Two new hotels – Six Senses Southern Dunes and the St Regis Red Sea Resort – are now open for bookings to welcome the first guests at The Red Sea destination, when the pioneering luxury regenerative tourism destination in Saudi Arabia opens its doors to the public shortly.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and Amaala, has already welcomed its first guests – comprising a delegation of Saudi ministers and visionary leaders – to the destination last month.The visit concluded with an overnight stay at Six Senses Southern Dunes, the first hotel to open at The Red Sea destination.

The developer last month signed a key  agreement which will see a Four Seasons Resort to open at the destination in early 2025. Under the deal, RSG has formed a joint venture with Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), a Saudi-headquartered global investment company, to develop and own the Four Seasons Resort Red Sea, Saudi Arabia at on Shura Island,

RSG also unveiled last month its Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive, buy-out only island destination which is set to welcome guests next year.

Upon full completion in 2030, The Red Sea 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. 

Six Senses Southern Dunes ... designed to be a desert paradise.

Six Senses Southern Dunes

Six Senses Southern Dunes, managed by Six Senses – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts –  is described as a desert paradise where the beauty and rich heritage of the region is meticulously woven into the design.

Surrounded by majestic volcanic craters and vast mountain ranges, this intriguing resort showcases the region’s rich culinary culture, artistic expression, and symbolic connection to the Red Sea and tells a story inspired by the rich Nabataean heritage.

Six Senses Southern Dunes is a secluded oasis nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the kingdom. The architecture embodies considered design, with the exterior of the villas reflecting the tonal colours and soft lines of its environment through their undulating, double-layered roofs. Taking inspiration from traditional Bedouin design, the villas not only marry beautifully with the desert but also protect guests from the sometimes-harsh environment, while offering breathtaking views.

Inside the villas, which range in size from one- to four-bedroom units, there is a harmonious blend of creativity and heritage. Each room is meticulously designed to emulate the juxtaposition of the undulating dunes and rugged rocks, a contrast that reflects the delicate overlap of modern features and traditional aesthetics seen throughout the resort.

The décor makes use of intricate patterns and captivating Sadu weaves, sprinkling culture and charm across every space. The muted tones, mixed with delicate touches of colour and expressive art, create a considered balance of energy and calm.

St Regis Red Sea Resort

St Regis Red Sea Resort, which is now open for bookings to welcome guests before the end of the year, is located on the pristine Ummahat Island, and is accessed from the coast of Saudi Arabia via chartered boat or seaplane.

St Regis Red Sea Resort ... designed by Kengo Kuma.

A rich environment for leisure time, the resort offers a collection of 90 overwater and beachfront villas, each with spacious footprint and private pool. Creating an atmosphere of immersive experiences, St Regis Red Sea Resort includes an outdoor pool, high-tech fitness centre, signature spa and a kids club. Exceptional fine dining is served at three restaurants, each with a unique concept. 

The spectacular natural setting and rich cultural history of the region has shaped the design of the St Regis Red Sea Resort, with materials inspired by the elements of the pristine island being used throughout. Designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the hotel’s roofs are curved to create a harmonious relationship with the ground, while the island villas emulate the surrounding sand dunes. Similarly, the overwater ‘coral villas’ have a spiralled form that provides 360-degree views of the stunning turquoise sea.