Saudi Arabia’s Red
Sea to cater to affluent visitors
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the first of its kind in the
Middle East, has officially opened its doors on Ummahat Island in the serene
waters of The Red Sea. This private island retreat is part of the stunning Blue
Hole cluster, known for its pristine coral reefs and breathtaking night skies.
Inspired by the Arabic word "nujum," meaning 'stars,' Nujuma invites
travelers to experience one of the world's most secluded and protected
archipelagos.
“No other destination offers desert landscapes directly
connected 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 unique,
diverse, and culturally rich region,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea
Global, the developer of The Red Sea project.
“Our guests can start the day with a sunrise hike through
mountains and canyons, enjoy lunch on a pristine, secluded island, and relax
with afternoon spa treatments. In the evening, they can unwind under our
magnificent dark skies and hear stories of ancient pilgrims and traders guided
by these same stars,” he added.
Read More Red
Sea Global anticipates unveiling of 11 opulent hotels on Shura Island
Designed by Foster and Partners, Nujuma’s architecture
features sweeping, shell-inspired designs and elegant interiors crafted from
natural materials in calming sea and sand tones. The interiors showcase
geometric patterns inspired by regional design motifs, along with Arabic
artifacts, traditional ceramics, woven Saudi patterned rugs, and intricate wall
hangings celebrating local craftsmanship. The lush landscaping of indigenous
plants beautifully frames the pathways between the pavilions and villas.
The island’s rich mangrove fringes, one of the world's most
productive ecosystems, are home to a variety of sea birds, marine
invertebrates, and halavi guitarfish. Beyond the turquoise waters, guided
trails across majestic desert dunes allow guests to explore the coastal
mainland's natural beauty.
Jenni Benzaquen, SVP and Global Brand Leader for The
Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, said, “Nujuma is the seventh
Reserve to join our collection of rare estates worldwide. It invites travelers
to embark on a journey of exploration where every encounter reveals a deeper
connection to the destination. I am excited for guests to discover this
luxurious private sanctuary for a truly transformative experience.”
Read More Red
Sea Global venturing into hotel management
Accessible by chartered boat or seaplane, Nujuma features 63
overwater and beach villas, offering one- to three-bedroom accommodations,
spacious living areas, and private pools overlooking the sea. Guests can marvel
at the starry night skies from their villa decks, equipped with telescopes.
The overwater villas, perched above the cerulean sea and
connected by an elevated ring walkway, offer panoramic views and direct sea
access. The beach villas, nestled on undisturbed white sands, are flooded with
natural light and refreshing sea breezes. Each villa comes with the services of
a dedicated personal host to cater to every detail and guide guests through
enriching experiences.
“With the launch of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the
region, we are inviting the world to discover The Red Sea destination,” said
Tony Coveney, General Manager of Nujuma. “Nujuma is a pinnacle of luxury,
discovery, and sustainability, offering guests a transformative journey set
within Ummahat Island’s natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming guests to
an unforgettable exploration of the destination, where every moment is infused
with wonder and connection.”
The Red Sea is designed to cater to affluent travelers, from
honeymooners and adventure seekers to wellness enthusiasts and families. It is
at the forefront of the global shift towards regenerative tourism, aiming to
positively impact the environment, society, and the economy.
Read More CEO
of Red Sea Global highlights key features of the project
This includes being entirely off-grid, powered by solar
energy, with 760,000 solar panels and one of the world's largest battery
storage facilities at 1,300 MWh. Over five million plants, shrubs, and trees
have been cultivated to beautify the destination and create thriving habitats,
along with an ambitious goal to plant 50 million mangrove seedlings by 2030.
“The Red Sea is extraordinary because we have chosen to
develop and operate it with regeneration at the core. By visiting The Red Sea,
our guests are actively participating in protecting and enhancing the
destination,” added Pagano.
Last year, The Red Sea welcomed its first guests with the
opening of Six Senses Southern Dunes, followed by The St. Regis Red Sea Resort.
The Red Sea International Airport (RSI) has been handling domestic flights
since September 2023 and international flights began in April 2024, including a
new twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai.
Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will feature
50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential
properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. It will also include luxury
marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.
Source: https://traveltradejournal.com/
0 Comments