The St. Regis Red Sea Resort: The Perfect Paradise

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, located on Ummahat Island in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, offers a luxurious retreat accessible by chartered boat or seaplane. The resort features 90 beachfront and overwater villas, each equipped with a private pool, sundeck, and outdoor shower, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces to provide stunning sea views.

Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, the resort's architecture reflects the surrounding coral reefs, marine life, and sand dunes. The interiors, crafted by Kristina Zanic Consultants, incorporate organic forms and a desert-inspired colour palette, creating a harmonious connection with the natural environment

I’d like to share my honest opinion, based on my experience both as a visitor (not staying guest) and as someone who worked on the project. I was fortunate enough to visit the islands before any development began. Later, I had the opportunity to contribute to the design, staying involved up until the completion of the Concept Design phase at 100%.

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The Journey Begins: Mono-island adventure

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort officially opened in January 2024. Across the Middle East, St. Regis now has a total of five properties, primarily located in the UAE.

We didn’t stay at the hotel, but we spent most of the day there reviewing the rooms, enjoying the beach club and its facilities. We were fortunate enough to organise a day boat trip from the Ritz-Carlton to the St. Regis, which is about a 15-minute boat ride away. It's a short but pleasant journey and incredibly convenient. Since both hotels are part of Marriott International, the logistics between them are seamless.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the staff (Henry), who were expecting us and provided a guided tour of the island. Unlike the Ritz-Carlton, the arrival point at the St. Regis felt rather minimal—a few deck chairs and a simple St. Regis signboard. In my opinion, the design lacked the distinct opulence and signature elements typically associated with the St. Regis brand. This could be due to the nature of the design and the designer’s approach, but I felt there should have been a stronger emphasis on the St. Regis identity (high-quality finishes, classic architectural elements, and elegant decor).

In comparison, the Ritz-Carlton’s arrival area was plusher, chic, and noticeably more charming. Even before stepping into the villa, I felt that the experience was a grand gesture of hospitality and warmth. The welcoming atmosphere set the tone, creating an immediate sense of luxury and making me feel valued as a guest. However, at the St. Regis, there was a moment when we even wondered if our captain had mistakenly taken us to the service jetty (A genuine thought).

Notwithstanding the above, the arrival hub was an exceptional starting point for our trip; it perfectly set the tone with a sense of luxury and prestige in true St. Regis style. The handcrafted artwork on the walls, along with the furniture (featuring the Red Sea edition by Assouline), carpets, and wall finishes, all radiated premium quality. I was genuinely excited to begin my journey. Kristina Zanic Consultants did a fantastic job in crafting an unforgettable guest experience from the very first moment. It was only at this point that I started to feel excited.

As it was my first time returning to the island since 2018, I wanted to go directly to the overwater villas. The journey from the jetty to the villas is short, just a couple of minutes. The villas are designed by Kengo Kuma, a renowned Japanese architect celebrated for his innovative, minimalist designs that emphasize harmony with nature and the use of traditional materials. His work often incorporates wood and other natural elements, showcasing craftsmanship and the Japanese architectural philosophy of creating spaces that blend seamlessly with their environment.

Kengo Kuma has worked on some exceptional pieces of architecture, including the V&A Dundee, The Exchange in Sydney, and the Japan National Stadium, along with many other world-leading designs. Given his impressive portfolio, I was expecting something truly remarkable here.

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The Villa Experience

We were shown a two-bedroom overwater ‘coral’ villa. The structure has a spiral form that provides “360-degree” views of the sea.

Kengo Kuma’s design ethos is deeply rooted in the use of timber. However, compared to the Ritz-Carlton, the overall look and feel of the St. Regis overwater villas felt somewhat out of place. For me it was the choice of wood—likely European spruce, pine, or a similar type—and the architectural style seemed to lack the premium quality and sophistication typically associated with the St. Regis brand.

