First Look: Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, provides an immersive escape to explore Saudi Arabian culture and the Red Sea's wonders.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East opens on Ummahat Island in the tranquil waters of The Red Sea. The private island retreat is nestled within the captivating Blue Hole cluster of islands, where pristine coral reefs thrive beneath the surface and the celestial canopy above paints an endless tapestry of stars. Nujuma — inspired by the meaning of ‘stars’ in Arabic – invites travelers to embark on an unchartered journey to one of the world's most secluded and protected archipelagos. Here, amidst the azure expanse, guests are beckoned to explore and immerse themselves in the region’s culture and traditions. Nujuma joins a collection of rare Ritz-Carlton Reserve estates around the world, inviting the most discerning travelers to embark on a journey of exploration where every encounter reveals a deeper connection to the destination.
Image: Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia
The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s luxury regenerative tourism destinations on the west coast of the country, is surrounded by the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system with an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands. From this enchanting setting, guests can embark on extraordinary snorkelling and scuba diving adventures to uncover seldom visited sites beneath the waves. Teeming with vibrant coral reefs that have thrived for over five thousand years, the barrier reef is home to fascinating ecosystems including over 165 endemic reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and Napoleon wrasse. The island’s shores are fringed by rich mangroves, known to be one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and within this lush habitat visitors can spot a variety of sea birds, marine invertebrates and havali guitarfish. Beyond the turquoise waters, guests can discover the beauty of the coastal mainland through guided trails across majestic desert dunes.
Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane, Nujuma features 63 overwater and beach villas, offering one-to-three-bedroom accommodation, spacious living areas and private pools overlooking the sea. Guests can marvel at the limitless starry night skies from the comfort of their villa through telescopes positioned on each deck. Perched above the cerulean-blue sea and connected by an elevated ring walkway, the overwater villas offer panoramic views and direct access to the sea. Nestled on undisturbed soft white sand, the beach villas are secluded retreats flooded with natural light and the sea’s refreshing breeze. Each villa enjoys the services of a dedicated personal host, who will take care of every detail and guide guests through all the enriching experiences this destination has to offer.
Image: Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia
Nujuma's dining philosophy reflects the Arabian tradition of home gatherings sharing stories, poetry, and thought. Each of the Reserve's five culinary experiences honors the Umluj region's fishermen, who have lived there for over 50 years. Guests are welcomed to Tabrah, a modern take on a fisherman's home, to enjoy seafood specialties like ‘The Luckiest Catch,’ celebrating the sea's bounty. Jamaa offers a relaxed alfresco setting with light dishes from an open kitchen and wood-fire grill, overlooking the resort's pool and cabanas.
