly announced resorts will join the existing collection of properties under development, which include brands such as EDITION, St. Regis, Fairmont, Raffles, Six Senses and Jumeirah. www.theredsea.sa
