There are trips that, when you tell them, make you feel a kind of privilege. And the one to the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia is one of them. Yes, because, at this moment, there is no cooler journey than a trip to the Saudi Red Sea. And I’ll explain why.
The Saudi Red Sea
For a few years now, Saudi Arabia has been one of the most talked-about destinations. In fact, it is the destination with the fastest-growing tourism in the world in recent years. In particular, the coast along the Red Sea is the one that, right now, is considered the most exclusive of all. Footballers who have moved to the Arab country vacation there, celebrities and VIPs go there, but above all, the world’s top architects and the biggest groups in the hospitality industry have opened the most beautiful, design-driven, and exclusive resorts that exist.
With 1,800 kilometers of pristine coastline, virgin islands, and a multitude of new resorts racing to outdo each other in incredibleness, this destination is ideal for the world’s most discerning travelers. In addition to Oscar-worthy architecture and peerless hospitality, the Saudi Red Sea offers resorts never seen before and thousand-and-one-night services that turn the area into a luxury playground. Suspended above a lagoon on Shebara Island, the Shebara Resort is unique in the world. Its 38 globe-shaped villas made of stainless steel, some floating on the water and others along the shore, shine like pearls on turquoise seas.
There will be only 63 shell-shaped villas at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nujuma, the chain’s first in the Middle East. Each villa has its own private pool and a butler. But the most exclusive feature is the resort’s Conservation House, where the marine biologists of Galaxea lead coral restoration projects and reef explorations. Evenings become private stargazing sessions, turning the resort into a true natural sanctuary.
Fully powered by solar energy, the resort embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regenerative tourism. Guests have direct access to one of the region’s most pristine coral ecosystems, with diving and snorkeling. By day, the coral reef comes alive with extraordinary multicolored marine life, while the resort’s spa offers unprecedented treatments, such as the Moonlight Massage made with oils enriched with meteorite powder.
On the Ummahat Islands, the St. Regis Red Sea Resort is one of the top addresses of this luxury destination. Its 90 villas, both on the water and along the beach, are complemented by the legendary St. Regis butler service. Guests can dive directly into the reefs, indulge in wellness journeys inspired by Arab traditions, or explore the coast with paddleboarding and sailing experiences.
The beating heart of The Red Sea is Shura Island, a highly representative island of this pioneering tourist destination. Those spending their holidays here will surely enjoy top-tier hospitality. The project, designed by the renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners, which also handled the design of the new Saudi airport, is known worldwide for having designed, among other things, Apple’s glass cubes.
On the island, the first three resorts were born (eleven more will follow): The Red Sea Edition, SLS The Red Sea, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort. Ultra-luxury hotels. The Edition is located along a kilometer of private beach with a view of the Red Sea. The rooms and suites are crafted from coral stone, oak, and sand-toned hues that echo the island’s colors.
The SLS The Red Sea, which opens in December 2025, occupies a central position in the heart of the island. Only 150 rooms, suites, and villas, including 15 exclusive villas with private pools, designed to guarantee maximum privacy. Five restaurants, from Japanese to Italian, plus a pool and an outdoor cinema.
The InterContinental is a classic from a brand that has existed for over 75 years. The 210 rooms and suites range from tranquil seaside oases to family-friendly spaces with two bedrooms. By early 2026, the island will welcome openings from Four Seasons, Fairmont, Grand Hyatt, Raffles, Rosewood, Jumeirah, Faena, and Miraval.
Luxurious Leisure
In the meantime, the kingdom has opened its first championship-grade golf course, Shura Links, nestled between the dunes and the coast. Moreover, beyond the five-star hotels, a marina is nearing completion. Shura Marina will have 118 berths for as many superyachts but also for exploring the Red Sea, where sailing excursions, diving—Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea hosts over 500 dive sites, many of which have remained pristine for centuries—and cruises through the archipelago will be offered.
And, as in every true luxury destination, there is a shopping promenade with the world’s top fashion brands. The Village is a long avenue dedicated to exclusive boutiques and leisure, with restaurants and pop-up stores. There are dream wedding venues and spaces for corporate conventions.
Shura Island is also a family-friendly destination (provided that children are often entrusted to nannies). Families can take advantage of Athletic Kids and the Beach Club, and a diving center dedicated to the little ones.
New Airport and New Flights
Red Sea International Airport (RSI) welcomes direct flights from Milan Malpensa as well as from other Saudi cities like Riyadh and Jeddah or from the Middle East, such as Dubai and Doha. Recently, the first flight from Italy of the beOnd airline, a carrier that offers only Business Class seats, has taken off and it has just received approval to operate domestic flights within the country, in light of the Vision 2023 goals that Saudi Arabia has set and which foresee the arrival of 150 million visitors. The airline operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays and, in five hours, takes passengers from Milan to the Saudi Red Sea.
