THE ST. REGIS RED SEA RESORT SET TO BE THE FIRST ISLAND DESTINATION TO OPEN IN THE RED SEA, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

St. Regis Hotels and Resorts is set to unveil The St. Regis Red Sea Resort in the new year. Situated on the pristine Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort will be the first private island from which global luminaries will be able to discover The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s luxury regenerative tourism destinations on the west coast of the country.

The Red Sea is surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system and spans over 28,000 square kilometres with an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands. Ummahat Island is fringed by abundant wildlife, marine ecosystems and natural marvels. Guests will be able to snorkel amongst preserved coral reefs, obtain PADI certifications, and embark on scuba diving expeditions to nearby wrecks and discovery sites, including the Blue Hole, a large natural marine cavern adjacent to the resort. The island’s crystal-clear, vivid blue water can also be enjoyed by an array of water sports, including stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. Excursions to the mainland via a short trip by chartered boat will offer guests the opportunity to explore dormant volcanoes, heritage sites and sweeping desert dunes.

“The Red Sea is an exciting new destination for global travellers to immerse themselves in an undiscovered part of the world,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “As a gateway to the untapped wonders of the Red Sea, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is a new glamorous island address that captures the sophistication of the St. Regis brand and its legacy of exquisite experiences.”

Central to the destination’s mission of preserving its precious natural surroundings and enhancing key habitats that enable biodiversity to flourish are a number of projects and collaborations with key partners like the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and UK marine robotics company VAARST, whose SubSLAM® technology is hard at work capturing 3D images of the thriving coral across the entire Al Wajh Lagoon. Earlier this year, a mangrove nursery opened on the coast to support the growth of 50 million mangroves by 2030, with the first one million seedlings already planted. This is in addition to The Red Sea being home to the largest landscape nursery in the region which has grown more than five million plants, shrubs and trees to green the destination. These partnerships underpin the resort’s commitment to marine conservation and ecological sustainability and aligns with the broader vision of creating diverse opportunities for young Saudi Arabian talent.

Harnessing innovative technology to create a sustainable destination began at the early stages of the resort’s development. The island resort will be powered by one hundred percent renewable energy generated by solar power and one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities situated on the mainland. Emphasis on waste reduction and recycling will be at the heart of daily operations to deliver advanced water treatment and comprehensive waste management solutions, and a plastic-free environment. As a result of the destination-wide commitment to preserving the region’s dark skies, The Red Sea is set to become the largest certified Dark Sky Reserve in the world.

Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane, after arriving at the newly opened Red Sea International Airport (RSI), The St. Regis Red Sea Resort will feature a collection of 90 spacious beachfront and overwater villas, offering elegant one-to-four-bedroom accommodation, each with a private pool and sundeck. Every stay will be enhanced by the renowned St. Regis Butler service and a curated selection of signature rituals. The resort’s interiors have been developed in accordance with LEED platinum certification guidelines. The certification creates healthy, highly efficient, cost-saving green buildings that improve environmental performance from carbon footprint to indoor environmental quality.

In addition, the resort will feature five restaurants offering unique culinary concepts and will serve produce sourced from local farms and fishermen, two outdoor pools, a high-tech fitness centre, a signature spa and children’s club.

“As the first island resort scheduled to open in The Red Sea, we are pioneering a new era of sustainable luxury in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Tony Coveney, Multi-Property General Manager. “From the resort’s avant-garde architecture and bespoke service to eco-conscious initiatives and specially curated adventures, we are introducing a new escape to the extraordinary and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience this part of the world for the first time.”

The resort is an idyllic serene getaway offering an array of specially tailored packages. The Romantic Paradise Escape package offers couples an intimate setting amidst the pristine beauty of the Red Sea, complete with romantic dinners and private excursions. The Blissful Red Sea Journey package offers guests a different immersive experience centred around exploring the wonders of The Red Sea while indulging in the luxury and comfort of the resort.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands. Starting rate from $1333 (5000 SAR) per night. To book visit www.marriott.com.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at more than 50 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis Hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Twitter, Instagramand Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits, including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enrol for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with over 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enrol for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About The Red Sea

The Red Sea is a pioneering brand-new luxury regenerative tourism destination located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. It is surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system and spans over 28,000 square kilometres with an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands, pristine beaches, dormant volcanoes, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons and historical, and cultural sites. The destination is at the forefront of the global transition towards regenerative tourism – going beyond sustainability to have a regenerative impact on the environment, society, and the economy.

On completion in 2030, visitors will be capped at one million per year to preserve the ecosystem at The Red Sea. The destination will include 50 hotels with 8,000 rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.

The Red Sea is being developed by Red Sea Global (RSG), a global multi-project developer seeking to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible and regenerative development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.

About Red Sea Global

Red Sea Global (RSG – www.redseaglobal.com) is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.

RSG is a global multi-project developer, seeking to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible and development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment. The protection of natural capital is central to all development decisions, as the organisation seeks to create a better future for all.

A cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to diversify its economy, RSG is playing a key role in transforming the nation, by creating exciting opportunities for young Saudi talent and the private sector, as it develops built assets and destinations across multiple sectors that make a positive impact for people and the planet.

RSG is the visionary company behind some of the world’s most ambitious development ventures, including luxury regenerative tourism destinations such as The Red Sea, Amaala and Thuwal Private Retreat. It has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal.

Across its portfolio, RSG leverages the most innovative concepts, strategies, and technologies to deliver projects.