Rixos Murjana, the flagship ultra-all-inclusive resort on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, has opened the kingdom's first adults-only overwater villas. The five-villa enclave, part of the Club Privé by Rixos collection, is now accepting bookings in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), a master-planned destination north of Jeddah that is emerging as a hub for luxury tourism.
The villas draw direct inspiration from Maldivian overwater concepts, adapted for the Red Sea's calm, crystalline waters. Each unit features a contemporary design with natural finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a seamless connection to the seascape. Private terraces provide direct stairway access to the water, a first for the Saudi hospitality market.
Product details and positioning
The flagship Overwater Villa Privé Grand spans 139 square metres and includes a spacious living room, a king bedroom, and an expansive deck. All villas are strictly adults-only, targeting couples and honeymooners seeking privacy and seclusion. Guests receive a personalised butler, VIP in-villa check-in, and bespoke dining experiences, including private chef service and in-villa meals.
Rixos Murjana, which opened in 2023 as the largest ultra-all-inclusive resort in Saudi Arabia, already operates more than 1,000 rooms and suites. The property includes 12 restaurants and bars, an infinity pool, a waterpark, and the Anjana Spa, a 5,000-square-metre wellness facility. The new overwater villas extend the resort's premium tier, which also includes beachfront and garden villas.
“These villas are a milestone for Saudi tourism,” said a resort spokesperson. “We are bringing a signature overwater experience to the Red Sea, combining the privacy of a private island with the convenience of a full-service resort.”
Strategic context
The launch aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader push to diversify its tourism offering beyond religious travel and urban stays. The Red Sea coast, including KAEC and the nearby Red Sea Global projects, is a key focus for the kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy. Earlier this year, the Red Sea Yacht Show set a target of $479 million in economic returns, underscoring the region's ambition to attract high-spending leisure travellers.
Rixos, part of Accor's premium portfolio, has been expanding its footprint in the Gulf. The brand operates properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Antalya, and the Murjana resort is its flagship in Saudi Arabia. The adults-only overwater villas are expected to appeal to international luxury travellers, particularly from Europe and the GCC, who previously might have chosen the Maldives or Seychelles for such an experience.
Travel advisors and luxury tour operators should note that the villas are priced at a premium over the resort's standard inventory, with rates including the full ultra-all-inclusive package. The property is positioned for high-net-worth individuals and special occasions, such as honeymoons and milestone anniversaries.
The resort's location in KAEC offers proximity to Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, approximately 90 minutes by car, and to the new KAEC port, which is increasingly used by cruise lines. This connectivity is expected to boost the villas' appeal for pre- and post-cruise stays, particularly as the Red Sea cruise sector grows.
Rixos Murjana's overwater villas are now open for reservations. The property is also promoting the villas as part of its winter season packages, with special rates for early bookings. For agents, the resort offers a dedicated booking portal and training modules through Accor's distribution channels.
The introduction of overwater villas in Saudi Arabia marks a significant step for the kingdom's luxury hospitality segment. As the country continues to open up to international tourism, properties like Rixos Murjana are setting new benchmarks for product innovation and service standards.
