The best beach hotels in Saudi Arabia offer travellers a new way to experience luxury coastal holidays in 2026. Along the Kingdom’s Red Sea coastline, private islands, pristine beaches, coral reefs and contemporary resorts are transforming Saudi Arabia into an emerging destination for beach lovers, couples, families and wellness travellers.
From overwater villas at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, to the private-island setting of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and the growing resort collection on Shura Island, travellers can choose from secluded luxury escapes, family-friendly stays and wellness-focused retreats.
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline stretches for more than 1,800 kilometres, featuring islands, coral reefs and diverse marine environments. For visitors seeking a beach holiday with distinctive architecture, marine experiences and high-end hospitality, the Kingdom offers several compelling options.
If you are planning a coastal escape in 2026, here are eight beach hotels in Saudi Arabia to consider, along with their standout features and the type of traveller each property may suit.
Best Beach Hotels in Saudi Arabia in 2026
1. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Best for: Ultra-luxury stays, couples and private-island escapes
Located on Ummahat Island, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort combines private-island seclusion with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious villa accommodation. The resort offers a distinctive setting for travellers seeking privacy and a high-end coastal experience away from busy urban destinations.
The property features 90 villas, including beachfront and overwater accommodation. Each villa has a private pool and sundeck, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding marine landscape in a more secluded setting.
Its private-island location makes the resort particularly appealing to couples, honeymooners and travellers who value personalised service, spacious accommodation and direct access to the sea.
Why stay here: Private-island surroundings, overwater villas, private pools, beachfront accommodation and personalised St. Regis service.
2. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Best for: Honeymoons, romantic escapes and secluded luxury
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is located within the Ummahat Islands and offers an exclusive retreat surrounded by the Red Sea. Its secluded setting, private villas and expansive sea views make it an appealing option for couples and travellers looking for a more intimate luxury holiday.
The resort features villas positioned directly on the beach or above the water, with private pools and views of the surrounding marine environment. Guests can explore the coastline through experiences such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking and sailing.
Conservation is also part of the resort’s approach. Its sustainability initiatives include solar-powered operations at its sanctuary and guest activities such as mangrove planting.
For travellers who want to combine luxury accommodation with opportunities to experience the natural environment, Nujuma offers a distinctive island escape.
Why stay here: Romantic surroundings, private villas, overwater accommodation, marine activities and a strong focus on privacy.
3. Shebara Resort
Best for: Overwater villas, contemporary architecture and sustainable luxury
Situated on Sheybarah Island between AlWajh and Umluj, Shebara Resort is designed to complement its surrounding Red Sea environment. Its distinctive architecture and island setting create an experience for travellers seeking something different from a conventional beach hotel.
The resort has 73 villas, including 38 overwater villas and 35 beachfront villas. Its accommodation provides direct connections to the surrounding marine landscape, while an on-site solar farm supports its sustainability approach.
Shebara is particularly attractive to travellers interested in architectural design, private accommodation and coastal experiences. Its location also makes the arrival part of the holiday, with access from Red Sea International Airport by boat or seaplane.
The resort combines contemporary design with opportunities to explore the surrounding waters and coral-rich environment.
Why stay here: Distinctive architecture, overwater villas, beachfront accommodation, coral reefs and renewable-energy initiatives.
4. The Red Sea EDITION
Best for: Contemporary luxury, stylish design and island experiences
Located on Shura Island, The Red Sea EDITION brings a contemporary hospitality experience to the growing Red Sea destination. Its modern design and coastal setting make it an option for travellers looking for a stylish island getaway.
The hotel has attracted international attention, including recognition on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List. Its location on Shura Island also places it within a developing destination that combines luxury accommodation with dining, leisure and other resort experiences.
For travellers, the appeal extends beyond the beach itself. The property offers an opportunity to experience the wider Shura Island development while enjoying a contemporary hotel environment.
It is worth considering for visitors who prefer modern design and an island atmosphere over the more secluded feel of a private-island resort.
Why stay here: Contemporary design, a beachfront setting, island surroundings and access to Shura Island experiences.
5. Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Red Sea
Best for: Families and luxury coastal holidays
Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Red Sea began welcoming its first guests on Shura Island in May 2026. Set along a secluded stretch of the island, the resort is surrounded by the sea on three sides, creating a distinctive coastal setting.
The property combines luxury accommodation with multiple restaurants, swimming pools, wellness facilities and family-focused amenities. Dedicated facilities for children and teenagers make it particularly relevant for families planning a beach holiday with different activities for different age groups.
Guests can combine time by the sea with dining, relaxation and marine experiences. The range of facilities also makes the resort suitable for longer stays, where travellers may want to balance beach activities with wellness and family time.
For those seeking a luxury resort with a broad selection of amenities, Four Seasons offers a combination of coastal surroundings and family-oriented hospitality.
