Edition Hotels has officially opened The Red Sea Edition, the first operational resort on Shura Island, part of The Red Sea destination being developed by Red Sea Global (RSG). The opening marks Edition’s second property in Saudi Arabia, following the brand’s debut in Jeddah in 2024, and represents a major milestone in the roll-out of RSG’s Vision 2030-aligned tourism strategy.
A flagship for Shura Island
Set along one kilometre of private beachfront, The Red Sea Edition offers uninterrupted views across the turquoise waters of the Red Sea and the greenery of Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course designed by Brian Curley. The property is the first of several international resorts due to open on the island, which will ultimately feature a marina, retail and dining precincts, and a variety of leisure attractions.
Shura Island sits at the heart of an archipelago of 90 largely untouched islands, surrounded by coral reefs and lagoons. The Red Sea project is being positioned as a global benchmark for regenerative tourism, with infrastructure powered by renewable energy and designed to enhance rather than impact the natural environment.
“The opening of The Red Sea Edition marks a significant milestone in the brand’s continued growth across the region and deepens its commitment to delivering experiences that transcend conventional luxury,” said George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Edition. “This resort embodies the Edition ethos of crafting highly personalised spaces attuned to their environment, redefining luxury through authenticity, contemporary design, and intuitive service.”
Design and architecture
Access to the resort begins with a scenic transfer from Red Sea International Airport and a drive across Saudi Arabia’s longest internal bridge linking the mainland to Shura Island. At the end of a palm-lined approach, the hotel appears as a cluster of low-rise stone and timber pavilions, a design intended to integrate with the coastline and surrounding landscape.
The project was conceived and executed by Rockwell Group, the New York–based design firm behind numerous Edition properties worldwide. The architectural and interior concept draws on the natural topography of the Red Sea and Saudi desert—using rammed earth, coral stone floors, natural oak, and soft textiles in a neutral palette that echoes the region’s dunes and reefs.
The 240 guest rooms, including 53 one- and two-bedroom suites, follow Edition’s characteristic residential feel, with understated furnishings, subtle lighting, and expansive sea or golf-course views. Several suites include large terraces, private plunge pools, and direct beach access. The arrival pavilion, built from warm-toned earth and oak, is centred on a ceramic chandelier suspended above the lobby, which serves as the property’s social hub.
Accommodation and guest facilities
The Red Sea Edition features multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, a performance-oriented gym, and a variety of indoor and outdoor lounges. The spa design emphasises light and texture, incorporating coral stone and timber screens to diffuse sunlight. Signature treatments use products by Omorovicza and Le Labo, alongside Edition Rituals that combine heated sea stones, mineral wraps, and flowing massage techniques.
A Recovery Dome within the wellness zone includes an infrared sauna, bio sauna, snow shower, heated stone loungers, and lymphatic shower facilities. Fitness programming encompasses HIIT, TRX Fusion, and Reformer Pilates, with outdoor activities such as watersports, desert hiking, and racquet sports available across the resort grounds.
Dining and entertainment
The resort introduces four distinct dining concepts, each aligning with Edition’s global positioning in lifestyle-driven hospitality.
- The Lobby operates as an all-day social venue, transitioning from morning coffee and artisanal pastries to evening cocktails built around tea infusions and local botanicals.
- Central offers an inventive New American menu, reinterpreting classics such as New Orleans jambalaya and duck meatball spaghetti, complemented by a curated beverage programme.
- JIWA Beach Club brings an Indonesian coastal aesthetic to Saudi Arabia, with a daytime menu of bold flavours and island-style dishes prepared by Indonesian chefs. By night, it evolves into an open-air social venue with bonfires, drums, and live DJ sets.
- JIWA Terrace, adjacent to the beach club, provides a quieter, wellness-oriented experience focused on hydration and recovery through natural ingredients and balanced formulations.
In December, the resort will add Anasa, an Aegean-inspired restaurant by Saudi chef and entrepreneur Basma Elkhereiji, one of the country’s most recognised culinary figures. The concept is anchored in simplicity, local sourcing, and conversation-led dining, expressed through tactile materials such as terrazzo flooring and a central glazed bar.
Events and meetings
For business events and incentive travel, The Red Sea Edition includes over 1,000 square metres of meeting and event space, including a grand ballroom accommodating up to 500 guests, supported by several smaller breakout rooms. Each venue features natural light and sea views, with dedicated event planning and on-site technical support provided by Marriott’s local luxury team.
Sustainability and market positioning
The Red Sea Edition is fully powered by solar energy, reflecting RSG’s commitment to regenerative development and carbon-neutral operations across The Red Sea destination. The resort’s design and operations were guided by a “light touch” environmental approach, prioritising renewable materials, responsible construction, and waste reduction.
According to Tony Coveney, Area General Manager for Marriott Luxury Group, The Red Sea, “Opening The Red Sea Edition represents a major milestone for the destination as it marks the launch of Shura Island, the cornerstone development of The Red Sea. We are poised to redefine luxury hospitality in the region through world-class facilities and the distinctive Edition style and sophistication in our service offering.”
Implications for the trade
For luxury travel advisors, The Red Sea Edition provides an early opportunity to position clients at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s new west coast luxury circuit. With direct air access to Red Sea International Airport and seamless transfers to Shura Island, the property combines exclusivity with accessibility.
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Read also: Shura Island opens this month
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Photos: Marriott International
