Guide to Luxury Resorts in the Red Sea and AMAALA
Updated: 1 day ago
The Red Sea is the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destination. Rapidly emerging as a leading luxury travel destination in Saudi Arabia, The Reds Sea offering a collection of world-class hotels and resorts surrounded by pristine waters, untouched islands, and spectacular natural landscapes.
Key Facts:
28,000km² total area including more than 90 islands
18 hotels in total with 3,000 keys
70 flights a week to Red Sea International Airport (RSI)
760,000 solar panels powering entire destination
Just next to the Red Sea coast nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast, AMAALA is created to be a luxury wellness and lifestyle destination designed to nurture mind, body, and planet.
Key Facts:
4,200km² Total area of AMAALA along Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast
9 hotels in total with 1,600 keys
100% renewable - the destination is fully powered by renewable energy
Where is Red Sea and AMAALA?
Located along the western coast of Saudi Arabia, stretching across a spectacular landscape of turquoise waters, untouched islands, desert dunes, and rugged mountains. The destination includes more than 90 islands, including the Ummahat Islands, Shura Island, and Shebara Island, surrounded by some of the region's most pristine coral reefs and marine environments. Its waters are among the warmest and saltiest on Earth, supporting more than 1,200 fish species and 400 types of coral — roughly one in ten found nowhere else. For centuries, it has drawn divers and marine researchers more than mainstream travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Red Sea
What is "the Red Sea" as a travel destination?
It refers to a large-scale tourism development along Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, led by developer Red Sea Global. Spread across more than 90 islands, dormant volcanoes and desert coastline, it's being built as a self-contained luxury destination with its own airport, rather than a single resort or resort town.
What is AMAALA, and how is it different from the Red Sea?
AMAALA is a separate, adjoining destination further up the coast, where the Hijaz Mountains meet the sea. Where the wider Red Sea destination is built around diving, marine life and island resorts, AMAALA is positioned specifically around wellness and coastal lifestyle. Its first phase includes nine resorts and more than 1,600 rooms, with operators such as Six Senses, Rosewood, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and the wellness specialist Clinique La Prairie.
Is the Red Sea a diving destination or a beach destination?
Both. The reefs here are among the least disturbed in the world, with more than 1,200 fish species and around 400 coral species, so diving and snorkelling are a major draw. Resorts are equally designed for guests who want beach time and wellness facilities as much as time in the water.
How do you get to the Red Sea or AMAALA?
The Red Sea's own airport, Red Sea International (RSI) has direct flights currently run from
Jeddah and Riyadh via Saudia (roughly 1 hr 15 min and 1 hr 55 min)
Dubai via Emirates (about 2 hr 40 min)
Doha via Qatar Airways (about 2 hr 40 min)
Etihad adds a direct Abu Dhabi route from October 2026 (just over 3 hours)
Boutique carrier BeOnd is due to launch longer-haul flights from Malé, Milan, Paris, London and Moscow from December 2026.
AMAALA, further up the coast, is served by its own nearby airport, AlWajh (EJH), which reopened in June 2026 specifically as AMAALA's gateway and sits just 45 minutes away by road or 20 minutes by seaplane. Guests can also fly into Red Sea International and transfer by road instead, around 1 hr 45 min.
From either airport, resorts handle the final leg: seaplane transfers direct to island properties such as The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma and Shebara; chauffeured electric vehicles (Lucid or Mercedes-Benz) for individual guests, with vans and coaches for larger groups; and speedboats or private yachts for resorts reached by water.
What is the best time to visit the Red Sea?
The best time to visit the Red Sea is generally between October and April, when temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor and water-based activities. The destination remains open year-round, with warmer conditions from May to September and excellent underwater visibility for marine activities.
How do you get to the Red Sea?
The main gateway is Red Sea International Airport (RSI), with flights from major Saudi cities and selected international destinations. Depending on the resort, guests can continue their journey by road, luxury yacht, or seaplane.
What can you do in the Red Sea?
The Red Sea offers a wide range of experiences, from diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding to hiking, adventure activities, wellness, and cultural experiences. Its extensive coral reefs and marine ecosystems make it particularly appealing for travelers interested in exploring the underwater world.
Is the Red Sea suitable for a luxury holiday?
Yes. The destination has been developed around high-end hospitality, with a growing collection of luxury resorts offering beachfront and overwater accommodation, wellness experiences, fine dining, and access to pristine natural surroundings.
Is the Red Sea suitable for families?
Yes. Several resorts offer spacious villas, children's facilities, and family-friendly marine and outdoor activities.
