The St. Regis Red Sea Resort Debuts in Saudi Arabia

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort has officially opened in Saudi Arabia. Located on Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort is the first private island to open in the Red Sea on the west coast of the country.

Designed by architect Kengo Kuma with interiors by Kristina Zanic Consultants, the resort is accessed by chartered boat or seaplane from the newly opened Red Sea International Airport. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort has 90 beachfront and overwater villas, comprising one- to four-bedroom accommodations, each with a private pool, sundeck and outdoor shower. What can you expect? The Dune Villas reflect the shape of desert sand formations, while, set overwater and connected by elevated walkways, the Coral Villas take the form of shells and offer direct access to the sea from each deck. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sea views and flood the living spaces, bedrooms and bathrooms with natural light. 

The resort offers two signature restaurants. Gishiki 45 has a Japanese-inspired menu and a light and contemporary space, while Tilina is a “reeftop” overwater grill serving prime cuts infused with local spices and ingredients. Additionally, Nesma offers a Levantine-inspired menu throughout the day and overlooks the pool and beach, while the Beach Club serves light dishes and refreshments to the resort’s two outdoor pools and beach lined with cabanas. Guests can also unwind at The St. Regis Bar.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort One Bedroom Dune Villa Living room

The St. Regis Spa houses eight treatment rooms with gazebos and outdoor baths, private treatment cabins, and male and female grooming salons. Signature treatments include a 24-karat Gold facial, and a series of wellness offerings incorporating yoga and meditation. Other facilities include a gym, an outdoor lap pool and vitality pool, paddle and tennis courts and the Little Treasures Children’s Club, to name a few.

Guests will be able to snorkel among coral reefs and embark on scuba diving expeditions to nearby wrecks and discovery sites. The island’s clear blue water can also be enjoyed by an array of water sports, including stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. Excursions to the mainland via a short trip by chartered boat will offer guests the opportunity to explore dormant volcanoes, heritage sites and desert dunes.

Pretty cool: The island resort is powered by 100 percent renewable energy generated by solar power and one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities located on the mainland. Emphasis on waste reduction and recycling is at the core of daily operations to deliver advanced water treatment and comprehensive waste management solutions, and a plastic-free environment. The resort’s interiors have been developed under LEED platinum certification guidelines.

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