Saudi Arabia’s two coastlines, the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east, are largely untapped, though Vision 2030 is rapidly changing this landscape. Two key Red Sea areas have emerged as focal points for luxury tourism development, along with the coastal city of Jeddah.
NEOM is located in the north, along the far north Red Sea coast and the Gulf of Aqaba, with its first phase, Sindalah Island, opening this month.
Red Sea Global (RSG), stretching from just north of Umluj to Amaala and south to Thuwal, offers a range of luxury resorts. Thuwal is about 45 minutes by boat from Jeddah, while Umluj is several hours north by car. These developments, combined with Jeddah’s coastal offerings, provide a range of seaside luxury options.
This three-part guide will focus firstly on Sindalah Island and its new resorts, followed by detailed insights into Red Sea Global and Jeddah’s seafront luxury.
PART 1: NEOM – SINDALAH ISLAND
NEOM takes up the northern section of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, around 2 hours’ drive north of the Red Sea Global development, but also with its own airport. While many are talking about the mega-developments in NEOM such as “The Line”, the entire coast is playing host to new eco-friendly luxury resort and “mini-destination” projects that will see the light of day in coming years.
A main gateway to the Red Sea offering bespoke nautical experiences, Sindalah Island is the first part of NEOM to open to the public offering exquisite luxury seaside resorts.
It will boast exquisite facilities and exclusive offerings and is set to create 3,500 jobs for the tourism sector and hospitality and leisure services. Extending over an area of approximately 840,000 square metres, Sindalah is one of a group of islands that will be developed in NEOM, each according to its unique vision and design.
Sindalah is also expected to become a popular golfing destination by offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience a world-class 5,920 metre par 70 course. With its 18 tees, the Sindalah golf course will deliver two unique nine-hole experiences.
Sindalah, located 5 km off the mainland, will serve as a highly exclusive retreat offering luxury and seclusion. Initially, three exceptional hotels will open with 413 ultra-premium accommodations, including 88 private villas and 333 serviced apartments by world-renowned brands. These properties are designed to cater to a range of interests, from nature and wellness to art and active pursuits. Two additional high-end hotels are also slated to follow, making Sindalah a comprehensive destination for luxury travellers seeking personalised and diverse experiences.
Sindalah Island’s luxury seaside resorts
Four Seasons Resort
The Four Seasons Resort on Sindalah Island will be one of the standout properties in this exclusive destination, offering a high-end escape in the Red Sea.
This luxury seaside resort will feature 225 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each with private terraces offering panoramic views of the Red Sea. The resort will also include 52 exclusive villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, each equipped with private plunge pools and breath-taking beach views. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Presidential and Royal Villas will offer private swimming pools, gyms, and direct access to private yacht docks.
Guests will have access to a range of top-tier amenities, including fine dining options and a lavish spa, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.
While visiting this luxury seaside resort, guests can choose from four unique culinary experiences, as well as several lounges, in addition to the other dining options on Sindalah. Four Seasons will also offer an expansive spa experience with varying treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, a hammam and vitality pool. For those looking for an active getaway, guests will have access to a fitness centre, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of water activities such as water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing and more. An onsite diving centre will allow guests to explore one of the world’s most sought-after diving destinations and discover the abundant marine life and ecosystems that exist within the Red Sea.
Marriott’s Luxury Collection Hotels
Marriott’s Luxury Collection is making a bold statement on Sindalah Island with two distinct resorts that embody both opulence and local charm. These resorts will feature stunning accommodations with suites designed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Red Sea coast.
The Luxury Collection hotels in Sindalah will offer a mix of 70 luxury rooms and suites, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas all featuring private pools, and 115 one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury suites, respectively. Both properties will showcase multiple culinary experiences and leisure facilities.
The Autograph Collection luxury seaside resort in Sindalah will offer 66 rooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas, multiple dining options, a kids club, and a spa. The hotel will reflect the unique personality and story of Sindalah, creating rich immersive moments that will leave a lasting imprint for guests.
From its bespoke dining options to its thoughtfully designed leisure facilities, the Autograph Collection promises a memorable stay for guests seeking something beyond the traditional luxury hotel experience.
The future of seaside luxury in NEOM
NEOM is a giga-project of mind-boggling proportions, which will, over the coming years, reveal numerous sub-destinations along both the Red Sea and the Aqaba coastlines.
MAGNA, a key sub-destination in NEOM, is poised to redefine luxury coastal tourism in the region in the coming years. Nestled along the coast near the Gulf of Aqaba, MAGNA will feature an array of micro-destinations, each offering a unique experience within the broader vision of NEOM.
Key Micro-Sub Destinations of MAGNA:
- Coastal Retreats: Luxury seaside resorts along the untouched coastline will provide serene, nature-based escapes, with private villas, premium amenities, and a focus on sustainability and wellness.
- Adventure and Eco-Tourism: The area will offer activities such as diving, hiking, and eco-tours, allowing guests to explore the stunning Red Sea biodiversity and mountainous terrain while staying in luxury accommodations designed with a minimal environmental footprint.
- Cultural and Heritage Experiences: MAGNA will include resorts that embrace the region’s history, offering visitors immersive cultural stays and experiences in the surrounding areas.
- Marine Activities: With the stunning waters of the Red Sea at its doorstep, MAGNA’s resorts will feature world-class yachting marinas, dive centers, and other marine-based luxury experiences, offering seamless integration with the natural aquatic landscape.
- Wellness Retreats: Catering to guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, MAGNA will feature state-of-the-art wellness resorts focused on holistic therapies, spa treatments, and wellness-centered stays. These retreats will be designed to create an oasis for rest and recovery, harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.
Each of these sub-destinations within MAGNA will combine luxury with NEOM’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and technological advancement, creating a futuristic yet nature-immersive escape for high-end travellers.
… But THAT’s in the future… THIS MONTH, NEOM becomes a real destination, thanks to the grand opening of Sindalah… WATCH THIS SPACE!
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