Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve opens its doors at The Red Sea 

The Red Sea, a luxury tourism destination situated on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, has  recently announced the opening of its third resort, Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve. Inspired  by the word Nujum, meaning ‘stars’ in Arabic, Nujuma invites travellers to embark on an  unchartered journey to one of the world’s most secluded and protected archipelagos. 

“No other destination offers desert landscapes connected directly 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 one-of-a-kind, diverse and culturally rich region,” said John  Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global, the developer of The Red Sea. 

“Our guests can start the day with a sunrise hike through mountains and canyons, followed  by lunch on a pristine, secluded island and an afternoon of relaxing spa treatments. In the  evening, they can unwind under our magnificent dark skies and hear stories of ancient  pilgrims and traders who once walked these shores, guided by these same stars.” 

Designed by Foster and Partners, Nujuma’s sweeping shell-inspired architecture and  elegant interiors are crafted with natural materials imbued with calming sea and sand tones,  and geometric patterns reminiscent of the region’s design motifs. Arabic artifacts,  traditional ceramics, woven Saudi patterned rugs and intricate wall hangings celebrating  local craftmanship flow through the canopied interiors. Lush landscaping of indigenous  plants elegantly frames the pathways between the pavilioned spaces and villas. 

The island’s shores are fringed by rich mangroves, known to be one of the most productive  ecosystems in the world, and within this lush habitat visitors can spot a variety of sea birds,  marine invertebrates and halavi guitarfish. Beyond the turquoise waters, guests can  discover the beauty of the coastal mainland through guided trails across majestic desert  dunes.  

Jenni Benzaquen, SVP and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis Hotels  & Resorts, said:“Nujuma is the seventh Reserve to join a collection of rare estates worldwide  and invites travellers to embark on a journey of exploration where every encounter reveals  a deeper connection to the destination. I cannot wait for guests to discover this luxurious  private sanctuary for a truly transformative experience.” 

Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane, Nujuma features 63 overwater and beach villas,  offering one-to-three-bedroom accommodation, spacious living areas and private pools 

overlooking the sea. Guests can marvel at the limitless starry night skies from the comfort  of their villa through telescopes positioned on each deck. 

Perched above the cerulean-blue sea and connected by an elevated ring walkway, the  overwater villas offer panoramic views and direct access to the sea. Nestled on undisturbed  soft white sand, the beach villas are secluded retreats flooded with natural light and the  sea’s refreshing breeze. Each villa enjoys the services of a dedicated personal host, who will  take care of every detail and guide guests through all the enriching experiences this  destination has to offer.  

The Red Sea is carefully designed to cater to affluent travellers, from honeymooners and adventure seekers to wellness enthusiasts, families, and more. The destination is at the forefront of the global transition towards regenerative tourism – going beyond  sustainability to have a regenerative impact on the environment, society, and the  economy. 

This includes being off-grid, powered by sunlight day and night, made possible by  760,000 solar panels and one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities at 1,300  MWh. More than five million plants, shrubs and trees have been grown to not only  beautify the destination, but also create new thriving habitats, as well as an additional  three million mangrove seedlings against an ambitious target of 50 million by 2030. 

“The Red Sea is a truly extraordinary destination, made all the more remarkable because  we have chosen to develop and operate it with regeneration at the core. This means by  visiting The Red Sea, our guests are playing an active role in protecting and enhancing the  destination when they choose us,” added Pagano. 

Last year, The Red Sea welcomed its first guests with Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red  Sea, followed by The St Regis Red Sea Resort. The Red Sea International Airport (RSI) has  been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023 and  international flights began in April 2024, marking the start of a new twice-weekly route  between The Red Sea and Dubai. 

Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000  hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland  sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and  leisure facilities.