The Maldives no longer have a monopoly on over-the-water villas. Enter Shebara: a futuristic hotel that just popped up off the Saudi coast in the Red Sea. Shebara is an apt metaphor embracing the region’s history, given it’s meteoric rise to wealth and a future where the sky’s the limit. It’s the incantation of Killa Design with rooms referencing precious pearls and the Kingdom’s plan for the future.
Shebara is the first in a planned portfolio of 16 resorts by Red Sea Global. The project has attracted not only the best designers, but world-class staff and plenty of them. Each stay is designed to meet the individual needs of the guest. Families are particularly well-attended to, with all-encopassing experiences for under 12s, where learning is part of the fun.
About the Resort
Shebara became the first resort that Red Sea Global fully owns and operates. It sits in the pristine Al Wajh Lagoon, which you can reach by a 30–40 minute boat ride or a 30‑minute seaplane from Red Sea International Airport. The island forms part of a protected lagoon system that features biodiverse coral reefs and ultra‑clear water. Altogether, Shebara offers 73 luxury island keys, with 38 overwater villas and 35 beachfront villas making up the resort.
Eco-cred
The resort’s sustainability credentials are solid, with 100% solar power and a dedicated desalination plant. Shebara Island is home to powdery-white beaches, and mangroves supporting native birds visible on a walk. Its coral reefs and pantone catalogue of water blues deliver views from over-sea rooms that you’ll find yourself getting lost in.
Views that Dazzle
The rooms may be George Jetson from the outside, but step inside and sleek, luxury yachting takes over. Everywhere, a demure palette of neutrals in luxurious linen and sensual stone hide push-of-a-button sliding doors and cabinetry for absolute comfort. The spa alone, with an emphasis on beauty is worth a trip to the island, featuring Amra and Dr. Burgener treatments in relaxation suites.
Dining at Shebara
When it’s time to dine, the options travel the globe. There are 5 signature restaurants on Shebara, including Mediterranean and Japanese‑Nikkei cuisine. Marco Garfagnini delivers simple but exquisite pasta, whilst Solera is the go-to lunch spot for Asian fusion. And while the kids are in the care of a babysitter, upscale Iki.Roe beckons for a romantic evening at the adults-only end of the resort.
The future looks bright, surrounded by the warmth of the Red Sea, wrapped in the traditional welcome of the Saudi people. Shebara has not only the credentials, but creates a new template for next generation luxury island escapes.
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FAQs
Q. What is the best way to get to Shebara?
A. You have two options for reaching Shebara. The sea plane from the local Red Sea airport takes 30 minutes, whilst a boat reaches the island in 45 minutes.
Q. How many restaurants does Shebara have?
A. Five restaurants at Shebara ensure there’s no shortage of choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Room service at Shebara is available 24/7.
Q. What are some other Killa Design hotel and resort projects?
A. NEOM Leyja and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab are two icons of hotel design. However, Shaun Killa’s best known project is Dubai’s Museum of the Future.
