A First Look at SLS The Red Sea, Now Open on Saudi Arabia’s Shura Island
Bazaar Arabia breaks down what to expect, from check-in to dinner plans and everything in between
Before you begin thinking of the enjoyable parts, like what to wear or which flight to book, a long weekend resort trip comes down to a couple of practical questions…
Does it feel worth the planning and taking time off?
SLS The Red Sea, which opened on Shura Island in February 2026, makes a strong case for itself. Built around mood, design, and a full lifestyle line-up, it’s bringing the brand’s opulence to the Kingdom’s coastline.
What To Expect
Everyone remembers the feeling of stepping into a resort or a hotel and beginning their stay, and the property understands that. Right as guests arrive, they walk through landscaped pathways that guide them towards the island’s “Coral Bloom” architecture by Foster + Partners. That Coral Bloom concept is part of Shura Island’s overall aesthetic, created to blend with the natural environment.
The Stay
Beyond the art, it’s a full-scale resort. The property houses 150 guestrooms in total, spanning 117 rooms, 18 suites, and 15 private villas. They feature Ortigia Ambra Nera bath amenities and robes embroidered with SLS icons.
If you’re going all-in or planning a family trip, the private villas are the most exclusive option to choose from, with beachfront settings, private pools, terraces, and dedicated living and dining spaces.
The Dining
Once you’ve dropped your bags, you’ll want to book a table. The resort boasts a plethora of dining options, which serve intentionally varied cuisine.
The Floating World offers Japanese delicacies. We recommend the prawn katsu sandos and miso-glazed black cod, and if you’ve got time to spare, make sure to take part in the Japanese tea ritual.
Seabird, a London favourite, has made its Saudi debut at the property, with Spanish and Portuguese-inspired coastal flavours. Signature plates like the octopus roll and baked salt fish with smoked honey butter and mojo verde are a must-try. Meanwhile, Fi’lia offers cosy Italian favourites such as handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza.
For a casual snack or refreshments, The Perch, the poolside beach bar, serves juices, mocktails, and slushies with a DJ adding to the mood.
Wellness at the Forefront
For those looking to incorporate wellness into their break, the resort’s Ciel Spa spans over 1,146 square metres and features advanced beauty technology, hydrotherapy, and tailored treatments. The facilities include six treatment rooms, including couples’ suites, and a signature indoor–outdoor hydrotherapy pool, along with treatments such as Platinum HydraFacial and LED light therapy.
There are also single-gender thermal zones with hammams, steam rooms, and saunas, alongside female beauty stations and a male grooming lounge.
If You’re Coming with the Little Ones
The property also prioritises catering to all ages. For younger guests, there’s a Kids’ Club for ages 5 to 11, with everything from crafts and experiments to beach games, ending in mini discos and kid-friendly parties. Teens, ages 12 to 15, get their own lounge-and-sport set-up, including gaming and activities like basketball and padel.
For the adventurous lot, there’s yoga, padel, and complimentary gear for snorkelling and paddleboarding, alongside premium options like Seabob, e-foil, and e-surf.
Shura Island is the main hub of The Red Sea, the destination being developed by Red Sea Global along Saudi Arabia’s west coast. For those who’ve seen the serene beauty of the destination, getting there is no longer complicated. It has its own Red Sea International Airport (RSI), with regular flights currently connecting from Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, Milan, and Dubai, and more routes expected to launch.
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