The opening of Raffles The Red Sea adds one of luxury hospitality’s most celebrated names to Saudi Arabia’s island resort offering. Alongside the recently opened Raffles Jeddah, it gives the brand two contrasting addresses on the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast.
Few hotel names carry the international recognition of Raffles. From its origins in Singapore in 1887, the brand has become synonymous with gracious hospitality, distinctive architecture and highly personalised service.
Now, that heritage has a new island setting. Red Sea Global announced the opening of Raffles The Red Sea on October 14, introducing the brand to Shura Island with 168 rooms, suites and private villas.
For Saudi Arabia’s luxury travel sector, the arrival brings more than another prestigious resort. It adds a name familiar to generations of international travellers—and to the advisors who arrange their journeys.
A global reputation, a Saudi coastal setting
The Raffles story began with a modest ten-room hotel opened by the Sarkies brothers in Singapore. Its evolution into a landmark of international hospitality established traditions that remain central to the brand, particularly its personalised butler service.
Today, part of Accor, Raffles spans destinations including Paris, London, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul and the Seychelles. Addresses such as Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris and Raffles London at The OWO illustrate its ability to translate a recognisable service philosophy into properties with distinct identities.
That international reputation is valuable for an emerging leisure destination. For clients discovering Saudi Arabia for the first time, a trusted hospitality name can provide a familiar point of reference while allowing the destination itself to deliver something new.
On Shura Island, the setting is contemporary and coastal: lagoon views, private terraces and accommodation designed around indoor and outdoor living.
“The opening of Raffles The Red Sea marks another significant milestone in the evolution of The Red Sea destination,” said Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global.
“Raffles’ heritage of distinguished service and elegance makes it a strong addition to our growing portfolio, further strengthening the breadth and quality of our hospitality offering on Shura Island.”
Rooms, suites and private-pool residences
Raffles The Red Sea comprises 121 guestrooms, 14 suites and 33 private villas. The resort’s accommodation opens onto individual terraces, with many rooms positioned along the lagoon or beachfront.
The villas form Raffles Residences The Red Sea, a collection of one- to four-bedroom homes designed by Foster + Partners, with interiors by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel.
Private swimming pools, generous living areas and outdoor spaces give the residences particular relevance for families and clients seeking greater privacy. Views extend across either the lagoon or the Red Sea.
For luxury advisors, the accommodation mix creates scope to serve different travelling parties, from couples seeking a resort room to families requiring several bedrooms and shared living space.
A culinary connection to Singapore
Five dining venues give the resort a range of culinary identities, with a particularly fitting link to Raffles’ birthplace.
Siparaja draws on Singaporean cuisine and Peranakan heritage, bringing an Asian dimension to the Red Sea setting. Raffles describes its evening experience as combining contemporary Indo-Malay flavours with flame-fired dishes and lagoon views.
Elsewhere, Ni’ma focuses on Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, while Anbara combines French pâtisserie techniques with Arabian influences. El Nay offers Pan-Arabic bites and refreshments beside the sea, and the Pool Bar & Grill provides a more informal waterside option.
The variety gives guests reasons to dine within the resort while retaining a sense of connection to both the brand’s Asian origins and its Saudi surroundings.
Wellness and a wider island experience
The announced wellness offering includes seven indoor treatment rooms, a vitality pool, hammam, dedicated beauty and grooming facilities, and an outdoor lap pool.
Raffles’ current wellness information also describes a 270-square-metre fitness centre and personalised programmes guided by a wellness butler, with selected treatments available in the privacy of guestrooms, suites and villas. Its children’s club and teens’ hub are still identified as forthcoming, so advisors arranging family stays should confirm their availability before booking.
The resort is positioned within reach of Shura Island’s marina and retail area, as well as Shura Links, the island golf course. Red Sea International Airport provides access to the destination, while Botanica Red Sea and the ADRENA sports and adventure district broaden the experiences available beyond the hotel.
The opening therefore places Raffles within an expanding destination rather than an isolated resort setting.
Raffles Jeddah: a complementary city address
The Shura Island opening follows the arrival of Raffles Jeddah, which opened in 2026 on the city’s Corniche.
Its two-tower development comprises 182 hotel rooms and suites, alongside 120 residential apartments. Private terraces and Red Sea views are central to the property, whose design combines contemporary international styling with Hijazi architectural details.
The two properties offer different expressions of the brand. Jeddah places guests within a major coastal city, with access to its dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Raffles The Red Sea offers an island retreat centred on relaxation, residential privacy and coastal experiences.
For advisors building a Saudi itinerary, that creates a natural possibility: an urban stay in Jeddah followed by time on Shura Island, maintaining continuity of brand and service while changing the pace and setting of the journey.
Another established name strengthens The Red Sea
Red Sea Global’s opening announcement places Raffles alongside an expanding collection of operating resorts, including InterContinental, SLS, The EDITION, Four Seasons and Miraval, with five further resorts expected in the coming months.
“As we continue to expand our hospitality portfolio, we remain focused on creating distinctive experiences while delivering on our commitment to regenerative development,” Albasseet said.
For Raffles, the opening extends a hospitality story approaching 140 years into a new Saudi setting. For The Red Sea, it adds a globally recognised name whose reputation can help introduce the destination to a wider international luxury audience.
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Read also: Raffles Jeddah opens as Saudi Arabia expands its luxury hospitality footprint on the Red Sea
AND: The most iconic hotel in Southeast Asia – Raffles Singapore – welcomes Arab guests with open arms
