The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East is now open

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is located on Ummahat Island in the Red Sea.

Are you in need of a luxurious getaway without venturing too far from home? Look no further because the Red Sea is about to make waves with the opening of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Nestled on the breathtaking Ummahat Island, Nujuma – inspired by the meaning of ‘stars’ in Arabic – boasts a paradisiacal strip of sand in the crystalline waters of the Red Sea. Now open for guests, the resort features 63 one-to-three-bedroom overwater and beach villas – each designed to evoke a sense of awe and serenity. 

Designed by Foster and Partners, Nujuma features sweeping shell-inspired architecture and elegant interiors crafted from natural materials in calming sea and sand tones. The design incorporates geometric patterns reminiscent of the region’s motifs. Arabic artefacts, traditional ceramics, woven Saudi patterned rugs, and intricate wall hangings celebrate local craftsmanship throughout the canopied interiors. Each villa boasts spacious living areas and private pools with sea views. Guests can stargaze from their villas using telescopes on each deck while a dedicated personal host guides guests through the enriching experiences the destination offers.

Accessible by chartered boat or seaplane, the resort aims to create transformative and immersive guest experiences, seamlessly blending seclusion and sophistication to offer a highly personalised luxury escape.

Neyrah Spa is a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to holistic wellness. This serene indoor and outdoor oasis invites guests to nourish their bodies and souls through ceremonies using regional ingredients like the enchanting scent of oud and moringa peregrine tree oil from the AlUla region. The spa features five sea-facing treatment rooms, three outdoor treatment cabins, vitality and lap pools, a hammam, and a fitness centre.

The array of five-star amenities, including swimming pools, a kids’ club and a diverse selection of restaurants. Each of the Reserve’s five culinary experiences honours the generations of fishermen from the Umluj region, whose lives have been deeply intertwined with the area for over 50 years. Guests are warmly welcomed to Tabrah, a modern interpretation of a fisherman’s home, to enjoy a menu of seafood specialities.

Jamaa offers a relaxed alfresco dining experience, serving light dishes prepared in an open kitchen and over a wood-fire grill. Sita, inspired by vibrant bazaars, offers all-day dining in a spacious French-style patisserie and a Levantine restaurant housed under three woven-wood pavilions. As the sun sets, Maia becomes an intimate spot for astrology-inspired refreshments crafted by expert mixologists.

Additionally, the resort’s Conservation Center will provide insights into the protection of the local landscape, adding an educational and enriching element to the guest experience.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury living, Nujuma will also offer 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve-branded residences. These residences will allow residents to savour the high life day in and day out.

Representing the brand’s inaugural presence in the Middle East, Nujuma proudly joins the esteemed collection of only six Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide. And while room rates and booking details are yet to be announced, it won’t be long before you can secure your reservations. So keep a close eye out for updates as bookings are expected to open in the coming weeks.

Nujuma forms part of the Red Sea Project, boasting an impressive selection of 16 hotels offering 3,000 hotel rooms. Among the anticipated openings is Fairmont The Red Sea, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea, Jumeirah The Red Sea, Miraval The Red Sea, SLS Red Sea and The Red Sea EDITION.

Teeming with vibrant coral reefs that have thrived for over five thousand years, the barrier reef surrounding the resort is home to over 165 endemic reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and Napoleon wrasse. Nujuma, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, is a rare gem among luxury properties, as there are only five such reserves worldwide.

Rates at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve start from SAR 8,211 per night.

GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.