Raffles Unveils a New Red Sea Hideaway: Shura Island Opens Its Doors

On Shura Island, overlooking the pristine waters of the Red Sea, a new sanctuary bearing the Raffles signature has opened its doors. Brought to life as part of the Foster + Partners-designed “Coral Bloom” masterplan, Raffles The Red Sea reinterprets accessible luxury in an entirely different geography, with architecture that follows the island’s natural contours, light-filled interiors and terraces that reach toward the sea. Across 121 rooms, 14 suites and 33 pool villas, the brand’s signature Raffles Butler service welcomes guests in every accommodation, while a number of the villas are offered under the Raffles Residences The Red Sea brand, with interiors by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel.

The island’s multicultural spirit comes through on the gastronomy side too: Ni’ma, focused on Eastern Mediterranean flavours; Siparaja, drawing on Singaporean and Peranakan cuisine; El Nay, with Pan-Arab bites; Anbara, a French patisserie with Arabian touches; and Pool Bar & Grill, for a poolside experience, will all come online in phases over the coming months. Raffles Spa & Wellness, to be equipped with seven treatment rooms, a hammam, a steam room and an outdoor swimming pool, will also open to guests soon.

Perhaps the hotel’s most distinctive touch is the “Raffles Curator” programme, which places local art, storytelling and craft at its centre. Guests get to know Saudi heritage up close through cultural gatherings held in an island-specific Curator’s Room. The island itself is far from idle: Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course, Shura Links, a marina, and diving and watersports facilities accompany guests. The whole destination runs entirely on renewable energy, making Raffles The Red Sea not just visually striking but a representative of a more responsible approach to luxury.

This new jewel of the Red Sea adds Raffles’s elegant signature to the region’s growing map of luxury hospitality brands — and signals that the story will only keep growing with new resorts planned to open on the island in the months ahead.