Why stay here: Family-friendly facilities, beachfront accommodation, multiple dining options, pools and wellness experiences.
6. Miraval The Red Sea
Best for: Wellness, mindfulness and adults-only escapes
Miraval The Red Sea opened in May 2026, marking the Miraval brand’s first expansion outside the United States. Located on Shura Island, the adults-only resort brings a wellness-focused approach to Saudi Arabia’s emerging luxury coastal destination.
The property features 180 rooms, suites and villas. Rather than focusing exclusively on conventional beach activities, its experience centres on mindfulness, movement, nutrition, relaxation and personal wellbeing.
This makes it suitable for travellers who want to use their holiday to slow down, recharge and establish a better balance between activity and rest.
Its Red Sea location adds a coastal dimension to the wellness experience, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding environment alongside the resort’s dedicated programmes.
Why stay here: Adults-only accommodation, wellness programming, relaxation-focused experiences and a tranquil coastal setting.
7. InterContinental The Red Sea Resort
Best for: Familiar international hospitality and beachfront stays
InterContinental The Red Sea Resort adds another established international hotel brand to the growing collection of properties on Shura Island. It is an option for travellers who prefer the familiarity of a major hospitality brand while exploring Saudi Arabia’s emerging Red Sea destination.
The resort’s beachfront location connects guests with the coastal landscape, while its position within the wider development offers access to the destination’s expanding hospitality and leisure offering.
For visitors planning a luxury beach holiday, the property is worth considering alongside the destination’s private-island resorts and more design-led hotels.
Before booking, travellers should review the latest accommodation details, available facilities and transfer arrangements to determine whether the resort matches their travel plans.
Why stay here: International hotel brand, beachfront location and access to the developing Shura Island destination.
8. SLS The Red Sea
Best for: Contemporary design, dining and lifestyle-led stays
SLS The Red Sea offers another design-focused option within the Shura Island resort collection. The destination’s resort portfolio identifies the property as offering overwater and beachfront accommodation, giving travellers different ways to experience the coastline.
Its contemporary positioning makes it worth considering for visitors who want a modern luxury environment rather than a traditional resort experience.
The surrounding Red Sea destination is also being developed around a broader mix of hospitality, leisure and dining experiences, adding variety to a coastal holiday.
Travellers interested in this property should check the latest opening information, available amenities and booking details before finalising their itinerary.
Why stay here: Contemporary design, beachfront and overwater accommodation, and a lifestyle-oriented resort setting.
Comparing the Best Beach Hotels in Saudi Arabia
The right resort depends on your budget, preferred accommodation and travel style. The following comparison highlights the main appeal of each property.
| Resort | Best suited for |
|---|---|
| The St. Regis Red Sea Resort | Ultra-luxury and private-island escapes |
| Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Honeymoons and romantic holidays |
| Shebara Resort | Overwater villas and design-led sustainability |
| The Red Sea EDITION | Contemporary luxury and island experiences |
| Four Seasons The Red Sea | Families and longer luxury stays |
| Miraval The Red Sea | Wellness and adults-only holidays |
| InterContinental The Red Sea Resort | International luxury hospitality |
| SLS The Red Sea | Contemporary design and lifestyle travel |
Why Choose Saudi Arabia for a Beach Holiday in 2026?
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast offers a different experience from many established beach destinations. Its growing collection of luxury resorts combines coastal landscapes with contemporary architecture, private-island accommodation, marine activities and wellness experiences.
The region’s appeal also extends beyond its beaches. Travellers can discover coral reefs, islands and desert landscapes while experiencing the Kingdom’s developing hospitality sector.
Sustainability is another important part of the destination’s development. Red Sea Global highlights renewable-energy infrastructure and ecological restoration as elements of its wider approach. Individual resorts also incorporate initiatives focused on energy efficiency and conservation.
For travellers seeking a coastal holiday that combines luxury accommodation with opportunities to explore the natural environment, the Red Sea offers a distinctive setting.
What Is the Best Area for Beach Hotels in Saudi Arabia?
The Red Sea
The Red Sea destination is a strong option for travellers seeking a dedicated luxury beach holiday. Its resort portfolio includes private-island properties, beachfront hotels and overwater villas, alongside access to coral-rich marine environments.
Red Sea International Airport provides access to the destination, although transfer arrangements vary by resort. Island properties may require additional boat or seaplane transfers, so travellers should confirm these details before booking.
Shura Island
Shura Island is the central hub of The Red Sea destination. Its growing collection of luxury resorts is complemented by plans and facilities for dining, leisure, wellness and marina experiences.
It may suit travellers who want to explore several hospitality experiences within one destination rather than staying exclusively on a private island. The available options also make it relevant to couples, families and visitors seeking contemporary luxury accommodation.
