The Kingdom's much anticipated Red Sea region is slowly but surely coming alive.

In November the very first resort in the region — Six Senses Southern Dunes — opened to the delight of luxury sun seekers from across the nation and around the world.

Although located close to The Red Sea coastline, this resort will be a desert escape where visitors will be enveloped in the rolling sand dunes of the Red Sea region, and will sit against the expansive landscapes and backdrop of the Hijaz Mountains. The luxurious desert camp will run on 100% sustainably created electricity, and aims to set and develop 'new standards in sustainability and desert hospitality'.

And now the region's first island escape is set to open in January 2024.

Set on Ummahat Island, the paradisiacal five-star resort is now taking bookings from January 7.

The Red Sea's Ummahat Island is destined to be home to two of the region's most exclusive and exciting resorts; the St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Situated within a private archipelago and conservation area on the edges of the Kingdom's Blue Hole atoll. Ideal for those seeking idyllic glimpses of the region's natural beauty, this 90-room exclusive resort was designed and envisioned by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

And from the first week of the new year, guests will be able to indulge in the luxurious offerings of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. Accommodations range from opulent beachside villas with one to four bedrooms, each featuring a private pool and sun-drenched deck, to luxurious overwater bungalows with breathtaking views over the Red Sea that will certainly sweep you off your feet.

Maintaining global St. Regis standards, the new island resort will be home to a number of indulgent dining offerings. Guests can discover Levantine flavours at the destination's all-day dining restaurant, Nesma. For a more refined experience, Gishiki 45 will showcase flavours of the Far East with a Japanese inspired menu. The jewel in the crown will be Tilina, a fine dining concept with expansive views over the island.

More casual dining options are expected to be found at the St. Regis Bar and The Beach Club.

Of course, there is also a state-of-the-art fitness centre and pool area where guests can unwind or get a sweat on. Or, guests can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and luxuriate in the lavish surrounds and treatments of the St. Regis Spa.

To maintain the utmost exclusivity and indulgent seclusion, the island resort is only accessible to guests by privately chartered boat or by seaplane.

In October, Ummahat Island was granted Saudi's first license for an aqua aerodrome. Expected to host a number of floating sea-planes, the yet-to-be-named aquatic aerodrome will be designed to achieve a unique harmony between modern aviation and access with the natural marine environment. The boutique travel hub will be a base for visitors to the region wishing to transfer by air from the region's newly opened Red Sea International Airport to the idyllic escape of the luxury resorts on the Ummahat Islands.

Opening January 7, 2024.

marriott.com/st-regis-resort

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