SLS - Saudi Arabia

The Red Sea Awakens

Discover Saudi Arabia’s New Frontier of Luxury, Culture and Regenerative Travel

Donna Gilbert on 09 Oct 2025

Explore Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, from Shura Island’s overwater villas and golf course to the exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat and the wellness paradise of Amaala, where luxury meets sustainability.

Welcome to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, a destination redefining luxury travel through nature, culture and sustainability. Stretching over 1,800 kilometres of pristine coastline, this once-hidden gem is now the world’s most exciting new luxury frontier. Driven by Red Sea Global (RSG), it blends innovation, conservation and world-class hospitality in perfect harmony.

Shura Island: The Heart of the Red Sea

Opening this September, Shura Island is the crown jewel of the Red Sea. Shaped like a dolphin and surrounded by coral lagoons, it features a dazzling array of ultra-luxury resorts including SLS The Red Sea, a vibrant mix of culture and beachfront elegance, The Red Sea EDITION, with spa sanctuaries and fine dining, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, inspired by coral reef design. Soon, Four Seasons, Raffles, Rosewood, Jumeirah and Faena will join this stunning island collection.

Golf enthusiasts will love Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course with 18 championship holes designed by Brian Curley, irrigated by recycled water and certified to LEED Platinum standards. Getting there is part of the magic, whether by electric vehicle across Saudi’s longest overwater bridge or via yacht to the island’s marina. Every resort operates on 100% renewable energy, proving sustainability can be indulgent.

Thuwal Private Retreat: Exclusive Island Escape

For ultimate privacy, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a full “buy-out” island for families, couples or small groups. This 1.7-hectare sanctuary includes a main villa, guest pavilions, a beach club and a private spa. Guests enjoy curated experiences, from coral reef diving and sunrise yoga to private beachfront dining. It’s intimate, elegant and designed for total seclusion.

Amaala: The Soul of the Red Sea

Nestled within Triple Bay, Amaala is the Red Sea’s wellness and cultural hub. Designed for those seeking balance and renewal, it offers holistic treatments, yoga by the sea, and immersive art and nature experiences. The resort’s architecture mirrors the desert and coast, creating harmony between environment and design. Set to open in 2025, Amaala will redefine regenerative luxury for mindful travellers.

A Regenerative Vision

What truly sets the Red Sea apart is its commitment to regenerative tourism. Only one percent of the destination will ever be developed, with 75 percent protected for conservation. Powered entirely by solar energy, it features one of the world’s largest off-grid renewable systems.

Getting There


Access is effortless via Red Sea International Airport (RSI), with direct flights from Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah and soon Doha. Transfers include electric cars, luxury boats or scenic seaplane rides, setting the tone for an extraordinary stay.

From Shura Island’s glamour to Amaala’s serenity and Thuwal’s exclusivity, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea is rewriting the definition of luxury travel. It’s not just a destination, it’s a vision of the future — sustainable, soulful and spectacular.