Nujuma
Barefoot luxury with strong cultural DNA. Natural materials, earthy tones, curved shell-inspired architecture, and interiors finished with found objects and local art. Quiet. Deliberately remote. Almost no light pollution — the night sky is a genuine attraction here. Saudi Arabian heritage is woven throughout, from date rituals at meals to oud-scented spa treatments to an on-site astronomer who channels nomadic star-navigation tradition.
Premium sedan and speedboat transfers are included in every villa rate — confirm details 7 days before arrival by emailing Reservations.nujuma@ritzcarlton.com
Why It Matters
The first and only Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, one of seven worldwide. Forbes Travel Guide Hotel of the Year 2024 and Forbes 5-Star 2026. Michelin Guide Two Keys. LEED Platinum certified, solar-powered, with 28,000 mangroves planted on-site. The outer reef directly offshore is described by the GM as pristine — no anchor damage, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, sharks, technicolor coral. Rates make it one of the most expensive hotels in the entire region.
Nujuma is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, and it opened in May 2024 on a private section of Ummahat Island in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea. The design — by Foster + Partners, interiors by Wimberly Interiors — is genuinely striking: 65 shell-shaped structures that float above the water or anchor on the sand, all with private pools and telescopes on the decks. Every villa gets a personal host, the coral reef offshore is among the least damaged anywhere on earth, and rates start around $2,500 a night before taxes and transfer fees.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
One-Bedroom Beach Villa
The entry-level villa and still remarkable. At 151 sqm, it's an intimate beachfront retreat with a private pool, open living space, and panoramic windows framing Red Sea views. Shell-inspired architecture keeps the lines soft; interiors lean into natural tones and local art. The sundeck telescope is a genuine touch — the night sky here is extraordinary.
King · 151 sqmOne-Bedroom Overwater Villa
Connected to shore by an elevated ring walkway, these overwater villas genuinely feel far out to sea. A large private pool sits on the sundeck alongside lounging furniture and direct ladder access to the reef below. Privacy is near-total. The sunset-facing versions command a premium.
KingRoyal Nujuma Villa
The most expansive accommodation on property, secluded on one side of the island with direct beachfront access. More than 3,800 sq ft across three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a full kitchen — not just a kitchenette. Sundeck, garden, private pool, and direct Red Sea access. This is the choice for guests who want absolute privacy and a genuinely residential feel.
3 bedrooms · 353 sqmThree-Bedroom Beach Villa
At 359 sqm across three bedrooms, this is the villa format for larger families or groups. Two king beds and two queens, private pool, and direct beachfront/Red Sea views. Still within the shell-inspired architectural language of the resort.
2 King + 2 Queen · 359 sqmTwo-Bedroom Beach Villa
At 229 sqm, the two-bedroom beach villas are well-suited for families or two couples traveling together. One king bed and two queens across two bedrooms, with a private pool, sea or sunset views available, and accessible configurations offered. Still very much a private retreat.
1 King + 2 Queen · 229 sqmTwo-Bedroom Overwater Villa
The two-bedroom overwater option is the most requested upgrade at Nujuma, based on guest reviews. Floating above the Red Sea with two bedrooms, private pool on the sundeck, and uninterrupted panoramic water views. The design and privacy are exceptional.
1 King + 2 Queen · 229 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
30-minute scenic aerial tour of Ummahat Islands, Sheybarah Island, and Shura Island. SAR 1,776 + VAT per seat in shared plane, exclusive to guests staying at island resorts including Nujuma.
30-minute seaplane transfer to or from RSI Airport. SAR 3,279 + VAT per person in shared plane. Book at least 48 hours in advance; up to two children fly free.
Hands-on sessions in the open-air kitchen at Sita restaurant, working with the resident bakers at the clay oven. A genuine window into Arab bread-making tradition.
Every villa includes a kitchenette (full kitchen in the Royal Villa). Guests can meet with a dedicated chef to plan custom menus and either watch cooking or participate in hands-on classes. Available for daily meals or special occasions.
An indoor-outdoor pavilion hosting hands-on activities led by sustainability, nature, astronomy, and cultural experts. Think marine biology sessions, traditional crafts, native flora exploration, island wildlife tracking, and cultural storytelling. The pantry, boutique, and lounge areas make it a comfortable base for guests of all ages.
Nujuma's resident astronomer leads guests through the night sky above the Red Sea — one of the darkest natural environments in the region and on track to become part of the world's second-largest international dark sky reserve. Star expertise meets Saudi nomadic tradition. Telescopes on every villa deck for independent sessions.
Kayaking available along the island's perimeter through calm lagoons.
The on-site Galaxea Dive Center gives guests access to one of the world's most intact reef systems — part of the world's fourth-largest barrier reef. Certified instructors lead guests of all levels through shallow lagoons or deeper heritage and conservation dives, with encounters with hundreds of fish species, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and sharks. Certification courses available.
Direct snorkeling access from beach and overwater villa ladders into pristine Red Sea coral reef. Gear available through Galaxea Dive Center.
For guests aged 12 and under, daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Activities include shell collecting, stargazing, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, movie nights, traditional craft sessions, and interactive marine life lessons led by expert guides.
Guests are invited to participate in active mangrove planting as part of the resort's conservation program. Over 28,000 mangroves are already thriving on property.
The resort's resident naturalist leads guided experiences to help guests understand the wildlife and ecosystems of Ummahat Island and the broader Red Sea environment.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
White sand private beach with complimentary beach cabanas, sun loungers, and umbrellas for all guests.
Every guest is assigned a dedicated personal host — called Najm (male) or Najma (female) — available 24/7 to anticipate needs and fulfill wishes. An extension of Saudi Arabian hospitality tradition.
In-room Wi-Fi included. Marriott Bonvoy members receive complimentary access when booking direct. Speed rated at 25+ Mbps.
Complimentary full American, buffet, continental, grab-and-go, and hot breakfast available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Each of the 65 villas includes a telescope on the deck for personal stargazing sessions, connecting to the nomadic tradition of navigation by stars.
Library stocked with books on regional history and marine life.
Serene adults-only pool area with star reflections on calm waters. Heated, with lifeguard on duty.
Shared family pool for guests traveling with children.
Premium sedan and speedboat transfers between the resort and mainland are included in villa rates. Confirm at least 7 days before arrival.
State-of-the-art equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, free weights, strength and weight machines, each with personal TV screens. Sauna and steam rooms. Fitness and wellness sessions available.
Located within Neyrah Spa, guests can create bespoke product blends using VOYA's seaweed-based organic beauty ingredients.
BUILD YOUR NUJUMA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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