As Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism offering expands, two Red Sea destinations have already claimed their place among the world’s most extraordinary hospitality experiences. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Shebara, a Red Sea Global (RSG) resort, have each received international accolades in 2025 — setting a new standard for regenerative tourism in the Kingdom.
Together, they offer a compelling glimpse into the future of travel in Saudi Arabia: immersive, intentional, and shaped by a profound respect for nature and culture.
Nujuma: A celestial escape with global prestige
Recently named Best New Hotel Opening of 2024 by Forbes Travel Guide, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has rapidly become a symbol of refined Saudi elegance. The first Reserve-branded property in the Middle East, Nujuma is located on a private island surrounded by the Red Sea’s thriving coral reefs. With 63 spherical, seashell-inspired villas, each featuring a telescope, private pool, and panoramic views, the property offers a level of design and tranquillity that is both poetic and precise.
The award is part of FTG’s annual Star Awards. In choosing the hotel, an executive editorial committee narrowed down five finalists, which included Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London; The Singapore EDITION; The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel; and Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island. Readers and followers then pick the winner through an online survey. This marks the second year of the award — Atlantis The Royal won it for the Dubai hotel’s 2023 debut.
In an interview with FTG, Tony Coveney, general manager of the property said, “From the beginning, we tried to create something extraordinary with Nujuma. As a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the goal was to create a truly unique and one-off experience. While underpinned by The Ritz-Carlton service values, this would be a place that is transformative, pure, rare and immersive. As such, yes, this is a stunning resort with all the luxury facilities one might expect of a Five-Star environment. But it is also a ‘Reserve,’ a place where guests can completely disengage with the world outside and reengage with nature and a cultural experience.”
Inside, the villas echo regional craftsmanship: handwoven textiles, ceramic artistry, and geometric motifs reflect the Arabian aesthetic, while modern comforts are integrated with remarkable subtlety. Guests are accompanied by personal hosts — najm or najma — who tailor each detail of the stay with intuitive care.
Nujuma’s approach is not simply one of hospitality but of storytelling. A resident astronomer leads stargazing sessions under exceptionally clear skies. A Saudi cultural expert offers workshops and insights into the Kingdom’s heritage. Activities, from spa rituals to marine exploration, are crafted to connect travellers with place, people and purpose.
And with its own solar power system, water reuse programme, and ongoing mangrove planting initiative, Nujuma leads the way in responsible luxury — fully aligned with the regenerative tourism goals of Vision 2030.
Shebara: A TIME-honoured sanctuary of light, water and innovation
Further along the Red Sea coast, another homegrown triumph is turning heads on the world stage. Shebara Resort, developed and operated by Red Sea Global, has been named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2025 — a rare honour for a project only recently opened.
Suspended above the sea like a constellation of stars, Shebara’s 73 stainless-steel villas reflect the water and sky in a mesmerising visual display. The design — futuristic, yet in harmony with the natural world — impressed international observers and reflects RSG’s commitment to blending innovation with ecological sensitivity.
Shebara is completely off-grid, powered by its own solar farm and supported by sustainable utility systems. It offers an experience of profound seclusion, reachable only by boat or seaplane from Red Sea International Airport — itself just a short flight from major regional hubs. Once on the island, guests are immersed in a space that celebrates marine life, wellness, and Saudi hospitality at its most welcoming and elegant.
The recognition by TIME affirms Shebara’s position as a flagship example of how Saudi-led developments can compete — and lead — on a global scale.
Red Sea, rising
With these two standout properties now globally recognised, the Red Sea is no longer just an emerging destination — it is a new global benchmark for luxury, sustainability and cultural immersion.
By 2030, this once-untouched coastline will be home to 50 resorts, over 8,000 hotel rooms, and more than 1,000 private residences. Yet what makes this transformation truly remarkable is its vision: a tourism model where regenerative development, heritage storytelling, and world-class hospitality are not only compatible — but inseparable.
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