The day when Saudi Arabia will be remembered for its exceptional hotels, residential developments, and tourism par excellence instead of being an oil-rich and oil-dependent state is not far. Saudi developer Red Sea Global is contributing to this lavish, new-age vision with its luxury hotel brand and gigaproject dubbed Shebara. The picturesque hotel will be situated on Sheybarah Island within the Al Wajh Lagoon and is scheduled to open its doors as early as the summer of 2024, according to a press release by the company. The newest addition, Shebara, will join the ranks of world-class properties like St. Regis, Ritz Carlton Reserve, and Six Senses, which began welcoming guests this month.
It will indeed stand out with its unique aesthetic of stainless steel orbs dotting the resort with 73 keys. The accommodation is divided between overwater and beach villas powered by the resort’s dedicated solar farm. Guests can arrive at this sanctuary of peace and luxury either by a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland or 20 minutes by seaplane. A brainchild of UAE’s architecture firm Killa Design, Shebara will represent Red Sea Global’s ethos of sustainability. Design Director and founder of Killa Design, Shaun Killa, said: “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.”
He added: “From the eco-materials chosen to the lunar positioning of the villas, our priority has been to honor the natural beauty that exists here while creating a resort that embodies modern luxury.” “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,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG.
Shebara will include every element of family fun, from a family pool to an adult-only pool for couples seeking respite as recreation. Alluring ‘lily pad’ seating terraces will offer panoramic views of the breathtaking sunset, while two specialty restaurants will cater to gastronomes. To make your stay comfortable and unforgettable, the resort also includes a spa and fitness center nestled among the island’s sand dunes. Red Sea Global is backed by Saudi’s state-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) and, upon completion in 2030, will comprise 50 resorts, with 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.
