Move over, Maldives and step aside, Bora Bora, because Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea is where it seems to be at.

First announced in 2017, Saudi Arabia invested about $3.7 billion dollars into development of the Red Sea, as part of a regenerative mega tourism project. The Rea Sea project consists of development of four larger island masses, as well as island areas along, you guessed it, the Red Sea.

The four islands include Shura Island, the Ummahat Islands, Sheybarah Island and Laheq Island. Inland, they are also working on development of the Southern Dunes, Turtle Bay Village, Desert Rock and Botanica (a botanical nursery). And what’s a new major destination in the middle of nowhere without an airport? That’s where the newly built Red Sea International Airport comes into play.

red sea project

Development has come quite a long way across the different areas of the island chain.  With regards to Shura Island, there will be 11 hotel projects along with 305 residences, with Marriott being the first out the gate, announcing the opening of the Red Sea EDITION.

The resort is situated on the shoreline with turquoise water views to the south, and the Shura Links 18-hole island golf course to the north. The entire property features 240 guest rooms, of which 53 offer a combination of either one- or two-bedroom suites.

Red Sea EDITION 01

Like with other hotels in the area, the 100% solar-powered Red Sea EDITION offers a number of outdoor pools, a spa, gym, and lounges. They also have both sea- and pool-front dining and signature restaurants to choose from.  

Red Sea EDITION 04

“The opening of The Red Sea EDITION marks a significant milestone in the brand’s continued growth across the region and deepens its commitment to delivering experiences that transcend conventional luxury,” says George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, EDITION. “As our second property in Saudi Arabia, this resort embodies the EDITION ethos of crafting highly personalised spaces that feel attuned to their environment. EDITION remains committed to redefining luxury through authenticity, contemporary design, and the brand’s signature intuitive service to create a destination that truly resonates with today’s discerning traveller.”

Red Sea EDITION 05

Unfortunately, there weren’t many available photos to work with, but from the one room photo, they use a combination of earthy and sandy colors, which blends in with the surrounding environment.

Starter rooms range from about $560 a night for the “Superior, Guest room, 1 King, Golf view, Terrace view” room, while the top end “Fan Coral Cluster, 4 Bedroom Suite, Seafront, Private pool, Terrace” goes for just over $4,000 a night.

It will be interesting to see what these rooms actually look like once more screenshots and social media photos and videos pop up online. Shura Island is shaping up quite a bit, and will see some of the most resort development including other brands such as SLS, Fairmont, Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt, the Four Seasons, Miraval and others. Hopefully I get the chance to check out some of these in 2026!