Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Raffles The Red Sea on Shura Island, adding a new resort to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Set between a lagoon and the open sea, the property offers 121 guest rooms, 14 suites and 33 private pool villas, with butler service available across all accommodation categories.
The launch will be phased. While the resort is welcoming guests, several dining venues, the spa, the adults’ pool and dedicated children’s and teens’ centres will open later.
“The opening of Raffles The Red Sea marks an exciting new chapter for Raffles in Saudi Arabia,” said Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
“Set within one of the world’s most remarkable marine environments, the resort brings the distinctive character of Raffles to a new and compelling destination in the Kingdom.”
Rooms and villas overlook the lagoon and sea
Located on Shura Island’s northwestern shores, the resort forms part of Foster + Partners’ Coral Bloom masterplan.
Interiors combine coastal colours and layered textures, with terraces, gardens and pathways connecting the accommodation to its waterfront setting. Guest rooms have private terraces overlooking the lagoon or sea, while suites provide larger indoor and outdoor living areas.
The 33 private pool villas add options for travellers seeking more space and privacy, including families and multigenerational groups.
Five dining venues to open in phases
The resort’s five planned restaurants and lounges draw on Eastern Mediterranean, Asian and Arabian culinary traditions.
Ni’ma will serve Eastern Mediterranean dishes designed for sharing throughout the day. Siparaja takes inspiration from Singapore’s food culture, reflecting Raffles’ roots in the city-state.
Seafront lounge El Nay will offer Pan-Arabic mezze, Saudi tea, artisanal coffee and shisha. Anbara will introduce regional flavours and pastries to the Raffles afternoon tea experience, while the Pool Bar will provide a casual setting for families.
Raffles said the dining venues will open progressively, with speciality restaurants and the bar following at a later stage.
Spa and family facilities will follow
Raffles Spa & Wellness and the adults’ pool are planned for a future phase. The wellness facilities will include seven treatment rooms, a hammam, sauna and steam facilities, a vitality pool and an outdoor lap pool.
Guests can currently use the gym and take part in available island activities, including padel and water sports.
Dedicated children’s and teens’ centres will also open later. Cultural programming led by a Raffles Curator will introduce guests to local art, literature, storytelling and craftsmanship, while the Curator’s Room will provide space for gatherings and cultural events.
“Our aim is to give guests the freedom to find their own rhythm on the island,” said Charles Saliba, Managing Director of Raffles The Red Sea and Fairmont The Red Sea.
“The experience is designed to feel personal, unhurried, and connected to the place.”
Exploring Shura Island
Beyond the resort, guests can visit Shura Links, described as Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course, or explore the marina and Marina Village’s dining and retail offerings.
Other island experiences include WAMA water sports, Galaxea diving and marine activities, and land-based excursions with Akun.
According to the announcement, Shura Island is powered entirely by renewable energy. Guests reach the island from Red Sea International Airport by electric vehicle, travelling across the 3.3-kilometre Shura crossing.
