T+L’s Hotel Review Nujuma: a Ritz–Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia

Sean Laughlin a Nujuma Naturalist, said that, until a couple of years ago the only people to visit these islands were local fisherman. We paused in our walk on the beach to scan the horizon looking for dolphins. “They would moor their small boats here to rest. But nobody else had ever set foot here. That’s why the wildlife is extraordinary.”

Saudi Arabia’s Ummahat archipelago consists of a few sugar-white beaches scattered in a sea that is vibrantly cerulean.Ummahat In Arabic, means’mothers’ because the sandbanks appear at low tide. Wild egrets are on the lookout for tiddlers as the nearby reef is a hive of mantas. Turtles and sailfish can also be seen. These islands were a secret for so many years, but that’s no longer the case. These islands are now home to Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveRecently, the. T+L’s 2025 It List The best new hotels in the world for the year.

Its name—pronounced noo-joo-ma—is whispered among the world’s elite travelers like an incantation. When I checked into my Villa, I realized why. The 63 villas, which are scattered across the beaches and along an overwater boardwalk, total only 63. Each villa is designed by Foster + Partners to look like a giant seashell.

Ritz-Carlton Reserves, known for their unique landscapes and barefoot-luxe attitude, are only eight in the entire world. The first of the new Red Sea Region hotels, it opened in May 2024. It covers an area that is slightly smaller than Hawaii, and includes more than 90 islands. There are also swathes desert and mountains in the main land. Despite its size, the region was designed to leave a minimal carbon foot print: by 2030 it will only be powered by renewable energy. To prevent overtourism, the number of visitors will be limited to 1 million per year.

Conservation is important, too. Nujuma, for example, has 28,000 mangrove seedlings, and 98,000 new corals, which have been planted on the coast and islands. When we met up with Tony Coveney in Abu Dhabi, UAE a few weeks later, he told me that sustainability isn’t a buzzword. It’s the foundation of everything the hotel does. “We’re powered by solar energy, we use local ingredients in our restaurants, we use grey water for irrigation—we’re doing everything we can to keep the landscape as pristine as possible.”

Laughlin, Nujuma’s resident expert on wildlife, knows this island as well as he can. He leads guests every day on nature walks and dolphin-spotting excursions, as well as mangrove planting expeditions. He laughed. “My morning exercise is paddling out to a seagrass meadow nearby to watch dugongs feed on their breakfast.”

For me, the days were spent snorkeling, kayaking, and cycling to the beaches. I was constantly amazed by the color of the ocean. The nights were reserved for candlelit dinners, stargazing and other nighttime activities.nujuma Arabic for “stars”. Two novels I brought with me sat unopened for the duration of my trip. The fishermen who once loved this place may have cherished it, but the trip was not just a fly and flop.

You can learn everything about Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

The Rooms

Upon check-in, guests are given a stylish wooden-bead bracelet instead of a key card—simply swipe your wrist at the door to open it.

Each of the 63 houses is situated for maximum privacy and offers sea views from almost all windows. The interior of my dome-shaped house was quite spacious, with an open-plan kitchen and living area, as well as a separate bedroom.

Marilu Sicoli says, “The shell-like structure was made from sustainable wood and rope cladding so that it blends in with its surroundings.” The scheme respects existing habitats and encourages nesting birds. It will also preserve the rich ecology of the islands. The terrace adjacent to my plunge pool was large enough for sunbeds and dining tables. Every evening we used the villa’s telescope to look at the moon.

The Royal Nujuma Villa at the top of the hotel is a three-bedroom villa with a spacious layout. This accommodation can accommodate groups up to 7 guests.

Food and Drink

The hotel was bursting with Saudi produce. I was surprised to see apricots, pomegranates, and citrus fruits from Jeddah. There were also seafoods caught along the coast since the Red Sea is now a protected area. I enjoyed bream that was oven-baked and seasoned with traditional dried lemons at the Tabrah fish restaurant. This was followed by an oozy, mango-filled mille-feuille.

This is admirable. I have traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and many ingredients are imported. Our waiter at Tabrah said that people from abroad are often surprised at the quality of Saudi Arabian homegrown ingredients, while Saudi nationals are amazed at how we elevate their familiar flavours into dishes they would expect to find in a fine European restaurant, for example.

