Red Sea Global reveals exclusive island to welcome guests next year

Thuwal Private Retreat will focus on luxury alongside sustainability

Thuwal Private Retreat will be an exclusive, buy-out-only island on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Photo: Red Sea Global

Red Sea Global, the developer behind one of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, has said it will launch an exclusive island destination next year.

Thuwal Private Retreat, on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, will only be available for guests to buy out.

The 1.7-hectare sandy islet is in a coral archipelago in the west of the kingdom. It will feature a three-bedroom villa, three one-bedroom suites, a beach club, gym and a wellness centre.

There are no third-party hospitality or hotel operators involved as it will be owned, operated and managed by Red Seal Global – a first for the company – and sit separately to The Red Sea and Amaala.

“This is a milestone for us personally,” said John Pagano, chief executive of Red Sea Global. “It is the latest project we can reveal since we announced our expanded portfolio of projects last year and it is significantly advanced in terms of delivery.”

The retreat focuses on luxury alongside conscious sustainability, inspired by a noted growing demand for exclusive-use properties. As an example, the executive chef has been tasked with preparing meals using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, but also collaborating with artisans in the area to design unique dining experiences.

Due to its location near coral reefs, activities will include snorkelling, while visits to the nearby village of Thuwal or Jeddah can also be organised.

“Thuwal Private Retreat has been created to allow guests the chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life, and instead reconnect with their closest companions,” said Pagano. “Our belief is that the sublime Red Sea coast combined with tailored luxury experiences will deliver a peerless escape for the most discerning travellers.”

The Red Sea development was announced as the kingdom’s newest tourism megaproject by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2017. It has since been developed over 28,000 square kilometres of land and includes an archipelago of more than 90 islands, promising pristine coastlines, unrivalled marine life and a variety of upscale accommodation options.

It will also be served by the Red Sea International Airport, which welcomed its inaugural flight last month. Six Senses Southern Dunes will become the first hotel in the project to open when it launches next month.

Amaala is a separate development that will focus on luxury tourism and wellness, also on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Amaala aims to be a year-round destination and phase one of the project is under way, and ready to welcome its first guests next year. It will be home to eight resorts offering upwards of 1,200 rooms keys.

When it is completed in 2027, it will have more than 25 hotels, luxury residences, fine-dining restaurants and wellness and recreational facilities.