The pristine shores of Shura Island, the main hub of The Red Sea destination, are rapidly transforming into a beacon of global luxury and regenerative tourism as the first wave of world-class resorts makes its debut.

This landmark development recently saw the opening of the highly anticipated The Red Sea Edition and will soon welcome the SLS The Red Sea and the InterContinental The Red Sea Resort before the year’s end.

This initial launch phase not only unveils a stunning new destination but also solidifies Shura Island’s status as a premier global hub, complete with the recently inaugurated Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course, with an eventual collection of 11 world-class resorts and an exclusive residential community to follow in the coming months. These resorts – all of which will open across the next few months – include Faena; Fairmont; Four Seasons; Grand Hyatt; Jumeirah; Miraval; Raffles; and Rosewood.

Once complete, Shura Island will be home to a collection of world-class resorts, marinas, entertainment, dining and leisure facilities.

The island is also the setting for a collection of exclusive homes. The first properties available to buy on the island were announced earlier this year and will be ready for handover at the end of 2025. Residents will have access to all of the island’s entertainments, as well as its pristine beaches and azure waters, while also offering seamless access to the wider destination and iconic resorts.

This extraordinary location is part of an archipelago of 90 untouched islands, fringed by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef and home to flourishing coral gardens, crystalline lagoons, and thriving marine life.

The Red Sea Edition, the first resort to open at Shura Island.

RED SEA EDITION

The second Edition in the country following the debut of the brand in Jeddah last year, The Red Sea Edition redefines the codes of traditional luxury, while unlocking the wonders of The Red Sea.

Nestled along a kilometre of private beachfront with sweeping, uninterrupted views across The Red Sea’s turquoise waters and the lush greenery of Shura Links, The Red Sea Edition represents an exceptional collaboration between Marriott International, Edition Hotels and Red Sea Global (RSG), the pioneering developer committed to shaping the future of travel through a regenerative approach balancing ecological protection and enhancement with world-class guest experiences.

RSG’s vision underpins every detail of the resort, from its 100 per cent solar-powered infrastructure to its integration within one of the world’s most ecologically ambitious hospitality projects.

Upon arrival at the Red Sea International Airport, guests are whisked away on a scenic desert drive leading to Saudi Arabia’s longest internal bridge that links the mainland to Shura Island. At the end of a palm-lined driveway, the hotel unfolds as a series of low stone and wooden pavilions perched on white sand beachfront.

The property is deeply rooted in the Edition brand’s sense of refined simplicity and style. It showcases 240 elegantly designed guest rooms, including 53 one- and two-bedroom suites, outdoor pools, a spa and gym, as well as lounges, sea- and pool-front dining, and signature restaurants.

The Red Sea Edition extends the brand’s blend of energy and     sophistication to a corner of the world where few have ventured and is set to become the social nexus of Shura Island. As with all Edition properties, the lobby area serves as the beating heart with floor-to-ceiling windows and wide, open doors inviting the sea’s breeze to flow freely.

The arrival pavilion is sculpted from warm rammed earth and natural oak designed to reflect the rugged majesty of canyon walls found in Saudi’s deserts. The edges are softened by delicate textiles, lush greenery, and a striking ceramic chandelier that hangs like a fragment of stone, suspended effortlessly in mid-air.

Throughout the resort, each pavilion and space has been thoughtfully conceived by Rockwell Group, the renowned architecture and design firm known for crafting immersive, narrative-driven hospitality environments around the world. At The Red Sea Edition, the design philosophy finds new expression where architecture and landscape are in constant dialogue between rock, sand, and sea. Earth walls, coral stone floors, natural oak, and soft textiles form a palette that echoes canyons, coral reefs, and wind-worn dunes. Each pavilion features custom rooftops shaped to resemble coral formations, while indoor-outdoor transitions frame views of the Red Sea or the island’s lush golf course.

The Red Sea Edition introduces a new chapter in destination dining with a bold culinary programme inspired by global traditions, local influences, and a wellness forward approach. Each venue is conceived as a sensorial escape, offering more than food and drink but a place to socialise with live performances and gatherings.

Shura island will offer a collection of exclusive homes, the first of which will be ready for handover at the end of 2025.

INTERCONTINENTAL THE RED SEA RESORT

InterContinental The Red Sea Resort is set to redefine contemporary luxury with 210 rooms and suites that offer views of the Red Sea and surrounding landscapes.