The overhang on the villas and buildings, finished with pine, gave the impression that the structures were incomplete and could benefit from additional detailing. However, upon closer look, it became clear that this style was consistent throughout the resort, suggesting it was an intentional design choice.

Having seen Kengo Kuma's work, I didn’t feel that the ‘spherical’ design delivered the level of theatricality, uniqueness, or "best of the best" quality I was expecting. Of course, this is totally subjective, but with all the hype surrounding this project, I personally expected more.

Upon entering the villa, the design doesn’t fully capitalise on the stunning natural surroundings. As you enter your view is a single window overlooking the pristine water. The layout is not open plan, which felt a bit underwhelming when contrasted with the Ritz-Carlton’s more open and inviting spaces with natural light.

The outdoor decking is minimal, with timber slats offering some shade, but the experience doesn’t convey a sense of luxury. In my opinion, it’s a bit of an eyesore. Additionally, the outdoor furniture has a plastic-like appearance, detracting from the high-end ambiance one would expect at a St. Regis property.

I understand that the design's intent was to reduce the resort’s carbon footprint and align with sustainable practices, which I appreciate. I also appreciate that perceptions of luxury can vary; while some may enjoy the minimalist, nature-centric approach, others, like myself, find it may lack the opulence traditionally associated with the St. Regis experience and brand.(Opinions will vary).

Kristina Zanic Consultants (the same team behind the Ritz-Carlton) incorporated natural textures and a desert-inspired colour palette in the design. Their team has created a serene and immersive atmosphere - I really liked the custom-made rugs that align perfectly with the Red Sea theme. The FF&E aligns perfectly with the space, and the ample natural light makes the rooms feel airy and open. Better glazing options could minimize the thick, clunky frames—amazing views shouldn't be obstructed.

For some, if you appreciate a blend of sustainability with minimalist design, the aesthetic may resonate well. However, for others, like myself, it felt like a departure from the signature elegance typically expected from a St. Regis hotel.

The circular shape of the villas seemed to compromise the spatial planning typically expected in a luxury property, impacting the interior layout due to the structure’s geometry. Although the room sizes are generous, I found the functionality lacking overall. The design felt somewhat claustrophobic to me, though it might appeal to guests who prefer a more segmented layout. For those who appreciate distinct separation between spaces, this design could be an ideal choice.

Reflection: Having stayed at various St. Regis properties around the world, I felt that the quality of this particular property was somewhat compromised. Perhaps it was a one-off experience, or I may have simply walked into the wrong villa that day. However, I didn’t get that signature St. Regis vibe when I stepped inside.

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Dining and Entertainment

The St. Regis offers a diverse array of dining experiences, each thoughtfully crafted to reflect the resort's luxurious ambiance and the natural beauty of its surroundings. Most of the signature restaurants open after 6 PM.

Let me start by saying that the staff at St. Regis were fantastic—energetic, hospitable, and above all, engaging. They were attentive and proactive, which made for a great experience. (To be fair, it wasn't too crowded.). The F&B manager took the time to show us around each restaurant.

While we didn’t dine at Nesma, the all-day dining venue, it specialises in Middle Eastern cuisine crafted from local ingredients. With airy, bright interiors that blend seamlessly with the shoreside setting, it provided a relaxing dining atmosphere. The décor is minimalist. The space felt a bit small, but we were assured that at peak times, they expand the outdoor seating to accommodate all guests.

Gishiki 45, the signature restaurant, offers modern Japanese dining, bringing showmanship to live cooking and traditional tea ceremonies. The menu features local seafood and sushi favourites to cater to diverse tastes. However, compared to notable international Japanese restaurants like Niri, Mimi Kakushi, Zuma, Nobu, and Kanpai, I didn’t get the authentic Japanese vibe here. It’s worth noting that we visited at 5 PM before the restaurant opened, but the overall look and feel were below par (while some might argue that urban restaurants can't be compared to mono-island experiences, I did expect more).

