Shebara, Saudi Arabia

Posted in Projects on 10 February, 2025

Innovatively designed overwater and beachfront villas appear to float above the Red Sea.

The question of how to create a hotel that is both luxurious and sustainable is a modern-day challenge, but it has been achieved with aplomb at Shebara where reflective accommodation pods hover almost unseen above some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. The 73-key property – the first luxury resort to be fully owned and operated by developer Red Sea Global – is on its own island surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea.

The 73-key property is on its own island surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea.

Previously uninhabited, Shaybara Island is 45-minutes by boat from the mainland and is home to dense mangroves, desert flora, white sand dune beaches, coral flats, sea grass, and beautiful coral reefs, as well as many species of birds, fish and other marine animals. This setting presented unique challenges to the team at Killa Design, who were tasked with providing the ultimate form of luxury on a site that is completely off-grid, while remaining sympathetic to the sensitive marine environment. The primary goal of the project was how best to preserve and enhance the biodiversity of the surrounding habitat while offering a luxurious experience that will attract visitors from around the globe and rebrand Saudi Arabia as a top tier marine eco-tourism destination.

Shebara is the first luxury resort to be fully owned and operated by developer Red Sea Global.

The solution was to minimise the LEED-Platinum property’s environmental and literal environmental footprint by cantilevering the accommodation spaces above the coral reefs with only a few square metres of ground impact at the base of the supporting column. The result is an aerial accommodation pod that almost seems to defy gravity and suspends the guest directly above and within the beauty of an untouched marine eco-system. Doubling as an observation platform, it enables each guest to witness the fish, birds and turtles that thrive in the area.

Shebara opened in November 2024 and is a year-round destination with cool summer temperatures.

The entire project is powered by a centralised solar farm and fresh water is supplied from a solar powered desalination plant. Recycling of waste material takes place on the island, minimising the need to bring or remove materials from the site. The infrastructure forms part of a visitor experience though which guests can learn about the approach that goes into making the project a self-sustained human development.

The reflective orbs reflect the colours and surface patterns of the ocean and sky as they change throughout the day.

The façade has been designed to minimise visual impact, with a highly reflective stainless-steel skin polished to a mirror finish. These reflective orbs float, almost imperceptible, reflecting the colours and surface patterns of the ocean and sky as they change throughout the day. In addition to lessening the visual impact of the architecture on the surrounding environment, this approach also improves the building’s energy performance with a near 100% reflection of the solar gain at the mirror surface. These heavily insulated spaces can be effectively cooled with minimal energy losses. Interiors are spacious, with detailing and finishes inspired by luxury yachts.

Rooms offers panoramic views of the sea, with sliding doors that open to a deck, seating area and an infinity pool.

Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre and exceptional cuisine, including: iki.roe, serving modern Japanese-Nikkei cuisine; Ariamare, led by Michelin starred restaurateur chef Marco Garfagnini, showcasing Mediterranean flavours; Lunara, a sophisticated international brasserie; and Saria Pool Bar and Grill, a beachside venue specialising in Levantine cuisine. Solera, an adults-only pool bar, features an eco-conscious menu with a selection of refreshing mocktails. There’s also a nature-inspired spa sanctuary with five luxurious treatment rooms, pools for families and adults only, as well as a host of exhilarating water expeditions.

Shebara opened in November 2024 and is a year-round destination with cool summer temperatures. The resort is a 45-minute boat ride, or a 30-minute seaplane journey, from Red Sea International Airport.

shebara.sa/en