The first guests are expected to discover the ultra-luxury destination in Saudi Arabia as early as next year. On a pristine 28,000 square kilometer area, it combines luxury and sustainability. The Red Sea Development Company is responsible for the project. Once completed, 50 hotels with up to 8,000 rooms and suites await guests. 

The diversity above and below the water must be preserved for future generations. © The Red Sea Development Company

Great goals

The Red Sea project is being built on an archipelago consisting of more than 90 previously untouched islands. Their vegetation ranges from extinct volcanoes to desert dunes and mountain gorges. Three quarters of them remain untouched, while nine islands have been designated as nature reserves. The entire area is operated entirely with renewable energy. This makes The Red Sea the largest network-independent destination in the world.

The Shebarah Hotel is to offer ultra-luxury with only 73 units. Guests will want for nothing at the state-of-the-art retreat. © The Red Sea Development Company

The company also wants to take its responsibility to future generations seriously in other areas. Carbon dioxide emissions, waste as well as light and noise pollution are reduced to a minimum. What is perhaps the world's most sustainable tourism project also keeps wastewater to a level that is otherwise only found in marine protected areas. "Our goal is to set new international standards and best practices in regenerative tourism and sustainable development," said Loredana Pettinati, senior travel trade director for The Red Sea Development Company.

Going one step further

In every stage of the development process, nature conservation is in the foreground. "We made a conscious decision to limit the number of annual visitors to one million," Pettinati says. This is to preserve the ecosystem. Selected hotel partners also ensure new standards in the luxury travel segment.

InterContinental will also welcome its first guests to the newly developed destination in 2023. © The Red Sea Development Company

Leading global brands will set up branches on the archipelago. These include Jumeirah, Six Senses, EDITION, St. Regis, Fairmont, Raffles, SLS, Grand Hyatt and InterContinental. In addition to the high-quality hotel offering, guests will also experience nature in its purest form. In addition, The Red Sea will be attractive to outdoor adventurers, wellness seekers and culture enthusiasts. They can all experience the region's legendary hospitality up close.

Tee off on the beach

Of course, guests will also find numerous entertainment and leisure facilities on the islands. They can play on several 18-hole golf courses, head for luxurious marinas, or relax at AMAALA, one of the company's other projects. Here, guests will find customized wellness offers. These range from fitness and nutrition to beauty, self-care and prevention.

According to the plans, the Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will offer a colorful getaway. © The Red Sea Development Company

AMAALA meets 15 criteria for sustainability. These range from the use of a solar energy farm to recycling and waste management. With 3,000 hotel rooms and private accommodations, the destination will welcome guests year-round. Boutiques and upscale dining complement the spa and recreation facilities. The Red Sea and AMAALA can be reached via their own airport, which is currently still under construction.

Read More: theredsea.sa