Destination developer Red Sea Global has revealed plans to operate its own luxury hotel brand in Saudi Arabia, opening in 2024.
Located on Sheybarah Island in the thriving Al Wajh Lagoon, the Shebara resort will feature a spectacular 30 to 40-meter reef drop-off close to the beach providing the ultimate spot for exploring ocean life.
It will feature 73 keys, including overwater and beach villas and guests arrive either by a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland or 20 minutes by seaplane.
The southern approach reveals the first stainless steel villas on the horizon, representing a string of pearls, with a stunning reception building at the centre, forming the ‘pendant’.
This incredible arrival point was carefully positioned within a natural break in the coral reef, providing a dramatic seascape that demonstrates a broader commitment to sustainability.
There will be both a family pool, and an adult-only pool, which includes ‘lily pad’ seating terraces with panoramic views of the breathtaking sunset.
Guests can choose from two speciality restaurants, and the resort also includes a spa and fitness centre set among the island’s sand dunes.
The furthermost island is available to book exclusively, with a dedicated jetty for private yacht mooring.
The island includes a four-bedroom villa, plus three one-bedroom villas, as well as a private beach and barbecue area.
Developed by Killa Design, the entire design of the resort focuses on reflections of nature.
Each space has been designed to flow with its environment, with the stainless steel villas reflecting the colours and surface patterns of the ocean and the intense colors of the sky as they change throughout the day.
The overwater orbs are cantilevered over the water, which creates an effect of a string of pearls levitating above the water.
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, said: “It has long been our mission to extend our pioneering approach to regenerative tourism across a wider portfolio of brands and subsidiary companies, to create an ecosystem that will drive meaningful change in the global tourism industry.
Shebara is a beacon for all that RSG stands for, showcasing the very best in Saudi hospitality while setting new standards in responsible development and sustainable operations,” said
Shebara joins a roster of internationally renowned hospitality brands operating at The Red Sea, including St. Regis and Ritz Carlton Reserve, as well as Six Senses, which is receiving guests as of this month.
Shaun Killa, Design Director and Founder of Killa Design, said: “Shebara is a wonderful example of what is possible when creating beautiful yet meaningful design.
“It demonstrates how innovative architecture can gracefully flow into nature, with pods that reflect and refract light from the sun, the sky and the sea to naturally blend with the environment.
“From the eco-materials chosen to the lunar positioning of the villas, our priority has been to honour the natural beauty that exists here, while creating a resort that embodies modern luxury.”
Development of Shebara is currently underway, with all 38 stainless steel overwater villas now in place.
As with the whole of The Red Sea development, Shebara will be powered by sunlight, day and night with its own dedicated solar farm.
Last month The Red Sea welcomed its first guests, with two of its hotels open for bookings and the Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of flights since September.
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.
