St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has announced today that the St. Regis Red Sea Resort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially opened. The property is the first private island to grace the alluring waters of The Red Sea, a luxurious regenerative tourism hotspot along the nation’s western coastline.
Nestled on the unspoiled Ummahat Island within the enchanting Al Wajh Lagoon, this unique resort combines cutting-edge architectural design, sustainable elements, and tailor-made service to create an unparalleled destination experience.
Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane from the newly opened Red Sea International Airport, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort features 90 lavishly appointed beachfront and overwater villas, offering one-to-four-bedroom accommodation, each with a private pool, sundeck and outdoor shower.
Accommodation
The villas of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort have been designed with indoor and outdoor living in mind, harmoniously inviting the natural beauty of the surroundings within their spacious interior.
From dawn to dusk, guests will be treated to breathtaking panoramic sea views that stretch as far as the eye can see. With the whispering melodies of swaying palm trees as a backdrop, the private decks of each villa provide a tranquil sanctuary for stargazing and peaceful contemplation during the night.
Renowned architect Kengo Kuma, in collaboration with the team at Kristina Zanic Consultants, has crafted a design aesthetic that pays homage to the captivating marine ecosystems of coral reefs, the vibrancy of marine life, and the timeless allure of sand dunes found in the vicinity.
The interior spaces of the resort boast organic elements and furnishings, which are characterised by gentle curves and captivating spiral forms, immersing guests in an environment that echoes the natural wonders that surround them.
Fabrics are natural and tactile, with a desert-inspired colour palette imbued with blue and green tones found in the local biodiversity. The contemporary interiors have been accented with numerous bespoke elements, including custom furniture, marble and woodwork.
Nestled on an undisturbed white sand beach with expansive vistas over the azure water, the Dune Villas reflect the shape of sweeping desert sand formations.
Overwater and connected by elevated walkways, the Coral Villas take the form of shells and offer direct access to the sea from each deck. Each villa has been designed and thoughtfully curated, resulting in a private place to unwind and experience the high levels of comfort synonymous with the St. Regis brand.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame picturesque sea views and flood the living spaces, bedrooms and bathrooms with natural light. The legendary St. Regis Butler Service, a hallmark of the brand for more than a century, ensures that each guest’s individual preferences are anticipated at every turn.
Dining
Guests can embark on an extraordinary culinary journey at the resort’s five distinctive dining venues. Each offers the pleasure of alfresco beachside dining, where the sun-kissed shores serve as the backdrop to unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
To help support the local community, the resort sources produce from nearby farms and skilled fishermen, ensuring that the freshest ingredients grace every plate.
Gishiki 45 features an enticing Japanese-inspired menu in a light and contemporary space, while Tilina is a sophisticated ‘reeftop’ overwater grill serving prime cuts infused with local spices and ingredients.
Nesma offers a Levantine-inspired menu throughout the day and overlooks the glistening pool and peaceful beach.
The Beach Club serves light dishes and refreshments to the resort’s two outdoor pools and beach lined with plush cabanas.
The iconic St. Regis Bar, inspired by The St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar, presents a “Coral Mary” mocktail, a local take on the brand’s signature Bloody Mary infused with sumac, turmeric and spirulina algae, served in custom-designed glassware by Saudi fashion designer, Qormuz.
The space features an expansive mural portraying the enchanting folklore story of the nearby Blue Hole, a large natural marine cavern adjacent to the resort.
Wellness
The St. Regis Spa is an enclave of serenity, with eight treatment rooms with gazebos and outdoor baths, private treatment cabins, and male and female grooming salons.
Signature treatments include a 24kt Gold facial, a Gold and Caviar ritual to nourish and rejuvenate the body, and a series of immersive wellness journeys incorporating yoga and meditation, all performed with AMRA products.
The resort boasts a range of fitness and wellness offerings, including a fully equipped gym, outdoor lap pool, vitality pool, paddle and tennis courts, sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, personal training, and nutritional consultations.
Families are catered to through the Family Traditions program, with the vibrant Little Treasures Children’s Club and a spacious outdoor adventure area designed to captivate and entertain young guests.
Working with the local Ecosystem and a focus on Sustainability
Located within the captivating expanse of the Red Sea, Ummahat Island is a haven rich in wildlife, pristine marine ecosystems, and natural wonders.
Guests can partake in snorkelling adventures amidst well-preserved coral reefs, as well as embark on awe-inspiring scuba diving expeditions to discover nearby wrecks and fascinating sites.
The alluring crystal-clear waters of the island provide the perfect playground for an array of thrilling water sports, including stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
For those seeking to venture beyond the island, chartered boat excursions to the mainland open doors to explore dormant volcanoes, heritage sites, and the vast, sweeping desert dunes.
The resort pays close attention to sustainability and utilises innovative technology throughout its development. It operates on one hundred per cent renewable energy derived from solar power, which is supported by a massive battery storage facility on the mainland.
Environmental stewardship is central to daily operations, with a focus on waste reduction, recycling, advanced water treatment, and comprehensive waste management systems that foster a plastic-free environment.
The resort’s interiors are developed in line with LEED platinum certification guidelines, ensuring healthy, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly buildings that optimise carbon footprint and indoor environmental quality.
Marine conservation is an important aspect of this resort, evidenced by a newly established mangrove nursery with one million seedlings already planted, with the aim of growing 50 million mangroves by 2030.
In addition, the resort actively contributes to greening the region through its involvement in the largest landscape nursery in the area, which has successfully cultivated over five million plants, shrubs, and trees.
The above underscores the resort’s commitment to marine conservation, ecological sustainability, and the broader vision of creating diverse opportunities for the Saudi Arabian community.
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands. The starting rate is from $1866 (7000 SAR) per night. To book, visit www.marriott.com.
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