Best Overwater Bungalows with Private Butler in Saudi Arabia for 2026

Why We Like It: Saudi Arabia has recently made huge strides in opening up to foreign tourism and this, the St. Regis Red Sea, which opened fairly in early 2024, is another example of such ambition. It is a high end luxury resort, as you would expect from Marriott’s St Regis line, and it is located on an absolutely gorgeous private island the Saudis call Ummahat. It has access to some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs and marine ecosystems, something both the tourism authorities and Marriott are, by all reports, keen to see be preserved and prosper. It’s all new for this part of the Red Sea so we hope this is exactly what happens. Accommodation is a simple choice between beach and overwater, with some having an extra premium for a sunset view. Standards of luxury are the same across the board, so there are no great price differences or bargain entry-level suites to be snagged. It’s a 5 Star resort and the whole places reeks of opulence and the service, and the food and drink is of the highest caliber (no alcohol available though!) You also have plenty of fun, and relaxing activities to choose from, including some jaw dropping scuba diving and very opulent spa facilities. Getting here is done very much in style from Red Sea International Airport. Contact the resort before you go to arrange. You have a choice between a 25-minute seaplane direct from the airport or a short trip in a luxury car to the airport marina for a 30-minute speedboat ride. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Their overwater bungalows, which they term Coral Villas, are nothing short of stunning. They have, for overwater bungalows, a fairly unusual, round, seashell-inspired design, plus floor to ceiling windows that make them feel extra open and spacious. The interior design is on point. Luxury of course, but nothing ostentatious. The outside decks are particularly inviting too, and neatly arranged to ensure privacy and open sea views. All are practically identical except some command a relatively reasonable extra premium for a sunset view. Well, I say reasonable, but if you go for the sunset view, you’ll have to forgo the sunrise view, which the others get for free 🙂 And a sunrise or a sunset over the Red Sea are both pretty special, it has to be said. You have direct access to the sea below for swimming and snorkeling. The waters are teeming with life and ridiculously clear. All the overwaters bungalows also have infinity pools on the deck. Back on land, there is the beach accommodation, what they call their Dune Villas. These are awfully luxurious and spacious too, maybe more so, internally Deep Dive: Read the Review…