Today marks the unveiling of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and the inaugural one in the Middle East, situated on Ummahat Island amid the serene waters of The Red Sea. This exclusive retreat finds its home within the enchanting Blue Hole cluster of islands, where vibrant coral reefs thrive beneath the surface and the celestial heavens above unfurl an endless canvas of stars. Nujuma, drawing inspiration from the Arabic word for ‘stars,’ invites travelers to embark on a voyage to one of the world’s most secluded and preserved archipelagos. Amidst the azure embrace, guests are encouraged to delve into the region’s rich culture and time-honored traditions.
“As more and more travellers look to discover new corners of the earth, we are thrilled to reveal our newest Ritz-Carlton Reserve, located amongst the natural beauty and stunning setting of The Red Sea,” said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. “Nujuma joins a collection of rare Ritz-Carlton Reserve estates around the world, inviting the most discerning travellers to embark on a journey of exploration where every encounter reveals a deeper connection to the destination. I cannot wait for guests to discover this luxurious private sanctuary and truly transformative experience.”
The Red Sea, situated on the west coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stands as a luxurious haven for regenerative tourism. Surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system and boasting over 90 pristine islands, it offers a captivating backdrop for snorkeling and scuba diving adventures. Beneath the waves lie seldom-explored sites teeming with life, including vibrant coral reefs thriving for millennia and a diverse array of marine creatures such as endemic reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and Napoleon wrasse.
The island’s shores are adorned with lush mangroves, renowned as one of the world’s most productive ecosystems, providing habitats for various sea birds, marine invertebrates, and havali guitarfish. Guided trails across the coastal mainland’s majestic desert dunes reveal the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Nujuma, designed by Foster and Partners, features sweeping shell-inspired architecture and elegant interiors crafted from natural materials in soothing sea and sand tones, complemented by geometric patterns reflecting the region’s cultural motifs. Arabic artifacts, traditional ceramics, Saudi-patterned rugs, and intricate wall hangings celebrate local craftsmanship throughout the space. Indigenous plantings elegantly frame pathways between pavilions and villas.
Nujuma, reachable via chartered boat or seaplane, boasts 63 villas situated over the water and along the beach. These accommodations range from one to three bedrooms, featuring expansive living spaces and personal pools that gaze out onto the serene sea. Each villa provides telescopes for stargazing and is attended by a dedicated personal host to ensure guests’ needs are met. Overwater villas offer panoramic sea views and direct access, while beach villas provide secluded retreats flooded with natural light and sea breezes.
Nujuma offers opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabian culture and traditions through activities led by local experts. The Conservation House serves as a space for creative pursuits, fostering community and knowledge exchange through hands-on experiences led by sustainability, environmental, and cultural experts.
Dining experiences at Nujuma draw inspiration from Arabian traditions of communal sharing. Each of the resort’s five culinary venues pays homage to the generations of fishermen from the Umluj region, offering seafood specialties and alfresco dining options.
At Neyrah Spa, guests can indulge in holistic wellness experiences rooted in global traditions and regional ingredients, including oud and moringa peregrina tree oil from the AlUla region. Bespoke treatments, guided by wellness experts, encourage guests to reflect, relax, and rejuvenate, fostering a sense of clarity and energy.
“With the launch of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the region, we are opening the doors to an unparalleled destination and inviting the world to discover The Red Sea destination,” said Tony Coveney, General Manager, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, “Nujuma is unlike any other property in the region, a pinnacle of luxury with discovery and sustainability at its core, offering guests a transformative journey into the extraordinary set within the picture-perfect backdrop of Ummahat Island’s natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy an unforgettable exploration of the destination where every moment is infused with wonder and connection.”
The post Ritz-Carlton Reserve Unveils Exclusive Ummahat Island Oasis in The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia: A Grand Entrance Into The Middle East appeared first on Travel And Tour World.