An Early Look at Saudi Arabia's Luxurious Red Sea Project

To say that Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project is a hotly-anticipated destination would be an understatement. Announced in 2017, the megaproject is set to be a sanctuary offering heightened luxury along with a deep connection to nature, stretching out over a 90 island archipelago with miles of sweeping desert-scapes. The destination will have a total of 16 luxury stays. For now, nine of the hotel brands that will open during its first phase have been revealed...

SLS Red Sea

Welcoming guests onto the Red Sea Project’s main island of Shaura in 2023, the SLS Red Sea will have 150 hotel rooms, including 12 suites and 15 villas with private pools. Other facilities in the hotel include a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an ‘Altitude Pool’. SLS’s signature culinary and mixology experiences won’t go amiss, with eateries such as Seabird, Fi’lia and Floating World comprising the hotel’s menu.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

The first St Regis hotel to open in Saudi Arabia, this resort will be located on its own private island. An ultra-luxury, all-villa resort, this stay will bring travellers a Maldivian-style experience complete with overwater villas and endless ocean views. It is scheduled to open in 2023.

The Red Sea Edition

Also located on Shaura Island, this stay is opening its doors in 2023 and will include 240 guest rooms, including one, two and three-bedroom suite options.There will be two restaurants on their grounds, a destination bar, private beach with an additional beach bar, as well as a swimming pool and a spa.

Grand Hyatt The Red Sea

The largest hotel to open during the first phase of the Red Sea Project, the Grand Hyatt will have 430 rooms, many of which will come with views over the coastline. The family-friendly resort will have first-class leisure and dining facilities, and access to its own private beach. Designed by Foster + Partners, perhaps the most stunning feature of the hotel is the architectural firm's colourful coral bloom design for the Red Sea Project, which was designed to resemble a coral reef from above.

Six Senses Southern Dunes

This 76-room resort is an extension of the region's inland valleys and mountains. Set to open by the end of 2023, the resort will be centred around an oasis and will be home to the Six Senses Earth Lab, which will allow the hotel to pursue sustainable initiatives such as harnessing renewable energy from the sun, and water preservation efforts. The hotel will also have an all-day dining restaurant prepped with a cooking school.

Raffles Red Sea

With 200 keys, this couple’s haven will offer a selection of rooms and spacious suites. Situated amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, Raffles Red Sea will have its own in-house beach club and an extensive spa as well as six gastronomic venues.

InterContinental Resort Red Sea

Housing 210 sea-facing rooms, this stay will give travellers direct access to the beach so they can step out onto the sands from the comfort of their terrace. This hotel will have seven culinary experiences, multiple swimming pools, as well as a spa and health club.

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts

Although quite little has been revealed about this stay, we do know that it will have 170 rooms and suites on Shaura Island. It also looks set to have open-plan suites, offering views over the Red Sea’s shorelines.

Fairmont Red Sea

Last but not least, this hotel is also located on Shaura Island, with 200 rooms and suites next to the main golf course. Overlooking the surrounding waters and mangrove trees, it will have seven food and beverage outlets, including overwater restaurants peering over the pristine view. The hotel will include over 2,000 square meters of meeting and banqueting space, a greenhouse, and a spa centre.