Shebara: The Stunning 5-Star Hotel Redefining Luxury on a Red Sea Island

hotel shebara

Saudi Arabia has made a grand entrance into the luxury tourism market with the opening of the Shebara Hotel, a stunning establishment located in the Red Sea Global archipelago. Designed by a Dubai-based firm, this 5-star hotel offers a unique experience through its futuristic architecture and myriad of high-end services.

A Cutting-Edge Architectural Marvel

The rooms at Shebara Hotel are truly out of the ordinary: resembling bubbles or bionic rays, they sit gracefully on the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Designed to evoke a sense of science fiction, these structures provide breathtaking views and harmonize seamlessly with the surrounding marine landscape.

Primarily catering to a Middle Eastern clientele, particularly from the UAE, the hotel competes with renowned resorts in the Maldives. Each room features direct access to the water, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the idyllic environment.

Luxurious and Diverse Services

Shebara Hotel goes beyond stunning architecture with its extensive range of premium offerings. The hotel spa provides exclusive gold-based treatments, ensuring unparalleled relaxation for its guests. For water enthusiasts, activities include kayaking, scuba diving, and multiple pools catering to both adults and children.

The Shebara also boasts five renowned restaurants. Among them is a Nikkei cuisine establishment, blending Japanese and Peruvian traditions, alongside a Mediterranean restaurant. A casual brasserie is also available for more relaxed dining experiences.

The Environmental Challenge in Saudi Arabia

However, the rapid expansion of tourism in Saudi Arabia comes with significant environmental challenges. The country heavily relies on seawater desalination for fresh water, a process that, while costly, produces chemical waste and brine detrimental to marine ecosystems. These ecological concerns are particularly pressing given the massive ongoing tourism development.

In addition to Shebara Hotel, other prestigious hotel chains such as Six Senses, St. Regis, and Ritz-Carlton have already opened properties in the same archipelago. By 2030, the Saudi government envisions 50 hotels spread across 22 of the 90 islands, further enhancing the region’s tourist appeal.

The Ambitious Neom Project

Beyond hotel developments, Saudi Arabia is also pursuing other colossal projects like Neom, a futuristic city designed to stretch in a straight line for hundreds of kilometers. This initiative aims to redefine urban living by integrating advanced technologies and sustainable living, despite criticisms of its potential environmental impact.

With ambitious initiatives such as the Shebara Hotel and the Neom project, Saudi Arabia aspires to become a must-visit destination for luxury and architectural innovation. While ecological challenges remain to be addressed, the unique experiences offered by these establishments point to a promising future for Saudi tourism.

Karim Al-Mansour