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 in any case but their beachfront terraces can’t really compete with the open-sea gazing decks of the overwater bungalows.
They do have small outdoor pools, though again not the same wow factor as the infinity pools off shore.
The Dune Villas are larger, by quite a bit, in fact. And overall, they are cheaper than the overwaters, so both of those may be factors.
Prices & Availability:
Check prices and availability at Booking.com here or at Expedia here.
Food & Drink:
It’s a very sophisticated place, and the St Regis has fine dining experiences up there with the best in Saudi.
Be warned, but not surprised maybe, that the food and drink here sure is expensive, even by high end luxury 5 star standards.
We have three signature restaurants here, all of which are as equally comfortable as indoor or outdoor dining spaces.
Nesma, overlooking the resort pool and the beach, is the main venue. It’s open all-day and offers Mediterranean/Levantine cuisine with a contemporary spin.
The food is awfully good here. There are all-inclusive meal plans available, as you’ll see on the booking page, and Neema is the venue for all three meals.
Gishiki 45 is another elegant indoor/outdoor space with an Asian, mainly Japanese, inspired menu
While their overwater venue, Tilina, then has perhaps the most sophisticated setting of the three, its food is more down to earth (and filling!) grill & steakhouse.
It’s nothing like your average steakhouse, though in terms of flavours and cuts. And they have wonderful spicy twists on the familiars.
There is no alcohol served at the resort, but you have social spaces like the St. Regis Bar and The Beach Club with a selection of mocktails, teas, coffee,s and other non alcoholic drinks.
Room service is available 24 hours a day for all food and drink via your own private butler.
Facilities & Things to Do:
The St. Regis Spa is suitably top notch, and provides massages, facials, and body treatments, with some very scenic treatment rooms.
The resort features a hair and beauty salon, sauna and additional wellness amenities that complement the spa services.
There is a top-of-the-range, high-tech fitness center at the resort too. Also with some pretty nice views out the window.
The nice views are everywhere anyway, it has to be said, including at the resort’s main swimming pool. Many people end up lounging around it as evening draws in or going for strolls along the beach,
You have water sports to die for here. Nothing motorized, of course, we’re happy to report; it’s a pristine marine environment after all.
But some amazing snorkeling, and right outside your overwater bungalow.
Add to that then kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, foiling, kite surfing, sailing, and just plain ol swimming.
Off site you also have exceptional access to world-class scuba diving and even better snorkeling sites. Get the concierge to arrange.
They have a children’s club, at the St. Regis, The Little Treasures Children’s Club, with lots of toys and games and an indoor supervised space.
Some Guest Reviews:
“Absolutely everything about this place is 5 star. The staff are amazing and create a wonderful vibe and extremely helpful and caring. The food is fantastic and the setting is like paradise. A special thank you to Reagan for looking after us during our stay. To Javed and Kaoutar for setting up our amazing beach surprise. The management and staff at the beach club and the Japanese restaurant and the breakfast club for showing their exceptional service and making us feel at home and welcome. Everyone we met was so kind and that for me makes the stay even more memorable. The best 5 star resort I’ve ever stayed and it will take a lot of effort to compete with The St Regis….”
“Our stay at St Regis Red Seas was beyond perfect! From the stunning ocean views to the pristine sandy beaches, every moment felt like paradise. The staff went above and beyond, always friendly and attentive, making sure every detail was covered. The Dune room was our favorite it spacious, beautifully decorated, and just steps from the beach, which made it easy to enjoy those morning sunrises. The food was incredible, with a variety of fresh, local options that catered to every craving. Relaxing, luxurious, and unforgettable – this resort truly deserves more than five stars!…”
See all the reviews right here
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