The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) has formalised a further three new luxury hotel management agreements with international brands to operate resorts in the first phase of development at The Red Sea Project.
The latest additions include Ritz Carlton Reserve and Miraval hotels – the first to operate in the Middle East – and Rosewood. Ritz Carlton Reserve will be situated at the destination’s idyllic Ummahat Islands, whilst Miraval and Rosewood are located on Shura Island, the main hub for the resort. The new collection of hospitality brands collectively feature nearly 500 hotel keys of the total 3,000 planned for Phase One.
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John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC says the announcement demonstrates the industry’s confidence in The Red Sea Project, which now has 12 hospitality brands confirmed.
Pagano says the optimism signifies “a growing appetite from global leaders to participate in the expansion of the Saudi Tourism market. With two brands now entering the region for the first time, I believe the future of tourism in the Kingdom is bright,” he said.
“Together with our collection of globally recognised and respected partners, we are excited to play our part in opening up this unique and undiscovered part of the world, setting new benchmarks for sustainable development along the way.”
Nujuma, a Ritz–Carlton Reserve
Slated to debut in 2023, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will offer a highly personalised leisure experience that blends intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design. Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide.
Situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands, the reserve is surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. Nujuma is expected to feature 63 one- to four-bedroom water and beach villas. Plans also include a range of luxurious amenities and services including a lavish spa, swimming pools, multiple culinary venues, a retail area and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings including a Conservation Center.
The destination is also expected to include 18 Ritz–Carlton Reserve branded residences, offering owners a one-of-a-kind living experience.
Miraval The Red Sea
The 180-room and suite Miraval Red Sea luxury wellness resort will spread across 310,000 square metre plot. Miraval The Red Sea will bring together imaginative, compassionate, and inspiring wellness experiences that will connect guests with local Miraval specialists and contemplative spaces that blend in harmony with the natural surroundings.
The resort will also feature diverse culinary offerings, including a central dining room, the signature Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen, and a marketplace offering mindful and healthful cuisine. Various cooking classes and workshops will be offered to promote and inspire a balanced lifestyle where nutrition is a key focus. Miraval The Red Sea will also feature approximately 400 square metres of meeting space for wellness-focused, experiential activities tailored to improving connections and communication for social and corporate groups.
Rosewood Red Sea
Rosewood Red Sea will feature 149 guest rooms and suites. The resort’s elevated food and beverage offerings will include three restaurants, two lounges, a signature Manor Club and a central hub featuring authentic eateries. Additional recreational spaces will include event pavilions and Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative well-being concept consisting of seven treatment rooms, a gym, two movement studios and a yoga pavilion.
Ritz-Carlton, Miraval and Rosewood join a stellar line-up of nine globally renowned brands – flagged first by LATTE in October 2021 – that have already confirmed they will operate at The Red Sea Project, including: EDITION Hotels and St Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International; Fairmont Hotel & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and SLS Hotels & Residences, part of the Accor hospitality group; Grand Hyatt, part of Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts and Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts; and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.
“Our impressive roster of hospitality brands are united in their commitment to help us create a one-of-a-kind world-class luxury destination,” said Jay Rosen, Chief Financial Officer at TRSDC. “They have all agreed to adhere to our stringent measures when it comes to embedding sustainability, luxury and Saudi heritage in their designs and share best practices in terms of the environment once operational.
“These additional hotel management agreements mark the significant progress we are making as we work towards welcoming visitors from around the world,” Rosen added.
The Red Sea Project has already passed significant milestones and work is on track to welcome the first guests in less than a year, when the first hotels will open. Phase one, which includes 16 hotels in total, will complete by the end of 2023.
Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea Project will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include an international airport, luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, and leisure facilities.