Saudi Arabia: The Red Sea to join exclusive Serandipians’ luxury network

The Red Sea, the flagship destination of Red Sea Global (RSG), has joined the exclusive Serandipians network of luxury travel and hospitality organisations. 

The Red Sea is one of the first Saudi tourism destinations to join the network; it is one of a small select number of luxury destinations to join Serandipians before officially opening to guests in 2023.

In order to join the Serandipians community, destinations must meet strict eligibility criteria as part of a thorough review process. This includes a five-star property rating, references from a number of partners and suppliers, and the provision of luxury added-value services for guests such as ease of booking and wellness offerings including spa facilities.

Adventure and experiential travel are also high on the eligibility criteria list to become a ‘Preferred Destination’ in the network.

John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global, said: “The Red Sea is poised to welcome travellers to Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s few remaining unspoiled gems. Our partnership with Serandipians will help us bring regenerative tourism to the world, and demonstrate a new kind of sustainable development that aims to enrich natural capital and benefit the environment in which we operate.”

Thirteen internationally renowned hotel brands have already announced they will have a presence at The Red Sea, including Ritz Carlton Reserve and Miraval hotels, the first to operate in the Middle East.

Diana Nuber, director of Partnerships and Media Relations said: “We will work with The Red Sea and our wider community of luxury travel professionals to entice travellers to this truly spectacular part of the world and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s exposure within our network. Ahead of the opening, The Red Sea already has demonstrated a commitment to world-class luxury facilities and services, with an impressive roster of five-star brands, many of them already our partners, choosing the destination to open their very first hotels in Saudi Arabia.”

The Red Sea aims to become the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project. It is being developed over 28,000 square kilometers of pristine lands and waters, including a vast archipelago of more than 90 islands. The destination features sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes, and ancient cultural and heritage sites. 

Work is on track to welcome the first guests this year when the first hotels are set to open. Phase one, which includes 16 hotels in total, will be completed in 2024.

Upon completion in 2030, The Red Sea will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include an international airport, luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, and leisure facilities.