At the ongoing World Travel Market in London, Red Sea Global (RSG) announced it will operate its own luxury hotel brand called Shebara in Saudi Arabia.
Located at its The Red Sea destination, Shebara is slated to open in summer 2024 and is the first resort to be owned and operated by RSG at The Red Sea destination.
Shebara is located on Sheybarah Island, which features a 30-40m reef drop-off close to the beach. The resort features 73 keys, including overwater and beach villas. Guests will arrive either by a 45-minute boat trip from the mainland or a 20-minute seaplane ride.
The southern approach features the stainless steel villas, representing a string of pearls, with a reception building at the center, forming the ‘pendant’. The arrival point was positioned within a natural break in the coral reef, in line with the destination’s aim to prioritise sustainability.
There is both a family pool, and an adults-only pool, which includes ‘lily pad’ seating terraces. F&B options include two speciality restaurants, while other amenities include a spa and fitness center nestled among the island’s sand dunes.
The furthermost island is available to book exclusively, with a dedicated jetty for private yacht mooring. The island includes a four-bedroom villa, plus three one-bedroom villas, as well as a private beach.
Developed by Killa Design, the entire design of the resort centers around reflections of nature. The overwater orbs are cantilevered over the water, which creates an effect of a string of pearls levitating above the water.
Shaun Killa, design director and founder of Killa Design, 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. 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.”
RSG added that all 38 stainless steel overwater villas are now in place. Also, 25 of the beach villas have been installed.
As with the whole of The Red Sea destination, Shebara will be powered by sunlight and have its own dedicated solar farm, which includes more than 11,000 PV panels. “Shebara showcases the very best in Saudi hospitality while setting new standards in responsible development and sustainable operations,” said John Pagano, group CEO of RSG. In total, RSG has constructed five solar farms to power the first phase of the destination, with more than 760,000 PV panels installed.
The Red Sea destination features hospitality brands including St. Regis and Ritz Carlton Reserve, as well as Six Senses, which has begun receiving guests this month. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms.
The Shebara is the second RSG owned and operated hotel brand revealed thus far. Recently, RSG said that it is developing Thuwal Private Retreat, an exclusive buy-out-only island destination set to welcome guests next year. The resort will have a main three-bedroom villa, three one-bedroom suites, a beach club, gym and wellness center.
(Image: Supplied by Red Sea Global)
