Unveiled: The latest brands to join the Red Sea development

colourful parasols and canopies at hyatt island resort
730 565 Pauline Brettell
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Unveiled: The latest brands to join the Red Sea development

With the highly anticipated Red Sea Project getting underway, we thought we would take a look at the nine leading hotel brands who are now on board and set to join the Red Sea party…

colourful parasols and canopies at hyatt island resort

The Red Sea Development Company, the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, has announced the signing of nine hotel management agreements with international hotel brands to operate resorts in the first phase of development at The Red Sea Project. With the first phase of development on track for completion by the end of 2023, and with a total of 16 hotels set to offer 3,000 hotel rooms across five islands and two inland sites, we thought we would take a look at some of the latest developments.

The list of the hotels who have signed up reads like a who’s who of the international hotel world, and includes: EDITION Hotels and St Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International; Fairmont Hotel & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and SLS Hotels & Residences, all part of global hospitality group Accor; Grand Hyatt, part of Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts and Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts; and Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, a global luxury hospitality company.

Each brand at The Red Sea Project has embraced the vision of the project and have agreed to work together to collaborate in making the destination a success. The partners have welcomed the industry-pioneering sustainability standards of TRSDC and the broader commitment towards regenerative tourism development.

High on this list is Marriott International , who have plans to develop two of its flagship brands as part of the project, with both St Regis and EDITIONS set to enhance their footprint across the Kingdom.

“We are excited to be working with The Red Sea Development Company to introduce St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and EDITION to one of Saudi Arabia’s most-anticipated projects,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “These milestone signings illustrate Marriott International’s commitment to the growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom and highlight increased demand for lifestyle and luxury accommodations and experiences.”

crystal clear water at island resort of st regis in the red sea

Image credit: Marriott Hotels

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort marks the brand’s introduction in Saudi Arabia, and the continued growth of its portfolio in the Middle East. Situated on a private island, the resort is expected to feature 90 villas, two signature restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and spa, in addition to a Children’s Club. Expected to open in 2023, the exclusive resort will offer the brand’s visionary spirit, avant-garde style and bespoke service.

contemporary architectural design of timber clad EDITION red sea hotel

Image credit: Marriott International

The proposed EDITION Hotel will be located on the Red Sea Project’s main island of Shaura. The Red Sea EDITION is slated to open in 2023 with 240 guestrooms, including one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. The property is set to reflect the best of its location’s cultural and social milieu and of the time. The hotel plans to offer two signature restaurants, a destination bar, beach bar, fitness centre, a swimming pool, and spa.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Marriott International to The Red Sea Development Company family,” commented John Pagano, CEO at The Red Sea Development Company. “Securing globally esteemed and recognized brands such as St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and EDITION operating our luxury resorts is a significant and positive step forward for our flagship destination. We are very much looking forward to working hand in hand with Marriott International to deliver unique and immersive guest experiences underpinned by a commitment to enhancing the environment and uplifting local communities as we endeavour to stay true to our regenerative promise.”

The Red Sea Project, one of the first ‘giga’ projects announced by Saudi Arabia’s government, is an ambitious regenerative landmark project, covering 28,000 square kilometres on the west coast of the country. The destination is expected to offer a new type of barefoot luxury experience and is being developed with the highest standards of sustainability. With an archipelago of more than 90 untouched natural islands, as well as dormant volcanoes, desert, mountains and cultural sites, the project is expected to deliver new levels of service excellence, using technology to enable a seamless personalized experience that aims to position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.

Main image credit: Grand Hyatt

Pauline Brettell / 10.11.2021

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