 The resort’s design, crafted by Foster + Partners and Kristina Zanic Consultants, blends minimalist elegance with a deep connection to nature, encouraging exploration, reflection, and reconnection.

The resort features curved facades and open, fluid interiors that echo the surrounding landscape and architecture, while natural textures are paired with handcrafted details for warmth and authenticity.

 Curated artworks by celebrated Saudi creatives are woven throughout the resort, paying tribute to the kingdom’s artistic legacy.

The resort also offers activities such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, and sailing, as well as snorkelling and diving excursions beneath the crystal-clear sea.

Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool or along the pristine beach, while the holistic wellness offer includes SPA InterContinental, combining modern therapies and traditional treatments, complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness centre and peaceful relaxation areas.

 Planet Trekkers Club, the signature kids’ club, sparks creativity and curiosity through immersive island-inspired activities.

Meetings and events facilities span 180 sq m of indoor function space and more than 240 sq m of scenic outdoor areas.

 SLS THE RED SEA

A bold blend of natural beauty and signature SLS flair, SLS The Red Sea features 150 luxurious rooms, suites and villas, including beachfront and overwater options, with curated cultural, wellness, and leisure experiences.

Offering a luxurious blend of theatrical design, upscale dining, and vibrant energy, this resort will feature five dining options, a lively pool scene, a luxurious spa and fitness centre, outdoor cinema, and clubs for children and teenagers, all nestled along a pristine white-sand beach.

InterContinental The Red Sea Resort is set to redefine contemporary luxury with 210 rooms and suites.

 The resort’s design emphasises both luxury and playfulness, appealing to guests with its extravagant aesthetic and distinctive features, such as the reimagined SLS duck by Saudi artist Heba Ismail.

 Dining at SLS The Red Sea includes signature restaurants like London’s Seabird, known for its seafood and coastal dining vibes, alongside new concepts such as Floating World, which combines Japanese culinary traditions with theatrical elements.

For relaxation, the Ciel Spa boasts six treatment rooms, an indoor water circuit, and an outdoor hydro pool.

SHURA LINKS

Shura Links, designed by renowned golf course architect Brian Curley and managed by Golf Saudi, is a par-72, 7,400-yard course that offers a distinct coastal links experience that celebrates the island’s natural topography.

SLS The Red Sea features 150 luxurious rooms, suites and villas, with curated cultural, wellness, and leisure experiences.

Curley says: “From the onset, Shura Links was designed to blend seamlessly with its natural, brilliant white, sand dunes surroundings, while delivering a one-of-a-kind golf experience. It’s a course built to challenge seasoned pros from the tournament tees, yet the ‘find your ball’ theme is also inviting for those trying golf for the first time. With Shura Links opening its doors, golfers from around the world can experience its unique character and world-class design.”

Eighteen holes wind through native mangroves and sweeping dunes before drifting along the Red Sea shoreline in typical links fashion. The course was designed for minimal environmental interference, reflecting RSG’s regenerative tourism values.

“The opening of Shura Links is a landmark achievement in the kingdom’s pursuit of global leadership in sports and tourism,” says Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi. ”It reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores PIF’s commitment to unlocking new sectors that diversify our economy and elevate quality of life. Situated at the heart of The Red Sea, Shura Links is more than a world-class golf course – it is a powerful realisation of how this unique destination can be transformed into an engine for investment, luxury tourism, and sustainable opportunities for future generations.”

A vibrant focal point for golfers and visitors alike, the beachfront clubhouse serves as the heart of social life at Shura Links. Inspired by native flora and fauna, the clubhouse offers panoramic views across the 18th green and features elevated dining, retail, and relaxation areas designed to enhance the visitor experience. The clubhouse offers an elevated dining experience indoors, on the terrace, or by the pool.

“Shura Links sets a new benchmark for the game of golf in the region. It’s more than just a course – it’s a place to connect, challenge yourself, and experience the full beauty of The Red Sea,” says John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “This is another proud milestone in our mission to reshape global tourism through sustainability and design, and a significant step in building Red Sea Global’s diverse sports portfolio, aligning perfectly with Vision 2030’s goal of establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier global sporting destination.”

Featuring a family-friendly adventure putting course adjacent to the clubhouse, suitable for all ages and skill levels, the facility uses premium Callaway practice balls, mirroring professional tours. The expansive grass practice range includes a putting green and fully grassed short game area.