Sita is a restaurant open all day, serving everything from Levantine food to French patisserie. The ocean is only a few steps away. Jamaa is where breakfast is served. You can enjoy your morning latte while sprawled out on cushions in a traditional Moroccan sofa. Majlis Choose from a variety of dishes, including shakshuka and acai, in the seating area.

Saudi Arabia is a dry country, but what Nujuma’s mixologists lack in alcohol, they compensate for with exuberant mocktails (don’t miss their spin on sangria), alongside an extensive array of zero-percent beers, wines, and spirits. Pork is also not served.

Activities and Experiences

Ohoud Mosuily explains that it is his mission to demystify Saudi Culture for foreign guests. We sipped on tiny cups of Arabic coffee infused with cardamom. She is the manager of the Conservation House at the hotel, which is a hub for culture and wildlife activities. She also hosts talks on topics ranging from Saudi Arabian traditional dress to modern music and female entrepreneurs.

Nujuma offers a wide range of activities. Why spend your time on a lazy lounger when you could explore the islands by paddleboard with an astrophysicist or stargaze together with a wildlife expert?

You can also enjoy the infinity pool on the beachfront if you get tired of your villa’s plunge pools. The resort has a 24/7 gym and watersports center as well as a diving school.

The Spa

Neyrah Spa stands out even among the Middle East’s high spa standards. It doesn’t just pay lip service to Saudi culture, it’s infused with it—from the rosewater used to cleanse your hands on arrival to the richly perfumed oud and sandalwood oils used in its deep-tissue massages, which are sourced from the ancient city of AlUla. Its abundance of white marble and delicate wood carvings echo the traditional Saudi style and make it feel cozy but not claustrophobic.

The treatment rooms all have ocean views. Open the shutters to enjoy the view. No one will be able to peek inside. After my massage, I spent an hour in its vitality pools, hammam and relaxation room, before curling with chamomile and sticky medjool date. The spa is gender-segregated.

Offers for Families

Children of all ages are welcome. A complimentary kids club is available for children ranging from four to 12 years old. Activities, such as island-inspired craft workshops and activity sessions, are offered. The club is not something I have personally experienced, but I did speak to a family that raved about its focus on sustainability, educating the children about marine wildlife, mangroves and how turtles nest back at the beach they were born. All restaurants offer children’s meals and there is a separate pool for families. Nujuma has a range of family activities, such as snorkelling and stargazing, for those with older children. You can also explore the island by bike.

Saudi Arabia is a country that loves children, but its hotels are renowned for their sophistication and serenity. So, tantrums or boisterous games may be viewed with suspicion.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

Only one villa has a shower with a roll-in. Each accommodation and communal space, including the restaurants, has wide doorways, spacious interiors, and no steps. There is a wheelchair-accessible buggy service available throughout the resort, as well as chair lifts for certain pools.

Nujuma’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint are in line with those of the Red Sea Region. Solar energy provides all the hotel’s electricity, while reverse osmosis is used to turn seawater into freshwater. The hotel uses its own wastewater treatment facility to irrigate. The resort has planted over 28,0000 mangrove seeds to date. Guests can also plant more during their visit. Nujuma is also focused on the little details. It offers biodegradable drink straws and large refillable bathroom toiletries by Diptyque.

Location

It’s an adventure just to get here. Red Sea International is the closest airport. However, it can only be reached via flights from Riyadh or Dubai. You have two options for getting to your hotel after landing: either by speedboat (30 minutes) or by seaplane (10 minutes). Electric cars powered by solar power take just 20 minutes to transfer you to the ferry terminal.

Nujuma’s sister hotel is also located at a distance. The St. Regis Red Sea ResortNujuma is the more exclusive of the two, but I recommend visiting The St. Regis for an al fresco seafood lunch at The Beach Club or nightly sabrage where the sommelier opens (non-alcoholic) Champagne with a sweeping sword. Nujuma may be the more exclusive, but the St. Regis offers a seafood al fresco meal at The Beach Club. Or, you can attend the nightly sabrage in which the sommelier cuts the non-alcoholic champagne with a sword.

Book Now

Nujuma The Marriott Bonvoy program allows you to earn points, rewards, and even free nights. This unlocks discounts, free Wi-Fi access, mobile check in, and more. Those on the Silver tier will receive priority late check out and a 10 per cent boost in points earned. This increases to 75 percent if you are on the Ambassador Elite tier.

Rates for nightly stays at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Starting at SAR8,000 (or $2,130).

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.