Raffles Hotels & Resorts has officially announced the debut of its highly anticipated property, Raffles The Red Sea, marking the brand’s very first resort along the Kingdom’s iconic Red Sea coast. Nestled seamlessly between a tranquil inland lagoon and the open expanse of the sea on the northwestern shores of Shura Island, the new luxury destination embraces the delicate contours of its surrounding marine environment. The resort offers guests an entirely fresh perspective on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning coastal tourism sector, masterfully blending striking contemporary architecture, destination-led culinary concepts, restorative wellness practices, and the intuitive, highly personalized service that has defined the Raffles legacy for nearly 140 years.
The opening represents a pivotal milestone for the hospitality group as it expands its footprint within the Kingdom. Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the significance of introducing the brand to such a biologically diverse and ecologically pristine setting.
"The opening of Raffles The Red Sea marks an exciting new chapter for Raffles in Saudi Arabia," said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts. "Set within one of the world’s most remarkable marine environments, the resort brings the distinctive character of Raffles to a new and compelling destination in the Kingdom. From highly personalised service, delivered through the intuitive care of our butlers, to the comfort and privacy of residential-style accommodations, every element is designed to create a stay that is both inspiring and unmistakably Raffles. As we continue to expand across Saudi Arabia, this opening reflects our ambition to create exceptional hospitality experiences in extraordinary destinations, building on the legacy of legendary service and enchanted glamour that have defined Raffles for nearly 140 years."
Architecture and Design Rooted in the Coral Bloom Masterplan
Raffles The Red Sea forms an integral part of the renowned Coral Bloom masterplan, conceived by world-leading architecture and design practice Foster + Partners. The visionary masterplan was specifically developed to enhance and protect Shura Island’s natural state, ensuring that the human footprint respects and elevates the surrounding ecosystem. Consequently, the resort has been thoughtfully designed around a profoundly close relationship with the surrounding water.
Light-filled interiors, rich layered textures, and calming coastal tones work in harmony to draw the magnificent landscape indoors. Expansive glass facades, open-air terraces, meandering pathways, and meticulously landscaped gardens seamlessly connect guests to the outdoors, constantly guiding the eye toward the shimmering turquoise waters of the lagoon and the deep blue horizon of the open sea.
Intimate Accommodations and Legendary Butler Service
The resort features an intimate and carefully curated collection of accommodations designed to give couples, families, and multigenerational groups ample room to experience the island at their own individual pace. Comprising 121 guestrooms, 14 suites, and 33 private pool villas, the resort balances grand architectural scale with a strong sense of residential privacy and comfort.
Guestrooms open directly onto private terraces offering sweeping views of either the tranquil lagoon or the vast open sea. Meanwhile, the suites offer generous indoor-outdoor living arrangements, featuring expansive outdoor terraces oriented directly toward the surrounding marine vistas. Upholding a foundational pillar of the brand’s identity, guests across every room category, suite, and private villa will enjoy Raffles’ legendary Butler Service, designed to anticipate every individual need and curate unexpected moments of magic throughout their stay.
Holistic Wellness and Future Enhancements
While the complete resort experience will unfurl in subsequent phases, guests currently have access to a robust array of physical and recreational amenities. The comprehensive Raffles Spa & Wellness center and the dedicated adults’ pool are scheduled to be unveiled in a future phase of development. When complete, the spa will serve as a sanctuary for pause and rejuvenation, housing seven specialized treatment rooms, a traditional hammam, dedicated sauna and steam facilities, a vitality pool, and an expansive outdoor lap pool. For those desiring absolute privacy, in-room and private wellness rituals will also be made available.
In the meantime, active guests can maintain their fitness routines at the fully equipped resort gym, engage in high-energy padel matches, or embark on various water sports excursions across the coastal waters. Additional amenities, including dedicated children’s and teens’ centres designed to offer age-specific opportunities for exploration, play, and creative engagement, will also open at a later stage to further enrich the family travel experience.
Cultural Immersion and Living Heritage
Connection to the destination extends far beyond the physical architecture, anchored by immersive cultural programming overseen by a dedicated Raffles Curator. Through thoughtfully curated encounters with local art, literature, traditional storytelling, and regional craftsmanship, guests are invited to explore the rich living culture and heritage of the Red Sea region.
Serving as the social and cultural heart of these experiences, The Curator’s Room provides an intimate, sophisticated setting for gatherings, celebrations, and meaningful cultural exchange among travelers.
Charles Saliba, Managing Director of Raffles The Red Sea and Fairmont The Red Sea, emphasized the philosophy guiding the guest experience on the island.
"Our aim is to give guests the freedom to find their own rhythm on the island," said Charles Saliba, Managing Director, Raffles The Red Sea and Fairmont The Red Sea. "A day might begin on the water, move into the spa, end over dinner by the sea, or unfold more quietly through art, storytelling and time together. The experience is designed to feel personal, unhurried, and connected to the place."
Exploring Shura Island and Regenerative Tourism
Beyond the boundaries of the resort, Shura Island offers an extensive array of activities and leisure pursuits designed to satisfy diverse traveler interests. Guests can spend a pristine morning playing a round at Shura Links, which stands as Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course. Alternatively, visitors can explore the vibrant marina, discover the offerings of Marina Village with its curated selection of dining and retail venues, or venture out onto the coast through WAMA water sports and Galaxea diving and marine discovery centers. For those preferring land-based adventures, Akun provides thrilling excursions across the landscape, while the island’s secluded beaches invite a slower, more contemplative pace.
The entire destination operates under a visionary regenerative tourism framework, ensuring that the development works in close, sustainable harmony with the island’s sensitive natural environment. Demonstrating a profound commitment to environmental stewardship, Shura Island is powered entirely by renewable energy. Upon arrival at the Red Sea International Airport, guests make the seamless transition to the island via electric vehicle, crossing the scenic 3.3-kilometre Shura bridge to reach the resort.
