Marriott has announced that it will open Middle East’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia.
Marriott has signed an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company to debut its distinguished Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand off the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, slated to open in 2023, is expected to form part of the eagerly anticipated Red Sea destination.
Nujuma will be situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort is expected to feature 63 one to four bedroom water and beach villas.

Plans also include a range of luxurious amenities and exceptional services including a lavish spa, swimming pools, multiple culinary venues, a retail area and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings including a Conservation Center. The property is also expected to include 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences.
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said:
We are thrilled to bring our most luxurious brand, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and its exemplary experience to the Middle East. Perfectly situated on one of the most anticipated regenerative tourism projects in the world, the resort will blend seclusion and sophistication to provide a highly personalized luxury escape.
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Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a complete escape to the unexpected: a private and transformative travel experience that is centered around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, heritage and environment. For the most discerning travelers seeking a distinct and luxurious escape, Reserve properties are tucked away in handpicked corners of the world, featuring chic, relaxed and intimate settings that weave indigenous flavors with highly responsive and individualized service. Current Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are located in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
John Pagano, CEO, The Red Sea Development Company, said:
I am excited to welcome Ritz-Carlton Reserve into the fold of our luxury collection of brands for The Red Sea. Around the world, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are synonymous with providing unique luxury experiences and creating personalized meaningful escapes, underpinned by a commitment to sustainable practices. As we inch closer to opening our first resorts early next year, this world-class brand is sure to excite and entice future guests.
The Red Sea Project is an ambitious regenerative tourism project, covering 28,000 square kilometers on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, of which less than one percent will be developed. The destination is expected to offer a new type of barefoot luxury experience and is being developed with the highest standards of sustainability. The development features an archipelago of more than 90 untouched natural islands, as well as dormant volcanoes, sweeping desert dunes, mountains and wadis, and more than 1,600 cultural heritage sites.
The Red Sea Project will include 50 hotels and resorts offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include an international airport, luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, and leisure facilities. Till date, several luxury hotels and resorts have been announced that will be a part of The Red Sea Project. They include:
- Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
- Intercontinental Resort Red Sea
- The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
- The Red Sea Edition
- Grand Hyatt The Red Sea among others
Meanwhile, Marriott recently announced that Ritz-Carlton Reserve is now a part of its loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy.
Featured image by Marriott
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