Jeddah
Jeddah is an alternative for travellers who want to combine a coastal break with city attractions, restaurants and cultural experiences.
Located on the Red Sea, the city offers waterfront attractions, the Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah Yacht Club and historic Al-Balad. A stay in Jeddah can be particularly appealing to visitors who prefer a mix of urban exploration and time by the water rather than a secluded island holiday.
Are There Overwater Hotels in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Several resorts in Saudi Arabia offer overwater accommodation, giving travellers an alternative to established destinations such as the Maldives and Bora Bora.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Shebara Resort feature villas positioned above or directly beside the water. The Red Sea resort portfolio also identifies SLS The Red Sea and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort as properties offering overwater and beachfront accommodation.
These villas appeal to travellers seeking sea views, privacy and a closer connection to the surrounding marine environment. Availability, villa categories and included experiences can vary, so it is advisable to confirm the latest details directly with each resort.
Which Beach Resort in Saudi Arabia Is Best for Couples and Families?
For couples and honeymooners, Nujuma and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort stand out for their secluded island settings, private villas and focus on privacy. Both offer a coastal environment suited to romantic breaks and high-end escapes.
Shebara is another option for couples interested in striking architecture and overwater accommodation.
Families may prefer Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Red Sea because of its children’s and teen facilities, pools, dining options and beachfront setting. Shebara may also suit some families, with accommodation options that include two-bedroom villas.
The best choice ultimately depends on the ages of the travellers, the activities they enjoy and the type of accommodation they need.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia’s Beach Resorts?
Autumn, winter and spring are generally attractive seasons for exploring Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, as temperatures are typically more comfortable for outdoor activities than during the hottest summer months.
These seasons can be suitable for beach time, sightseeing and water-based experiences. However, conditions vary throughout the year, and individual preferences will influence the best time to travel.
Before booking, check the current weather forecast, resort operating information, marine activity schedules and any seasonal restrictions that may affect your plans.
How to Choose the Best Beach Hotel in Saudi Arabia
Before choosing a resort, consider the following factors:
- Location: Decide whether you prefer a private island, Shura Island or a coastal city such as Jeddah.
- Accommodation: Compare overwater villas, beachfront villas, suites and conventional hotel rooms.
- Travel style: Couples may prioritise privacy, while families may need children’s facilities and larger accommodation.
- Activities: Check for snorkelling, diving, sailing, kayaking and other marine experiences.
- Wellness: Consider a wellness-focused property such as Miraval if relaxation and mindfulness are central to your holiday.
- Accessibility: Confirm transfers from Red Sea International Airport, particularly for resorts on islands.
- Budget: Compare accommodation rates, dining, transfers and activities to understand the overall cost of the stay.
Checking these details in advance can help you select a resort that suits your expectations and makes the most of your time on the Red Sea coast.
Final Thoughts
The best beach hotels in Saudi Arabia in 2026 offer a growing range of luxury coastal experiences, from secluded private islands and overwater villas to family-friendly resorts and wellness retreats.
The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma appeal to travellers seeking privacy and ultra-luxury accommodation, while Shebara stands out for its architecture and overwater villas. Four Seasons The Red Sea offers facilities suited to families, and Miraval provides a different approach centred on wellbeing.
Meanwhile, The Red Sea EDITION, InterContinental The Red Sea Resort and SLS The Red Sea add further variety to the Shura Island hospitality offering.
As the destination continues to develop, Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly interesting option for travellers seeking a luxury beach holiday with distinctive accommodation, marine experiences and contemporary hospitality.
Before making a reservation, verify each resort’s opening status, facilities, prices and transfer arrangements through its official booking channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beach hotels in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
Options include The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Shebara Resort, The Red Sea EDITION, Four Seasons The Red Sea, Miraval The Red Sea, InterContinental The Red Sea Resort and SLS The Red Sea.
Does Saudi Arabia have overwater villas?
Yes. Nujuma, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Shebara offer overwater accommodation. Other properties in the Red Sea portfolio also feature overwater options.
Which Saudi beach resort is best for a honeymoon?
Nujuma and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort are options for honeymooners seeking private villas, secluded island surroundings and a luxury coastal experience.
Which is a good family beach resort in Saudi Arabia?
Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Red Sea is worth considering for its family facilities, pools, dining and beachfront setting.
Where are the best beach resorts in Saudi Arabia located?
Many of the Kingdom’s emerging luxury beach resorts are concentrated along the Red Sea, particularly around Shura Island, the Ummahat Islands and Sheybarah Island. Jeddah is another option for combining coastal experiences with city attractions.
Are Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts open in 2026?
Several major resorts are welcoming guests in 2026, including The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma, Shebara, The Red Sea EDITION, Four Seasons The Red Sea and Miraval The Red Sea. Always check current availability and opening information directly with the property before booking.
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.