Tilina, an elegant overwater restaurant, is poised above the waves. We heard a lot about this venue from the staff but didn’t have a chance to visit. It’s an exclusive fine-dining sanctuary, offering a culinary journey through haute cuisine degustation menus that showcase the finest local and international ingredients. Apparently, the menu changes daily, which is an interesting concept!

We chose to spend time at The Beach Club, which offers outdoor seating and poolside relaxation with fresh light bites and mocktails. There’s direct access to the beach, with attentive servers meeting every need. The food is standard beach club fare—pizza, burgers, fish, and similar options.

Reflection: It’s visibly apparent that certain elements have been retrofitted to accommodate operations. Outdoor speakers and cables are running through the space, which detracts from the seamless design one might expect in a luxury setting.

Perhaps it was the absence of people that made the place feel lacking in atmosphere. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy quiet time and a relaxed vibe, but this was very quiet. There were only a few people enjoying water sports, which looked fun, and a handful of guests scattered around the beach. Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to be a regular guest here, likely drawn by its exclusivity.

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Pricing and Accessibility

A stay at St. Regis, Red Sea starts at AED 7,200 ($2,000) per night for the standard one-bedroom dune villa (75 sqm). This is the most affordable offering. The One-Bedroom Coral Villa with an overwater view costs around AED 13,000 ($3,500) per night, including breakfast. Prices for two-bedroom accommodations go up to AED 20,000 and beyond. As with Nujuma, when you factor in the AED 4,500 ($1,200) flight from Dubai, additional taxi, boat, or seaplane transfers, and the cost of a tourist visa, it’s certainly a premium experience.

We spent Saturday (the weekend) at St. Regis. While I’m not sure of the exact occupancy numbers for the weekend, the resort felt quiet. We were informed that most guests typically come for the weekend. As I mentioned in my previous review, I think a more accessible price point could attract a larger crowd, even with the absence of alcohol and entertainment, and given its remote location.

This resort clearly caters to a specific clientele—likely couples, families, and celebrities (like Ronaldo) seeking a unique, exclusive experience. For groups or families, a 4-5 day stay would be ideal to fully enjoy the activities, though it does require a substantial budget.

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Room for Improvement

My observations align with Nujuma regarding the beach quality. While I appreciate the emphasis on sustainability, there may be opportunities to improve the dredging, sand filling, and compacting processes. The sand still felt firm underfoot, lacking the soft, luxurious feel one would expect at a high-end destination. However, I did find the beach quality here noticeably better than at Nujuma.

Additionally, the mobile tower masts are somewhat of an eyesore. Integrating these structures more seamlessly with the natural surroundings could significantly enhance the overall aesthetic. While I understand the demand for high-speed internet and 5G connectivity, should it come at the expense of the island’s natural beauty?

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Final Thoughts

Would I return to the St. Regis? It’s tough to say.

My first impression is that there probably needs to be more on offer for me to consider coming back as a paying guest. I just didn’t see enough to justify the price point they’re advertising. One of my favourite St. Regis properties in the Middle East is Saadiyat Island, where I know exactly what to expect each time I go. With this property, it’s harder to tell.

For me, St. Regis has always been a go-to brand, but I feel this property is still too new to showcase its full potential. If I were to stay, I’d likely want to spend a couple of nights in the beach villas and explore the culinary options in more detail before making a final judgment.

Given the limited marketing efforts so far—aside from mentions by notable figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and ‘influencers’ I expect the resort will expand its outreach and offerings as the full masterplan unfolds.

As I said with Nujuma, whether your priority is price, experience, or both, St Regis is still very new, and time will tell if it becomes a go-to destination alongside the Maldives and Seychelles or remains primarily for regional and Saudi travellers. Like any new product, the operator seems to be observing, updating, and adjusting. Only time will tell if St Regis becomes a must-visit destination or simply another hotel in the Red Sea portfolio.

I want to extend my gratitude to St Regis, it’ staff including General Managers, and Red Sea Global for their exceptional hospitality. It was truly an amazing experience!

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