LUXURY RESORT IN SAUDI ARABIA SHOWS THE BEAUTY OF THE RED SEA
The Red Sea, which separates Africa and Asia, is renowned for its diverse marine life and stunning scenery. A brand-new luxury resort has opened off the west coast of Saudi Arabia to share these breathtaking views with the world while protecting the environment. Shebara, which combines stunning architecture with cutting-edge sustainability, is the first upscale resort to be entirely owned and run by real estate developer Red Sea Global.
Only 15 miles from the mainland, Sheybarah Island is the remote island where the resort is situated, hence its name. Shebara, the first hotel in a master plan created in collaboration with Buro Happold and Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, was designed by Killa Design. "A number of extensive environmental studies and the largest marine spatial planning simulation ever conducted, in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, were used to inform the plan in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the destination's development and operation," the developers write.
According to Red Sea Global, 75 percent of the destination's islands are being preserved for conservation, while less than 1 percent of the site's total area is being developed. By improving important habitats that support the growth of biodiversity, we also hope to attain a 30% net positive conservation benefit by 2040. Furthermore, the entire resort is powered by Shebara's solar farm. The resort's 73 villas, 38 of which are overwater and 35 of which are beachfront, let visitors enjoy the lush environment, which includes white sand and aquamarine waters.
The overwater villas are stainless-steel spheres designed to reflect the sky and sea, while the inland villas are inspired by the curved shapes of desert dunes. These villas seem to float above the water, an illusion described by Red Sea Global as “appearing as if they were a string of pearls floating above the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.”
High-end facilities at Shebara include a fitness center, a spa with a natural theme, and pools reserved for adults and children. The resort's excellent access to the thriving marine environment close to Sheybarah Island, however, is the real gem. The resort is an ideal diving destination because it is a gateway to the underwater wonders of the Red Sea, with the reef drop-off just over 100 feet from the beach. Only a 30- to 40-minute boat ride or a 30-minute seaplane flight from Red Sea International Airport, which opened in the fall of 2023, will get you to Shebara, which offers seclusion from the outside world. Go to the Shebara's website to find out more about this resort.