Experience a Red Sea island paradise
What to expect from a visit to Saudi Arabia’s luxury destination, Shura Island…
Words by Sue Omar
Located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, Shura Island is emerging as the Red Sea’s top new luxury travel destination, with a focus on sustainability, relaxation and outdoorsy adventures. Framed by beautiful desert and mountain views, this 28,000-square-kilometre island sanctuary is further surrounded by more than 90 pristine beaches, crystal-clear coral lagoons and stunning natural surroundings. Since Saudi Arabia began developing Red Sea tourism, the coastline has thrived as a nascent marvel of the Middle East, elevated by a growing collection of the world’s most refined hotels and resorts. If you’d like to discover the beauty, nature and culture of the Red Sea region, here’s why Saudi’s Shura Island is first choice.
Adventures in Nature
Shura Island offers a range of signature experiences for visitors seeking adventure and natural beauty in an unspoiled setting. Its crystal-clear waters and colourful coral lagoons provide perfect conditions and temperatures for water sports such as scuba diving and snorkelling.
As you dive deeper into the Red Sea, you will experience an underwater world with vibrant marine life, preserved by coastal conservation and restoration efforts.
Explore the coast by paddleboard (Shutterstock)
Coastal adventure awaits (Visit Red Sea)
Guided dives uncover secret spots known only to local experts, while kayaking along hidden coves is a serene way to explore the stunning Red Sea coastline.
Combine nature with luxury (Visit Red Sea)
The architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings (Visit Red Sea)
Culinary Highlights
Fine-dining aficionados will enjoy Shura Island’s array of sophisticated culinary experiences, which are inspired by both authentic Arabian flavours and modern, global influences.
Each world-class hotel and resort is home to its own selection of exceptional restaurants, bars and cafés that can be easily accessed thanks to the island’s seamless transport. At InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, Ardo serves cuisine crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with each plate reflecting the rich heritage of the island and Middle Eastern culture.
Exceptional eateries are the norm here (Visit Red Sea)
Eat al fresco among the nature (Visit Red Sea)
Darein at InterContinental The Red Sea resort treats diners to a conceptual, contemporary twist on fine dining that blends bold flavours from across the globe with artful aesthetics, delivering dishes that are both visually appealing and delicious. Meanwhile, on-site restaurant Ardo brings bold South American energy and flavours.
Beyond these standout culinary experiences, Shura Island’s range of casual cafés, poolside bars and fine-dining establishments offers dining options for every occasion and culinary preference.
Enjoy barefoot dining (Visit Red Sea)
Where modern design meets ultimate comfort (Visit Red Sea)
Dreamy Design
Designed with sustainable, sophisticated luxury at the forefront, Shura Island offers guests a refined escape shaped with intention. Every element of the island and its world-class hotels and resorts has been carefully curated to harmonise with the scenic surroundings.
At the resorts and residences, contemporary architecture gives a sense of openness, bringing in cascades of light with floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal panoramic sea views, as private terraces and pools extend living spaces into the landscape.
The interior design and natural textures reflect the island’s essence, from locally sourced, warm-toned rustic woods to soft stone finishes that echo the shoreline. Subtle lighting enhances the ambience after sunset, casting a glow over pools and walkways while the interiors have artisanal touches such as woven textiles, nature-inspired artworks and handcrafted furniture with Arabian influences.
Sleep on the doorstep of nature (Red Sea Global)
Relax and reconnect (Red Sea Global)
The smallest details here – the layout of spa pavilions, the placement of seating along the beach – demonstrate Shura Island’s commitment to curating a serene retreat. The destination’s design is accordingly blissful yet driven by purpose, encouraging guests to embrace the relaxing rhythm of the Red Sea, enjoy the beautiful natural setting and reconnect with their inner selves.
Nature here is everywhere (Red Sea Global)
Suites that soak up the view (Red Sea Global)
Make it happen
Shura Island is easily accessible thanks to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which opened in 2023 with a stunning state-of-the-art design inspired by desert, oasis and sea. It receives direct flights from Jeddah, Riyadh and select international destinations.
Your journey to Shura Island begins by boat straight into the marina, or by electric vehicle via the stunning 3.3km Shura crossing, which includes Saudi Arabia’s longest internal bridge.
A wealth of luxury accommodation options await here (Red Sea Global)
Visitors will eventually be able to take their pick from up to 11 world-class resorts for an idyllic island stay. Currently, you can book a luxury room, suite or private villa at SLS, EDITION and InterContinental properties. Guests can also enjoy Shura Island’s signature experiences, ranging from water and land sports to cultural and nature-based adventures, delivered by the island’s activity operators: WAMA (overwater activities), Galaxea (underwater) and Akun (land-based).
To start planning the trip of a lifetime and learn more about the luxurious hotel options on Shura Island in the Red Sea, click below.
