Why We Like It:
Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, opened in May 2024 as the third super-luxury resort to welcome guests to the Saudi Arabian Red Sea’s Ummahat Islands.
Inspired by the word Nujum, meaning ‘stars’ in Arabic, it is also the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the broader region, and one of only seven worldwide.
It’s a special place, then and the location sure is special too; on its own private island in the same Ummahat Archipelago as the St. Regis Red Sea, the first resort in the area.
The design, the work of British firm Foster + Partners, is incredibly impressive, particularly their enormous overwater bungalows, of course.
It’s broadly minimalist, with clean lines, graceful curves, and sandy hues that blend beautifully into this unique desert and coastal environment.
You have some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world right at your doorstep here.
Only very recently opened up to tourism, it is one of the world’s most pristine marine environments.
Tourism is a tricky business in such an environment, but Nujuma, along with the other Ummahat resorts, has made guarantees for its preservation.
Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation:
You have a choice of one and two-bedroom bungalows here, both overwater and on the beach.
They are all broadly similar in style, spaciousness (and yup, they sure are big!), and features, but with a small premium being charged for ones that face the sunset.
Connected to the shore by an elevated ring walkway, the overwater villas really feel far out to sea.
You’ll spend most of your time on deck, we imagine, which has a large private pool, lounging furniture, and direct access to the fish teeming waters below.
There, you have pretty much full privacy and panoramic views over the sea.
And, with so little light pollution around, the sky at night is a very impressive show. Each villa, both overwater and onshore, has the services of a dedicated personal host.
Najm and Najma Guides they call them, and they might be seen as a mix of a concierge, a guide and a butler.
Their main job though, is to arrange experiences, such as educational nature tours with the resident naturalist and conservationist.
Prices & Availability:
Check prices and availability at Booking.com here or at Expedia here.
Food & Drink:
You have four excellent restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton with dress codes and atmospheres ranging from laid-back casual to fine dining formal.
Sita is the main venue, the place for the all-inclusive deal meals, and acts as both a French-style patisserie and a traditional clay oven type Levantine restaurant.
It does a range of familiar international fare too; the choice is broad and the food is great. You can also join traditional Saudi cooking classes here.
The Jamaa is a laid-back alfresco lounge spot that gets the sea breeze and has a selection of light, fresh fare, drinks and shisha.
Tabrah is a terrific seafood restaurant, with all of it caught locally and prepared in hearty, traditional ways.
Maia then is a cool (non alcoholic) lounge bar open until 1 am with a good range of mocktails and other alcohol free concoctions.
Facilities & Things to Do:
You have two pools here; one adults-only, plus one ‘family pool’. The sea is very inviting to swim in too of course though the waters are very shallow close to the beach.
The Neyrah Spa is a beautifully designed and just beautiful space, relaxing just to set foot in it. It does a nice range of massage, healing and beauty treatments.
The adjacent fitness club then showcases some state-of-the-art equipment and is open 24 hours. Even if you have never dived before, the Red Sea Ritz-Carlton might just be the place to start.
The coral reefs and marine life here are among the world’s most amazing. The resort’s Galaxea Diving Center is the place to start for diving excursions.
And you can enjoy as much kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and snorkeling as you wish right off shore.
There is a fun kids’ club at the Ritz that leans more than most into educational activities.
Here, children can explore traditional crafts, native fauna, flora, and marine life through interactive lessons, as well as, just plain fun, movie nights, and such.
Some Guest Feedback:
“Absolutely everything! From the arrival with a warm welcome. All the staff in Nujuma are very attentive and ready to attend to your concerns and needs. In addition to being a spectacular hotel, there is a great human quality in its workers. The delicious food. It was an unforgettable experience.…” “Exceptional. Such a great place with exceptional service….”
See all the reviews right here
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