Saudi Arabia is an opulent oasis for seekers of luxury.
Offering unparalleled paradisiacal opportunity, the development of The Red Sea Resort is the region’s latest evolution in sharing the beauty of Saudi with the rest of the world.
Three prestigious names in international luxury hospitality have pinned Saudi as the next location for some of the world’s most breathtaking, unique and lavish resorts. Purveyors of plush surrounds will be excited to know Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Miraval, have each started the development of luxurious getaway locations in the region.
From exotic island escapes to locations steeped in historical and cultural heritage, the future of Saudi Arabia’s luxury hospitality sector will dazzle locals, residents, and tourists to the region.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Location: The Red Sea Project
Saudi will be home to the Middle East’s very first (and only) Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
With just five other ‘reserve’ locations in the world, Nujuma is set to be a one-of-a-kind exclusive experience on the edges of The Red Sea. Ritz-Carlton carefully chooses reserve locations based on the raw beauty and potential to be an exotic sanctuary for guests. It is hoped that Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve will reveal the unbridled charm of indulgent luxury service in the remote and fascinating location.
Development of the resort is well-underway and according to CEO of the Red Sea Development Company, Robert Pagano, the newest addition to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection is set to open to guests in 2023. Perched on the edges of Saudi’s west coast and nestled in the archipelago of the Ummahat Al Shaykh islands, Nujuma will comprise of beach-side villas and a ring of overwater bungalows.
The Ummahat Al Shaykh islands remain relatively untouched. Sandy beaches touch crystal blue waters making it the ideal location for the Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The resort will sit alongside and atop the alluring and seemingly unending atoll of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole.
The Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve location will quite literally offer guests access to an unspoiled nature reserve.
Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah
Location: Diriyah
Situated just fifteen minutes from Riyadh, this could be the ideal culture-steeped getaway destination for historophiles and staycationers alike.
With 300 years of history, Diriyah is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif and the heritage-rich area is set to be the location of a new luxe Four Seasons Hotel. The development of the Diriyah area is said to be pivotal in achieving Saudi’s Vision 2030. Working towards this common goal, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has partnered with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) on the development of Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah.
In line with the brand’s principals and promises, the new Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah is expected to deliver luxury hospitality with timeless elegance in the form of 150 sumptuously appointed rooms and suites. The hotel will offer infinite views over the west in tandem with unobstructed views over the UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif.
The architectural features and overall aesthetic of the Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah will take inspiration from ‘local tradition’. A wellness spa, two outdoor pools, a fitness hub, private poolside cabanas and several top-class culinary outlets are bound to ensure guest satisfaction.
Diyirah’s profoundly rich cultural heritage is significant, making this new site a valuable and influential addition to the Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts portfolio, in addition to being a unique luxury escape in the heart of a world-renowned heritage site.
Miraval, The Red Sea
Location: The Red Sea Project
Luxury wellness hospitality brand Miraval has selected Saudi Arabia as the location for the very first international Miraval resort.
The Red Sea resort area will be the Miraval brand’s first luxury retreat outside of the United States of America and will be just the fourth addition to the premium collection of wellness resorts. The Miraval brand is the lavish wellness resort division of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Miraval The Red Sea will be located on Shura Island, a location which will play a fundamental role as a central hub for The Red Sea Project.
Hailed to become the region’s go-to immersive wellness destination, Miraval The Red Sea will comprise of 180 rooms and suites, and a number of beachside villas. Built on the ideals of health, wellness and balance; the resort will offer guests healthy dining options at the signature 'Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen’ alongside a range of wellness-focused seminars and activities such as nutrition discussions and cooking workshops.
In addition to workshops and talks, Miraval The Red Sea will offer an extensive range of luxury spa treatments and experiences at The Life in Balance Spa, the largest spa currently planned for the area.
The luxe resort will also offer a series of wellness-centric getaway packages that will include adventuring outdoors in the stunning surrounds of The Red Sea Resort, interactive workshops in music and art. John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company notes that “...Miraval The Red Sea will meet the growing desire for personalized wellness journeys that are fully integrated with the surrounding environment.”
Miraval The Red Sea is scheduled to open in the initial opening phase of The Red Sea Project, with the first guests expected in 2023.
This is an exciting time for the region, with the continued growth of the luxury hospitality sector in Saudi, and the rapid development of The Red Sea Resort, we anticipate further announcements to be confirmed.
