The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia Ummahat Islands
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Shell-domed island hideaway
Ummahat Islands The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Opened
2024
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
MarriottShell-domed island hideaway
Secluded barefoot luxury unfolds across quiet white sands and overwater causeways, framed by gentle breezes and brilliant lagoon waters.
“Designed by Foster + Partners and inspired by seashells, these spheroid structures are at once natural yet futuristic.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Dedicated personal hosts coordinate private island itineraries, stargazing sessions, and buggy transport.
Remarkable
Shell-inspired timber villas curve along an elevated circular walkway over the lagoon.
Remarkable
Guided barrier reef diving, sailing, and dark-sky astronomy across a private archipelago.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Middle East
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper*, AFAR and Tatler.
On a serene Red Sea archipelago, Nujuma is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, a set of sculptural, solar-powered villas spread across sand and sea.
“The resort itself is a beauty to look at, its design – the work of British firm Foster + Partners – featuring clean lines, sandy hues and graceful curves...”
“Overwater villas are arranged in a semi-circle, mimicking the jewels of a necklace; from ground level, they appear shell-like, with arched roofs and panoramic windows.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set in the Al Wajh Lagoon, the private island is surrounded by rich mangrove channels and pristine barrier reef dive sites.
The rooms
Solar-powered villas feature private plunge pools, soaking tubs, and dedicated stargazing telescopes on expansive decks facing the water.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor pool curves along the beach, and the ocean-view fitness center aligns cardio machines toward the water.
The spa
Sea-facing suites and open cabanas host treatments infused with AlUla moringa peregrina oil, oud, and sound healing rituals.
Restaurant
Sita
Set beneath woven timber lattice domes, Sita serves Levantine dishes and warm flatbreads baked in a central clay oven.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the villas take inspiration from seashells, with spherical shapes that exude a natural yet futuristic vibe.
At the table
Tabrah prepares fresh local seafood, and Maia serves botanical mocktails beneath a constellation-lit ceiling for evening stargazing.
How it began
Designed by Foster + Partners, the island layout mimics a string of pearls with timber pods shaped like closed mussel shells.
“It is located on Ummahat Island in the tranquil waters of The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s luxury regenerative tourism destinations.”
Good to know
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Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.