Best Luxury Resorts in The Red Sea
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global is opening 16 luxury resorts across more than 90 largely untouched islands by the end of 2026, and the names attached to them read like a shortlist of the industry's best: Four Seasons, Six Senses, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Rosewood and St. Regis, spread across new destinations such as AMAALA and Sindalah.
Click here to jump to the resort:
Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve
Located on the secluded Ummahat Islands in the Red Sea, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is an exclusive island retreat surrounded by pristine turquoise waters and untouched natural beauty. As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the region, the resort offers and intimate approach to luxury, combining exceptional privacy with a deep connection to the Red Sea's marine environment and Saudi heritage
The resort features 65 beach and overwater villas, each designed to maximise views of the surrounding sea. Guests can enjoy private pools, direct access to the water, personalised service, and a range of experiences including diving, snorkelling, water sports, wellness, and stargazing.
How to get to Nujuma:
25-minute scenic seaplane flight from the Red Sea International Airport
40-minute luxury electric yacht drive
For those seeking a secluded island escape, Nujuma combines private overwater and beach villas with private pools, uninterrupted Red Sea views and immersive marine experiences.
Learn more about Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in our full write-up here.
Rosewood AMAALA
A secluded wellness retreat between the Tabuk Mountains and the Red Sea, Rosewood AMAALA is a secluded coastal retreat centred around wellness, Arabian culture, and the natural landscape. The resort offers 110 private pool villas designed for indoor-outdoor living with expansive views of the sea and surrounding mountains. At its heart is Asaya, Rosewood's holistic wellness concept, offering personalised treatments, hammam rituals, movement experiences, and restorative programmes.
Guest can also explore the Red Sea's coral reefs, hike through the Hijaz Mountains, or enjoy the daily Sukūn Hour, a sunset ritual inspired by stillness and reflection. the resort's combination of privacy, wellness, and connection to Saudi culture offers a more restorative take on a Red Sea escape.
How to get to Rosewood AMAALA:
45-minute drive from Al Wajh International Airport (EJH)
Two-hour drive from Red Sea International Airport (RSI)
All transportation within AMAALA is arranged through Red Sea Global Mobility, and an access gate pass is required for arrival.
Choose Rosewood AMAALA for a wellness-led Red Sea retreat, combining private pool villas with immersive Asaya programmes, Arabian-inspired rituals and easy access to both the coast and Hijaz Mountains.
St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Bringing the signature elegance of St. Regist to a private island in the Ummahat archipelago, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort combines the brand's signature elegance with the pristine beauty of the Red Sea. Designed by reowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the resort features 90 beachfront and overwaterr villas, each with a private pool and generous outdoor spaces. Its organic architecture takes inspiration from the island's dunes, waves, and coral reefs.
Guests can enjoy direct access to white-sand beached and vibrant marine life, with experiences ranging from diving and snorkelling to sailing and water sports. Signature St. Regis rituals, including Butler Service and the evening sabering ceremony, add a refined touch to the island experience.
How to get to St. Regis Red Sea Resort:
From Red Sea International Airport, the resort is located 22 kilometers offshore on Ummahat Island and requires a final water or air transfer arranged through the resort:
Seaplane: Take a scenic 25-minute amphibious seaplane flight (operated via Fly Red Sea) straight to the island.
Speedboat: Enjoy a 45-minute luxury speedboat transfer from the mainland marine hub.
A natural choice for travellers who value refined island living, The St. Regis combines Kengo Kuma-designed beachfront and overwater villas with private pools, signature service and direct access to the Red Sea.
Red Sea EDITION
On Shura Island, The Red Sea EDITION offers a contemporary take on island luxury, combining the EDITION brand's design-led approach with the natural beauty of the Red Sea. The resort features 240 rooms and 53 suites overlooking the sea or Shura Links golf course, with select suites offering private pools and spacious outdoor areas.
Beyond the resort, guests can explore Shura Island's marina, dining and leisure experiences, including Shura Links, Saudi Arabia's first island golf course. With its combination of contemporary design, social spaces, and easy access to the wider destination, The Red Sea EDITION offers a more connected and vibrant alternative to the Red Sea's secluded island retreats.
How to get to Red Sea EDITION:
Approximately 25-minute drive from Red Sea International Airport (RSI)
Access to Shura Island via Saudi Arabia’s longest over-water bridge
Choose The Red Sea EDITION for a contemporary, design-led stay with a lively social atmosphere and convenient access to Shura Island’s marina, restaurants and golf course.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay
At the heart of Triple Bay, Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA brings the brand's renowned service to a dramatic setting between the Tabuk Mountains and the Red Sea. The resort features 202 rooms, suites, and villas, all designed around the surrounding landscape, with personalised wellness experiences forming a central part of the stay.
