The St. Regis Red Sea Resort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed guests to its pristine white-sand shores earlier this year, boasting five stunning dining options. From this pristine private island, guests will uncover a profusion of culinary experiences uniquely crafted to bring international acclaim to the visionary destination of Ummahat Island.
Combining barefoot luxury and the ease of island life with exemplary dining, guests can expect an array of exquisite restaurants and experiences, each with individual concepts. From speciality fine dining and casual all-day cuisine to signature rituals, local flavours and personalised menus, there are a wealth of choices.
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, and this translates into every aspect of the property, including the cuisine. Each dining experience has been carefully curated, from stunning alcohol-free cocktails intricately crafted by esteemed St. Regis mixologists to nourishing dishes created with local ingredients.
Rituals
Each hotel and resort in the St. Regis portfolio crafts its own unique, locally inspired interpretation of the brand’s signature cocktail, the Bloody Mary. As an innate part of the St. Regis’ timeless rituals, the locally inspired ‘Coral Mary’ encapsulates the flavours and scents of this glamorous hideaway in the Red Sea. The alcohol-free cocktail is infused with sumac, turmeric and spirulina algae and served in custom-designed glassware by Saudi fashion designer Qormuz.
As day transitions to night, the beguiling ‘violet hour’ descends, and guests are invited to celebrate with the traditional art of sabrage. Dating back to the battles of Napoleon Bonaparte, who famously opened champagne with his sabre in both victory and defeat, the art of sabrage is the signature ceremony of the St. Regis Evening Rituals series. At The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, the cherished tradition continues with bottles of a sophisticated alcohol-free sparkling wine, French Bloom.
Restaurants
Nesma, serving Middle Eastern cuisine made from local ingredients, delivers inventive and fresh Arabian flavours to the table. Airy, bright interiors merge effortlessly with the shoreside aspect, creating a supremely relaxing dining experience. Fresh and unique Levantine flavours are served throughout the day, highlighting the very best of the destination with dishes like Lamb Hawawshi, Harissa Baked Cauliflower and Pistachio Mulahbia.
Tilina, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort’s exclusive fine-dining sanctuary, is an elegant ‘reef-top’ overwater restaurant. Poised above the waves, it presents guests with a culinary voyage through the Haute Cuisine Degustation Menu.
Elevating the art of dining, the menus showcase the finest local and international produce, featuring dishes skillfully prepared and artfully presented. Choose from the Shade of Sands or Depth of the Sea menus, curated by Chef Thomas Colette, whose bold and harmonious cooking blends modern ingredients with classical techniques, allowing the true essence of each dish to shine.
Gishiki 45 presents a fusion of beach resort and Asian aesthetics, marked by an origami-inspired ceiling that adds a dynamic element to the venue. Gishiki 45 brings the art of Japanese showmanship to The Red Sea, where ancestral customs take centre stage with live cooking. Time-honoured rituals define the ambience, where a menu of local seafood and fresh produce from Japan, including Kobe Beef Gyoza, wasabi and Crispy Hotate, satiate every palate.
The St. Regis Bar, adjacent to Gishiki 45, immerses guests in an underwater experience with its striking hand-painted mural, depicting a shimmery abstract underwater scene based on the legend of Blue Hole.
For something more refined, the Bar offers an experience for the senses, serving Kobe Beef Sandwich, Hamachi Tataki and Chocolate Decadence, an inventive drinks menu, and an astonishing backdrop.
The highlight is the celebrated ‘Coral Mary’, served alongside the experimental and delicious Root of Spice and Tales by the Fire alcohol-free cocktails.
The Beach Club at St. Regis is a laid-back setting for poolside fresh light bites and mocktails, with blue and white deck chairs and sun loungers reflecting the colours of the sea and sky. Guests can relax at the waterfront sanctuary, where the globally inspired menu includes Salmon Poke and Crispy Baby Calamari to satisfy daytime cravings.
Private Dining
For those looking for a more intimate experience, there is a selection of private dining options, including in-villa dining, where the resort’s chefs are on hand to craft bespoke menus for any occasion, to secluded beach locations, where guests will savour tantalising dishes while admiring sandy white beaches and the turquoise sea.
Guests can also charter a boat and glide across the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, enjoying a tailored-made picnic filled with luxurious delicacies that the St. Regis’ talented chefs have skillfully crafted.
The rates start from $1300 (5000 SAR) per night. To book a visit, head to www.marriott.com.