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Opened in May of 2024, Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve features one to three-bedroom villas, including 20 overwater bungalows and a host of beach villas. This exclusive private island oasis marks the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East and just the third resort to open at The Red Sea as part of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global project to expand tourism to the region.

Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve

Courtesy Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve

Highlights

  • Untapped Wonders

    Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve is one of only three resorts in the Red Sea. The region will see growing tourism in the years to come, so you can be one of the first to discover pristine natural beauty of the area.

  • Peaceful Privacy

    With private pools overlooking the Red Sea, Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve is a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the sea’s refreshing breeze from the overwater villas as you overlook the calming sea.

  • Sustainability Focused

    Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve is an unspoiled sanctuary that is 100% solar powered (and has backup generators) and water treatment facilities make the property even more environmentally friendly.

How to get to Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve

Located in the Ummahat Islands in the Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia, Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve is located in one of the least visited, and therefore most untouched, archipelagos in the world.

To get there, you’ll fly into Red Sea International Airport (RSI) and then transfer to Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve which is located about 33 kilometers away. Speedboat transfers are included or seaplane transfers are available for an additional fee.

Do Americans need a visa to go to Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve?

Yes, a visa is required for US citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia. Tourist visa info can be found here.

Rooms at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve

The seashell-inspired villas at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve combine natural materials and shapes with modern touches and feature elegant interiors with spacious living areas and a terrace with your private pool overlooking the water. The natural light-filled, air-conditioned rooms are sunrise or sunset-facing so you can gaze at the Red Sea while you drink your morning coffee or sip sundowners and enjoy the ocean view from your terrace. Spend your evenings stargazing with the villa’s included telescope.

The villas have a kitchen, but room service is available if you don’t prefer to cook while on vacation. A dedicated personal host will be assigned to your villa to handle all of your requests during your stay.

Whether you choose one of the beach villas sitting on undisturbed soft white sand overlooking the cerulean blue sea or one of the overwater villas that are perched above the bountiful Red Sea, your room is surrounded by pristine natural beauty. The overwater villas are located on an elevated ring walkway over the crystal clear water, making for a stunning visual as you access these secluded retreats.

Families or groups who wish to stay at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve can book the Royal Nujuma Villa, a 3800 square foot three-bedroom land villa with a full kitchen, private pool, garden, and direct access to the Red Sea.

If staying connected while you travel, free WiFi is available at the resort.

Accessible rooms are available in some categories.

Courtesy Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve

Is there a dress code at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve?

There is no dress code. Anything from resort wear to niqabs is acceptable, though some dining locations may require fancier attire.

Dining at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve

While in-villa dining and private dining experiences are available at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve, the resort’s restaurants, overseen by Michelin star chef, Lucas Julien-Vauzelle, offer varied and high-end culinary experiences.

Tabrah, the resort’s seafood restaurant offers a culinary interpretation of Saudi Arabia’s fishing tradition, while Sita, a multi-pavilion outlet for all-day dining has varied options from French-style patisserie to a Levantine restaurant.

Dine alfresco at Jamaa and enjoy light bites, sip coffee at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve’s Affia coffee house, or enjoy evening evening mocktails with nighttime views of the infinite sky and an astronomy focus at Maia.

Activities at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve

With its location in the Red Sea and the unspoiled coral in the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system, it might come as no surprise that snorkeling and diving in the turquoise waters are the highlights of the activities at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve. The Galaxea Diving Center will help you explore the colorful reef and make the most of the opportunities in this secluded archipelago.

If you prefer to be above the water on the Red Sea, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are available, or you can simply lounge on the soft white sand.

On the island’s shores, the Conservation House is an artifact-laden space where guests can explore the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Fun fact: the resort’s name is inspired by the Arabic word Nujum, meaning “stars” and in the evening, guests can explore limitless starry night skies with astrologer Habib Bafeil.

Neyrah Spa at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve

The property amenities at this luxurious private sanctuary are what you might expect from a Ritz-Carlton reserve property and the spa is no exception! Neyrah Spa at Nujuma A Ritz Carlton Reserve is an indoor/outdoor spa facility that offers a range of treatments and therapies from sound healing and lunar yoga to a hammam.

There’s also a fitness center and a resort swimming if you need a change of scenery from your villa’s private plunge pool.

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Lori Barbely

Hi, I’m Lori. But you can call me Lors. I’m a middle-aged New Jersey-born gal, currently based in Orlando, Florida. My background is in editorial travel photography and writing and I've been to more than 30 countries. I’m obsessed with tropical locales and my favorite city is Tokyo. Have camera, will travel! I’m a Disney adult, Lord of the Rings fan, certified crazy cat lady, and sushi addict! I hope this blog inspires your wanderlust. Feel free to follow me on Instagram for snippets of daily life on and off the road.

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