At HYLIAA Wellness & Spa, guests can follow tailored programmes focused on movement, nutrition, relaxation, and wellbeing. Beyond wellness, the surrounding mountains and coastline offer opportunities for hiking, stargazing, beach activities, and marine exploration, making the resort well suited to travellers seeking a balance of restoration and adventure.
How to get to Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay:
Approximately 50-minute drive from Al Wajh International Airport (EJH)
Around 1 hour 45-minute drive from Red Sea International Airport (RSI)
Best suited to wellness-focused travellers, Four Seasons AMAALA centres the stay around personalised HYLIAA programmes, complemented by dramatic mountain-and-sea surroundings and outdoor and cultural experiences.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island
A secluded island retreat on the eastern tip of Shura Island, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea offers a secluded island retreat surrounded by pristine beaches, dunes, and the Red Sea. The resort features 149 rooms and suites and 31 residences, with architecture inspired by the ancient desert trade routes of Saudi Arabia.
The surrounding waters provide opportunities for diving, snorkelling, and marine discovery, while guests can also enjoy exclusive access to Shura Links, Saudi Arabia's first island golf course. From coral restoration and stargazing to watersports and desert-inspired experiences, the resort offers a distinctive combination of luxury, nature, and adventure.
How to get to Fours Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island:
Approximately 25-minute drive from Red Sea International Airport (RSI)
Access to Shura Island via Saudi Arabia’s longest over-water bridge
Choose Four Seasons Resort Red Sea at Shura Island for an active beachfront escape with marine discovery, watersports, outdoor adventures and access to Shura Links golf course.
Six Senses Southern Dunes
Away from the coastline and deep among the Khuff dunes, Six Senses Southern Dunes offers a different perspective on the Red Sea, trading the traditional beachfront escape for an immersive desert retreat. Inspired by Saudi Arabia's Nabataean heritage, the resort features 40 private pools villas and 36 rooms and suites surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes.
Guest can experience the region through desert hikes, stargazing, artisan workshop, and locally in inspired culinary experiences, while the Six Senses Spa focuses on holistic wellness. The combination of Saudi heritage, desert adventure, and secluded luxury makes Southern Dunes an ideal choice for travellers looking to explore a side of the Red Sea beyond its coastline.
How to get to Six Senses Southern Dunes:
Approximately 45-minute drive from Red Sea International Airport (RSI)
Around one-hour drive from Al Wajh International Airport (EJH)
Choose Six Senses Southern Dunes for a desert retreat featuring private pool villas, Nabataean-inspired architecture, immersive Saudi cultural experiences and outdoor adventures beyond the Red Sea coastline.
Six Senses AMAALA
Blending into the landscape of desert cliffs, mangroves and the Red Sea, Six Senses AMAALA is a nature-focused retreat inspired by traditional Saudi coastal villages. The resort features 100 suites and villas, alongside 25 branded residences, with architecture designed to blend into the surrounding landscape.
Wellness is central to the experience, extending from holistic treatments to longevity programmes and personalised wellbeing journeys. Guests can also explore the surrounding coral reefs, discover the desert after dark, or simply unwind beside the lagoon, making Six Senses AMAALA an appealing choice for those seeking a slower, deeply restorative Red Sea escape.
How to get to Six Senses AMAALA:
Approximately 45-minute drive from Al Wajh International Airport (EJH)
Private transfers can be arranged directly through the resort
Choose Six Senses AMAALA for a restorative coastal retreat combining holistic wellness and longevity programmes, village-inspired suites and villas, mangrove lagoons and access to pristine Red Sea coral reefs.
Through Foray Travels’ established network of preferred luxury hotel partnerships and invitation-only affiliations, travelers can enjoy VIP recognition and elevated benefits at many of the Red Sea’s most exceptional resorts.
As a Forbes Travel Guide Endorsed Agency and member of the Virtuoso network, Foray Travels provides access to preferred partner privileges that may include complimentary daily breakfast, hotel credits, room upgrades, welcome amenities, and flexible check-in and check-out.
From Rosewood AMAALA and the Four Seasons resorts at AMAALA and Shura Island to Nujuma, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, The Red Sea EDITION, and Six Senses, our concierge team can advise on the preferred partner program, eligible rates, and benefits available for each stay:
