Shebara by Red Sea Global, the development project on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, is the second hotel announced by the brand in the last month and its first very own luxury hotel.

Red Sea Global (RSG) has launched its own luxury hotel brand called Shebara in Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made during the ongoing World Travel Market in London.

According to a press statement by RSG, Shebara is located on Sheybarah Island, which features a 30-40m reef drop-off close to the beach and is slated to open in summer 2024. It is the first resort to be owned and operated by RSG at the Red Sea destination.

RSG says that the resort features 73 keys, including overwater and beach villas. Guests can arrive either by a 45-minute boat trip from the mainland or a 20-minute seaplane ride. Developed by UAE-based architecture firm Killa Design, the entire design of the resort centres around reflections of nature. The overwater orbs are cantilevered over the water, which creates an effect of a string of pearls levitating above the water.

“It has long been our mission to extend our pioneering approach to regenerative tourism across a wider portfolio of brands and subsidiary companies, to create an ecosystem that will drive meaningful change in the global tourism industry. Shebara is a beacon for all that RSG stands for, showcasing the very best in Saudi hospitality while setting new standards in responsible development and sustainable operations,” says John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG.

“Shebara is a wonderful example of what is possible when creating beautiful yet meaningful design. It demonstrates how innovative architecture can gracefully flow into nature, with pods that reflect and refract light from the sun, the sky and the sea to naturally blend with the environment. From the eco-materials chosen to the lunar positioning of the villas, our priority has been to honour the natural beauty that exists here, while creating a resort that embodies modern luxury,” says Shaun Killa, design director and founder of Killa Design. 

RSG says that the southern approach features the stainless steel villas that represent a string of pearls, with a reception building at the centre, forming the ‘pendant’. The arrival point was positioned within a natural break in the coral reef, in line with the destination’s aim to prioritise sustainability.

The statement adds that there is both a family pool, and an adults-only pool, which includes ‘lily pad’ seating terraces. Food and beverages options include two specialty restaurants, while other amenities include a spa and fitness centre nestled among the island’s sand dunes.

It goes on to say that the furthermost island is available to book exclusively, with a dedicated jetty for private yacht mooring. The island includes a four-bedroom villa, plus three one-bedroom villas, as well as a private beach. 

RSG added that all 38 overwater villas are now in place. Also, 25 of the beach villas have been installed. As with the whole of the Red Sea destination, Shebara will be powered by sunlight and have its own dedicated solar farm, which includes more than 11,000 PV panels. In total, RSG has constructed five solar farms to power the first phase of the destination, with more than 760,000 PV panels installed.

“Shebara showcases the very best in Saudi hospitality while setting new standards in responsible development and sustainable operations,” adds Pagano. 

The Red Sea destination features hospitality brands including St Regis and Ritz Carlton Reserve, as well as Six Senses, which has begun receiving guests this month. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms.

The Shebara is the second RSG owned and operated hotel brand revealed thus far. Recently, RSG said that it is developing Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive buy-out-only island destination set to welcome guests next year. The resort will have a main three-bedroom villa, three one-bedroom suites, a beach club, gym and wellness centre.