Six Red Sea private-island resorts, accessed exclusively by seaplane, built above coral reefs that have never been commercially dived. Maldives-quality villas, with far fewer guests.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea opened to international guests in 2023, and has rapidly become the world's most concentrated cluster of new overwater villa resorts. Six properties now sit across pristine archipelagos: Nujuma, St. Regis Red Sea, Shebara, Red Sea EDITION, InterContinental, and Fairmont. All accessed only by seaplane. All built above coral that has never seen commercial dive boats.
The villa quality matches the Maldives at its best. The reef quality, in 2026, exceeds it. And, uniquely, these can be combined with AlUla's desert villas on a single trip.
The most exclusive
63 villas on a private island within a 2,500-island marine reserve. Saudi Arabia's first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a tier above standard Ritz-Carlton, with personal Kaimana hosts and the most pristine coral access in the archipelago.
The most comprehensive
90 overwater and beach villas with glass-floor plunge pools above pristine coral. The signature St. Regis butler programme delivered at the highest level. Multiple dining venues, private snorkelling, and the widest villa selection in the Red Sea.
The most distinctive design
Coral-inspired architecture with 75 overwater chalets shaped by the geometry of Red Sea reefs. Solar-powered, sustainably designed, and architecturally unlike anything else on the coast. Direct snorkelling from your villa deck.
Forbes #1 new hotel 2025
Forbes named the Red Sea EDITION the world's #1 new hotel of 2025. Ian Schrager's design philosophy applied to overwater villas, theatrical lobby spaces, distinctive culinary programme, and effortless service. The most design-forward Red Sea property.
Architectural landmark
Designed by Foster + Partners and LEED Platinum certified. 178 rooms and 32 suites face pristine reefs, with five distinct dining venues including a Miami-inspired beach club. Sets a global benchmark for sustainable luxury.
Classic luxury
Fairmont's signature classical luxury delivered on a private island setting. Generous overwater villas, multiple pools, dedicated spa pavilion, and the brand's consistent service standard, a more traditional Red Sea luxury experience.
Yes, Saudi Arabia's Red Sea now has six overwater villa resorts: Nujuma (a Ritz-Carlton Reserve), St. Regis Red Sea, Shebara Resort, the Red Sea EDITION, InterContinental Red Sea, and Fairmont Red Sea. All opened between 2023 and 2025, accessible only by seaplane from KAEC or Jeddah, and built above coral reefs that have never been commercially dived.
In 2026, Saudi Arabia's Red Sea has a genuine advantage in coral health and exclusivity. The reefs have never been commercially exploited, visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres, and guest density is far lower than the Maldives. The villa quality at Nujuma and St. Regis is at parity with the Maldives' top properties (Soneva Jani, One&Only Reethi Rah). The Red Sea offers the unique advantage of being combinable with AlUla on one trip.
Nujuma is the most exclusive (private island, 63 villas, Ritz-Carlton Reserve service). St. Regis Red Sea is the most comprehensive (90 villas, butler service, multiple restaurants). The Red Sea EDITION won Forbes #1 new hotel 2025 for design. The right answer depends on your priorities: exclusivity (Nujuma), comprehensive resort (St. Regis), design (EDITION), or sustainability (Shebara, InterContinental).
Entry-level rates: Shebara from $900/night, Fairmont from $1,000, InterContinental from $1,100, St. Regis from $1,200, EDITION from $1,400, Nujuma from $1,800. Premium villa categories (private island, ocean penthouse) add $500–$2,000+ per night. Peak season (December–February) carries 30–60% premiums.
All overwater villa resorts on the Red Sea are accessed exclusively by seaplane from King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) airport or from Jeddah. There are no roads to these islands. The seaplane transfer takes 20–45 minutes and provides extraordinary aerial views of the archipelago.
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