Why Americans Should Seriously Consider Saudi’s Red Sea As A Vacation Spot
Shebara Resort in Tabbuk that just opened | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
There’s something for the adventurist, the eco-friendly traveler, for honeymooners, and for cultural enthusiasts
What Red Sea Global, the global multi-project developer is doing in The Red Sea is unique, as it is creating luxury experiences in unexplored territory. Also, the aesthetics are like nonother, and Saudi hospitality of hafawa (Saudi values of welcoming foreigners) just draws one in. Before, you couldn’t go to Saudi Arabia and now you can experience the culture, conservationism, and rich treasures within The Kingdom.
It might seem like it’s a big trek from the United States to Saudi’s Red Sea, particularly to Tabbuk where the new Red Sea International (RSI) airport is- and in all honesty it is. But, it’s not as long as you might think. From the East Coast it’s about a 15-hour flight, give or take 2-3 layovers, and from the West Coast it’s about an 18-hour flight, give or take 2-3 layovers. Once you arrive at RSI you collect your bags and your resort will have a shuttle that you will easily find and catch to Turtle Bay Hotel, which takes about 20 minutes, and from there you take a 30 minutes boat to the resort. Or, you can take a 30 minutes sea plane ride from RSI directly to your resort.
Red Sea International Airport | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
Red Sea Globals sea plane | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
Now, only 51% of Americans have passports- one percentage point over half the population, according to the US Department of State. So far for this year 24,515,786 US passports have been issued to Americans. If you look at the European Union, 80% of European adults have passports. Take Italy for example, 91% of its citizens have passports. So, 51% of Americans having passports is quite low. And it’s understandable why, because the US is far from much of the world and EU states are next door to each other. Also, Americans don’t get as many days off per annum like Europeans who average about 30 days (4 weeks); while Americans typically get 11 days off per year after the first year of work, 15 days per year after 5 years of work, and 18 days per year after 18 years of working.
In my travels over the years I’m seeing more and more Americans going abroad, which begs to differ: it’s time they start putting Saudi Arabia on their vacation list. Rome is about a 10.5-hour flight from New York, London is an 8-hour flight from Atlanta, and Tokyo is almost a 12-hour flight from LA. So Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea is an extra 3-7 hours flight, which isn’t a terrible stretch. For the pristine ambience it’s all worth it.
Shebara
An overwater villa at Shebara Resort | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
Once you arrive at Shebara, Red Sea Global’s newly opened resort, your breath will be taken away as the boat or seaplane lets you off at the jetty. As you walk towards reception you notice the stainless steel colored large orb. You’re welcomed into the lobby and given a welcome drink while you wait to be escorted to your over water, or beach villa. There are 73 overwater and beachfront villas that shine brightly, reflecting the blue sky, turquoise Red Sea, and sun. If you prefer beach life then choose a beach villa, but if you prefer something unique and the feel of floating on the water choose an overwater villa. Your personal butler will pick you up from reception and drive you to your villa, where they will explain the functions of the villa from how the lights work, to where the bathrobes are, and how to open the orb-like minibar.
Villas at Shebara are spacious and provide a sense of homeyness | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
“What makes us unique is our regenerative tourism,” explains Carla Puverel, the General Manager of Shebara. “Our pillars of service through Saudi Arabia’s concept of hafawa is unique. And our solar farming, planting of mangroves and ways we generate water speaks to our eco friendliness. We also work with local universities to provide working opportunities to young Saudi people.”
Activities from water sports like snorkeling and diving are offered. You don’t have to have a diving license to dive. There’s also windsurfing lessons, Catamaran sailing lessons, and E-Motor Water experiences. The spa, with its unique design and sole olive tree ensconced at the front, is located near the gym that’s open for 24 hours. There you will find massage and facial treatments, and a hammam. The Pearl and Green Caviar Signature Hammam lasts for 75 minutes. There is a couple’s suite, and a mani/pedi salon and male barber are in the works. A relaxation room and outdoor spa cabana is also available for guests to relax. In addition to your villa pool, there is an adult and family pool, and kids club where children are looked after while parents have some free time.
The adult pool at Shebara’s Solera restaurant that gives the vest sunsets at the resort | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
There are five dining options available. Iki.Roe is modern Japanese-Nikkei that fuses Japanese and Peruvian flavors. With an open kitchen concept and sleek design of dark flooring, marble counters, olive green tones, and lounge-like sofas, you’ll feel relaxed. There are noodle dishes, sushi, and vegetarian options. Ariamare is the Italian offering at the resort. Overseen by Michelin-starred Chef Marco Garfagnini, the food leaves you feeling light. The portion sizes are controlled and you’ll find antipasti from Burrata and Tomato to Bresaola Carpaccio, and. Spaghetti and Rigatoni for pasta dishes. But, what hits the spot is the seafood pasta filled with scallops, crab, and shrimp. Steak, chicken, and salmon are on the menu, as well as Italian favorite Tiramisu. Lunara is the breakfast and lunch spot. So, if you’re not having the floating breakfast in your villa, Lunara is a fun place to dine with its wave effect ceiling. Saria gives the feel of a luxury beach oasis with Levantine cuisine. And Solera is the adult pool where you can order mocktails and light bites as you relax.
Just all-around relaxation
Marriott’s Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
Also, in The Red Sea’s Tabbuk area you’ll find Nujuma, The Ritz Carlton Reserve, with Marriott hospitality, blue water, and coral reefs. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is also a Marriott property on a private island in the Ummahat archipelago. With stunning overwater and beach villas, it’s a getaway filled with wellness and serenity.
In December 2024, Red Sea Global is set to open a second hotel Desert Rock, The Red Sea’s second inland resort property. Guests will be able to enter through a hidden valley nestled between mountains that overlook the Red Sea coast. There will be 54 villas and 10 suites, and the whole resort will be powered by a solar farm of 11,312 PV panels and 6 MWp/ 5MWac installed capacity.
You’ll find some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and coral preservation at The Red Sea | Photo provided by Red Sea Global
Already tourism’s shares of Saudi’s GDP have risen from 3% to 7%, since the launch of Vision 2030. The Red Sea aimed to bring 100 million visitors by 2030, but that number has risen to 150 million due to the progress already made by Red Sea Global. The work being done at The Red Sea will contribute $5.9 billion to Saudi’s GDP through investments and attracting new types of travelers to the Kingdom (and one such new visitor can be the US market).
The Red Sea is developing fast and being filled with ambitious luxury properties that are on par with what Southern Europe, the Maldives, South America (like Costa Rica), and American tropical-like destinations are offering. Just like with anything in life, you must see it to understand it and believe it. For so long Saudi Arabia was closed to the world but now that they have done an about-face, its growth is on steroids. As passport obtainment rates are increasing year by year in the US, and many are going abroad with the help of budget airlines and an adventurous spirit, US citizens would benefit to go to someplace new like Saudi Arabia to make memories.