Raffles Hotels & Resorts has officially opened Raffles The Red Sea, a new luxury property on Shura Island, one of the key developments in Saudi Arabia's ambitious Red Sea tourism project. The resort, which sits between a lagoon and the open sea, is designed to blend the natural environment with the brand's signature personalised service and cultural programming.
The property is part of the Coral Bloom masterplan conceived by Foster + Partners, a large-scale regenerative tourism initiative along the kingdom's western coast. Accommodations include 121 rooms, 14 suites, and 33 private pool villas, each with a private terrace overlooking either the lagoon or the sea. All guests have access to the legendary Raffles Butler Service, a hallmark of the brand's hospitality.
“The opening of Raffles The Red Sea marks an exciting new chapter for Raffles in Saudi Arabia,” said Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts. “We are proud to bring our legacy of refined luxury and heartfelt service to this extraordinary destination.”
Dining and wellness offerings
Dining options at the resort include five restaurants and lounges, with cuisines ranging from Asian to Eastern Mediterranean and Arabian. Notable venues include Ni’ma, which serves Eastern Mediterranean dishes, and Siparaja, inspired by Singapore's vibrant food culture. The resort will introduce its dining venues in phases, allowing guests to discover new experiences over time.
Future phases will unveil the Raffles Spa and Wellness centre, featuring treatment rooms, a traditional hammam, and a vitality pool. The resort also plans cultural programmes led by a dedicated Raffles Curator, offering guests insights into local art, heritage, and storytelling.
Shura Island is powered entirely by renewable energy and is accessible via electric vehicle from Red Sea International Airport, which has been expanding its route network. The destination is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 tourism strategy, which aims to attract international visitors to the Red Sea coast.
The opening adds to a growing portfolio of luxury hospitality in the region. Earlier this year, Rixos Murjana debuted Saudi Arabia's first adults-only overwater villas, signalling the kingdom's push to diversify its high-end offerings. Meanwhile, branded residences are gaining momentum across resort hubs, a trend that could influence future phases of the Red Sea project.
Raffles' entry into the Red Sea market follows other international brands establishing a presence in the destination, including Six Senses, St. Regis, and Rosewood. The resort is expected to cater to luxury travellers seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and regenerative tourism.
For travel professionals, the opening represents a new option for high-end leisure itineraries in the Middle East. The Red Sea International Airport, which serves the destination, has been expanding its connectivity, making the resort more accessible to international markets. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, properties like Raffles The Red Sea are likely to play a key role in attracting discerning travellers.
