St Regis Hotels and Resorts is set to open the St Regis Red Sea resort on Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh lagoon on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. This marks the first private island destination in the Red Sea.
The resort is scheduled to open in 2024.
St Regis Hotels & Resorts is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands.
Discovering the Red Sea
The Red Sea, enveloped by the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, covers 28,000km² with more than 90 untouched islands.
Ummahat Island, the chosen location for the St Regis Red Sea resort, is rich in wildlife, marine ecosystems and natural features. Guests will have opportunities for snorkelling, Professional Association of Diving Instructors certifications, scuba diving and water sports.
Chartered boat excursions to the mainland will allow the exploration of dormant volcanoes, heritage sites and desert dunes.
Commitment to conservation and sustainability
Marriott Bonvoy and St Regis said the resort focuses on preserving natural surroundings and biodiversity. Collaborations with partners such as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and UK marine robotics company VAARST support marine conservation.
The resort operates on 100% renewable energy, utilising solar power and a large battery storage facility. Waste reduction, recycling and a plastic-free environment are integral to daily operations.
The destination aims to become the world's largest certified Dark Sky Reserve, kept free of artificial light pollution.
Sustainable luxury and facilities
Accessible by chartered boat or seaplane from the recently opened Red Sea International Airport, the resort comprises 90 beachfront and overwater villas.
The villas offer between one and four bedrooms, private pools and sundecks. The interiors follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum certification guidelines. The resort also features five restaurants, two outdoor pools, a fitness centre, a spa and a children's club.
Tony Coveney, multi-property general manager, anticipated pioneering sustainable luxury in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and stated:
“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.”
