Inside Raffles The Red Sea on Shura Island

Raffles The Red Sea opens on Shura Island in 2026, introducing 168 keys, 121 rooms, 14 suites, and 33 private pool villas, set between a lagoon and the open sea along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast. The resort, the first Raffles property on the Red Sea, is part of Foster + Partners’ Coral Bloom masterplan, which aims to enhance the island’s natural state and reflects a regenerative approach to tourism.

Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, describes the debut as bringing “the distinctive character of Raffles to a new and compelling destination in the Kingdom.” The design follows the contours of Shura Island, with terraces and gardens leading the eye towards the water. The 33 pool villas, known as Raffles Residences The Red Sea, range from one to four bedrooms and offer private pools and spacious indoor-outdoor living areas with views across the island’s surroundings.

Guests staying in any room, suite, or villa receive Raffles’ butler service, a hallmark of the brand’s highly personalized approach. Charles Saliba, Managing Director of Raffles The Red Sea and Fairmont The Red Sea, says, “The experience is designed to feel personal, unhurried, and connected to the place.” The resort’s cultural programming is led by a dedicated Raffles Curator, who introduces guests to local art, literature, storytelling, and craftsmanship. The Curator’s Room provides a setting for gatherings and cultural exchange, while children’s and teens’ centers will open in a later phase.

Image: Raffles

Dining is arranged across five venues. Siparaja, a contemporary ode to Singapore, combines Indo-Malay flavors with flame-fired dishes and lagoon views. Ni’ma serves Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, while Anbara offers French patisserie with Arabian influences. El Nay is a Pan-Arabic bar and shisha lounge by the sea, and the Pool Bar & Grill provides relaxed fare beside the water. The resort’s location near Shura Island’s marina and retail district places it within easy reach of the island’s dining and shopping options.

Wellness facilities will be introduced in a future phase, including a spa with seven treatment rooms, a vitality pool, hammam, sauna, steam facilities, and an outdoor lap pool. In-room and private wellness rituals will also be available. Until then, guests have access to a gym, padel courts, and water sports.

The resort offers direct access to Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course, and is a short drive from Red Sea International Airport via electric vehicle across the 3.3-kilometer Shura crossing. Guests can explore the marina, Marina Village, and the island’s beaches, or take part in activities through WAMA water sports and Galaxea diving and marine discovery. Land-based experiences are provided by Akun, and adventure and sports are accessible at Botanica Red Sea and ADRENA within the wider development.

Raffles The Red Sea is powered entirely by renewable energy and is part of Red Sea Global’s commitment to regenerative tourism. Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global, says the opening “marks another significant milestone in the evolution of The Red Sea destination.” Five additional resorts are expected to join the hospitality portfolio in the coming months.

The magazine has also looked at Raffles Bali and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo in earlier coverage.