Four Seasons is building a luxury resort on Shura Island in Saudi Arabia, complete with a marina and golf course. Olivia Palamountain reports
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will debut a new hotel in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global development.
The latest in a slew of top hospitality brands laying roots in the Kingdom, further examples include Marriott, Yotel, Banyan Tree, Rosewood and Ritz-Carlton. Faena will also be opening a resort in the Red Sea Project. (Read Globetrender’s report here).
Slated to become the region’s foremost luxury beachside destination, the Red Sea will comprise idyllic natural islands and lagoons, scattered across 200km of coastline along the western coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh.
The new Four Seasons Resort will be located on Shura Island, the hub of the development and also home to a yacht marina, leisure and lifestyle facilities, retail offerings, an 18-hole golf course and more.
“As we continue to expand Four Seasons presence in the region, our new project in the Red Sea will be one of our first resorts in the Kingdom, blending the best of beachside travel with the natural and cultural wonders of Saudi Arabia,” says Bart Carnahan, president, global business development and portfolio management for Four Seaons.
He says: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this impressive and visionary development by RSG and look forward to inviting guests to explore our new Resort within such a beautiful and storied destination.”
Designed by Foster + Partners, the resort will offer approximately 149 rooms and suites, all with uninterrupted views over white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
The property will also feature six restaurant and lounge outlets, meeting and events spaces, a marine discovery centre and a Kids For All Seasons space.
Relaxation, sport and water activities will encompass a full-service spa with a hammam, tennis courts, three outdoor pools with cabanas, and two separate beaches for families and adults perfect for soaking in the sun or diving down to explore the coral reefs.
The Red Sea destination is being built with sustainable practices and tourism at its core, designed to minimize over-tourism while providing guests with an exceptional travel and lifestyle experience.
The destination will rely on renewable energy and will only develop a small portion of the islands with expansive dedicated conservation zones.
“This new destination provides the next generation of travellers with an incredible opportunity to discover what Saudi Arabia has to offer, building on its historic and cultural significance, while highlighting the exceptional natural beauty of the region,” says John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global. “We are thrilled to have Four Seasons as a partner on this project, bringing their world-renowned service expertise to the beautiful Red Sea.”
The Red Sea will be well located for adventures in Saudi Arabia. Not only will it be served by its own dedicated airport, but it’s close to the ancient ruins at Mada’in Saleh, as well as the natural attractions such as the environmentally protected coral reefs and mangroves, dormant volcanoes and local wildlife.
This latest project in The Red Sea will join Four Seasons growing collection of properties in the Kingdom, including Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, and upcoming projects in Diriyah and Jeddah at the Corniche, with more to be announced soon.