The Red Sea, a luxury tourism destination situated on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, has announced the opening of its third resort, Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve. Inspired by the word Nujum, meaning ‘stars’ in Arabic, Nujuma invites travellers to embark on an unchartered journey to one of the world’s most secluded and protected archipelagos.
“No other destination offers desert landscapes connected directly to picturesque marine environments at the scale and beauty of The Red Sea. Guests arriving at Nujuma will be among the first to explore this one-of-a-kind, diverse and culturally rich region,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global, the developer of The Red Sea.
“Our guests can start the day with a sunrise hike through mountains and canyons, followed by lunch on a pristine, island and an afternoon of relaxing spa treatments. In the evening, they can unwind under our magnificent dark skies and hear stories of ancient pilgrims and traders who once walked these shores, guided by these same stars,” added Pagano.
Designed by Foster and Partners, Nujuma’s sweeping shell-inspired architecture and elegant interiors are crafted with natural materials imbued with calming sea and sand tones, and geometric patterns reminiscent of the region’s design motifs. Arabic artifacts, traditional ceramics, woven Saudi patterned rugs and intricate wall hangings celebrating local craftsmanship flow through the canopied interiors. Lush landscaping of indigenous plants elegantly frames the pathways between the pavilioned spaces and villas.
The island’s shores are fringed by rich mangroves, known to be one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and within this lush habitat visitors can spot a variety of sea birds, marine invertebrates and halavi guitarfish. Beyond the turquoise waters, guests can discover the beauty of the coastal mainland through guided trails across majestic desert dunes.
Jenni Benzaquen, SVP and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts said, “Nujuma is the seventh Reserve to join a collection of rare estates worldwide and invites travelers to embark on a journey of exploration where every encounter reveals a deeper connection to the destination. I cannot wait for guests to discover this luxurious private sanctuary for a truly transformative experience.”
Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane, Nujuma features 63 overwater and beach villas, offering one-to-three-bedroom accommodation, spacious living areas and private pools overlooking the sea. Guests can marvel at the limitless starry night skies from the comfort of their villa through telescopes positioned on each deck.
Perched above the cerulean-blue sea and connected by an elevated ring walkway, the overwater villas offer panoramic views and direct access to the sea. Nestled on undisturbed soft white sand, the beach villas are secluded retreats flooded with natural light and the sea’s refreshing breeze. Each villa enjoys the services of a dedicated personal host, who will take care of every detail and guide guests through all the enriching experiences this destination has to offer.
The Red Sea is carefully designed to cater to affluent travelers, from honeymooners and adventure seekers to wellness enthusiasts, families, and more. The destination is at the forefront of the global transition towards regenerative tourism – going beyond sustainability to have a regenerative impact on the environment, society, and the economy.
This includes being off-grid, powered by sunlight day and night, made possible by 760,000 solar panels and one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities at 1,300 MWh. More than five million plants, shrubs and trees have been grown to not only beautify the destination, but also create new thriving habitats, as well as an additional three million mangrove seedlings against an ambitious target of 50 million by 2030.
“The Red Sea is a truly extraordinary destination, made all the more remarkable because we have chosen to develop and operate it with regeneration at the core. This means by visiting The Red Sea, our guests are playing an active role in protecting and enhancing the destination when they choose us,” said Pagano.
Last year, The Red Sea welcomed its first guests with Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, followed by The St Regis Red Sea Resort. The Red Sea International Airport (RSI) has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023 and international flights began in April 2024, marking the start of a new twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai.
Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.