Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea: The New Frontier of Luxury Travel

Desert Rock Resort

Image courtesy of Desert Rock Resort

Set in a hidden valley and nestled between the mountains, Desert Rock Resort offers guests an immersive experience in the natural desert landscape. Located just a 30-minute drive from Red Sea International Airport, this resort provides unparalleled luxury amidst the serene desert environment.

Image courtesy of Desert Rock Resort

Image courtesy of Desert Rock Resort

Shebara Resort

Nestled on the Saudi Arabian Red Sea, Shebara Resort offers a blend of iconic architecture and nature with 38 overwater and 35 beachfront villas. Guests can enjoy world-class dining, premium amenities and a focus on sustainability, providing an extraordinary luxury escape that balances privacy, innovation and wellness.

Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea

As the first resort to open in the Red Sea region in 2023, Six Senses Southern Dunes presents a combination of architectural approaches that pay homage to the Nabataean heritage and majestic desert surroundings. The resort offers 36 guest rooms and suites, plus 40 pool villas, all designed to provide a luxurious and immersive experience.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Image courtesy of Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

Surrounded by crystal-clear water and soft white sand, Nujuma is an unspoiled sanctuary where exploration unveils a constellation of unforgettable experiences. This resort offers guests a unique blend of natural beauty and luxury, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and exclusivity.

Image courtesy of Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

Image courtesy of Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

Located on a pristine private island, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort presents a compelling vision of exquisite living in the Ummahat archipelago. Guests can enjoy beachfront villas with private pools, world-class dining and the signature St. Regis Butler Service, ensuring a stay that is both luxurious and personalized.

Image courtesy of St. Regis

Image courtesy of St. Regis

Image courtesy of St. Regis

Activites

Beyond the five-star accommodations, visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse range of activities:

• Unspoiled beaches & private Islands: Lounge on powdery white sands, take in stunning ocean views and experience the ultimate seclusion on private island getaways.

• World-class diving & snorkeling: The Red Sea is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world, teeming with marine life. Dive sites like the Five Sisters and Blue Hole offer incredible underwater experiences for both beginners and advanced divers.

• Sailing & water sports: From luxury yacht cruises to paddleboarding and windsurfing, the calm, crystal-clear waters make for the perfect maritime playground.

• Desert adventures & Bedouin heritage: Venture into the surrounding dunes for camel trekking, sandboarding or guided tours that showcase the region’s striking landscapes. For those interested in cultural immersion, traditional Bedouin experiences offer a deeper connection to Saudi Arabia’s nomadic past. Visitors can:

  • Stay in desert camps that provide an authentic taste of Bedouin hospitality, with traditional tents and fire-lit gatherings.

  • Learn the art of celestial navigation through stargazing experiences, where Bedouin guides share how their ancestors relied on the stars to traverse the vast desert.

  • Ride camels along ancient trade routes and gain insight into the Bedouin way of life.

  • Enjoy traditional cuisine, from mandi (spiced rice with meat) to fresh flatbreads baked in the desert.

  • Discover local handicrafts such as Al Sadu weaving, a traditional embroidery technique still practiced today.

• Wellness & nature escapes: With minimal light pollution, the Red Sea region offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Many resorts also feature holistic wellness retreats, spa treatments and meditation programs that take full advantage of the tranquil surroundings.

• Culinary excellence: Dining in the Red Sea region is an experience in itself, blending international flavors with locally sourced ingredients. The new luxury resorts feature world-class restaurants led by renowned chefs, offering everything from fresh seafood to contemporary takes on traditional Saudi dishes. Whether it’s a beachfront dining experience under the stars, a Bedouin-inspired feast, or a Michelin-worthy tasting menu, food lovers will find plenty to indulge in.

Sustainability & conservation efforts

A key pillar of The Red Sea development is sustainability. The region is committed to 100 percent renewable energy, zero waste-to-landfill and strict marine conservation policies to protect its delicate ecosystems. Efforts include:

• Coral reef restoration projects and marine protected areas to ensure the Red Sea’s biodiversity thrives for future generations.

• Sustainable construction methods, using eco-friendly materials that minimize environmental impact.

• Water conservation initiatives to support the region’s fragile desert ecosystem.

• Solar-powered resorts designed to operate off-grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The newly developed Red Sea region is the perfect destination for someone who would like to discover Saudi culture and an unexplored region with very luxurious accommodation options. It's best visited between November and April for optimum weather. Reach out to me for more travel planning advice!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Saudi Arabia page.