The Red Sea EDITION has just scooped the prestigious title of the best new hotel in the world for 2025, according to Forbes Travel Guide, and if you’re like me, dreaming of a getaway that feels like stepping into a postcard, this one’s got your name all over it. Picture this: nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, this stunning resort isn’t just a place to stay—it’s part of a grand vision called The Red Sea, a tourism megaproject first whispered into existence back in 2017. Initiated by the Public Investment Fund, this initiative aims to transform a stretch of untouched coastline into a luxury paradise, drawing inspiration from iconic spots like Dubai while keeping Saudi Arabia’s natural wonders front and center. It’s all about blending five-star sophistication with the raw beauty of crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and sandy dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. As someone who’s chased the perfect travel buzz for years, I can tell you this project isn’t just building hotels; it’s crafting experiences that make you feel alive, connected to the earth and sky. And The Red Sea EDITION? It’s the shining star, proving that with patience and vision, dreams like this can materialize into reality—a place where luxury meets serenity in ways that leave you breathless and begging for more.
Diving deeper into the island magic, Shura Island stands as the crown jewel of this Red Sea saga, a tiny landmass that’s quickly becoming the go-to hub for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. It’s where The Red Sea EDITION made its grand debut last year, joining forces with the InterContinental and SLS in what felt like a symphony of openings, each resort echoing the island’s wild spirit while offering its own twist on opulence. Imagine gliding into this remote paradise, where the pace slows to match the gentle lap of the waves, and everything from the palm-fringed shores to the rugged terrain whispers stories of discovery. Visitors here aren’t just tourists; they’re part of a larger narrative, exploring networks of islands and mainland spots that promise endless escapades. For me, visiting these early openings was like peeking into a future where travel isn’t just about ticking boxes on a bucket list—it’s about forging personal connections with places that feel untamed yet welcoming. The area has already seen gems like Six Senses Southern Dunes and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, pop up, each with its signature flair: one focusing on eco-luxury wellness, another on bespoke adventures. It’s a tapestry of possibilities, where staying on Shura Island feels like living a chapter out of an explorer’s journal, with every sunrise hinting at untold wonders just waiting to be uncovered.
As thrilling as this All starts to sound, The Red Sea EDITION didn’t claim its spot without some stiff competition—imagine it going head-to-head with heavyweights like Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve tucked away in Costa Rica’s lush jungles; the historic Orient Express La Minerva in the timeless streets of Rome; the sleek Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur; and the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York. This year’s shortlist for Forbes Travel Guide’s best new hotel award was curated by an executive editorial committee of travel experts, folks who’ve tasted the world’s finest offerings and know what makes a property unforgettable. But here’s where it gets interesting: the final decision rested in the hands of everyday travelers and luxury seekers. Through an online survey, thousands of voices chimed in, voting with their hearts (and perhaps a dash of wanderlust), elevating The Red Sea EDITION above the rest. Why did it resonate? Maybe it’s the allure of a destination that’s still emerging, a blank canvas where exclusivity meets accessibility. As someone who’s poured over these awards for decades, I love how this participatory twist democratizes the process, turning a simple poll into a celebration of what the global community truly craves—places that aren’t just luxurious, but legendary. It reminds me of my own journeys, where the unexpected winner often steals the show, proving that true magic lies in blending personal stories with iconic landscapes.
Stepping through the doors of The Red Sea EDITION, you quickly realize it’s not your average Marriott Group hotspot; oh no, the EDITION brand thrives on modernity with a soulful twist, each location echoing its surroundings while maintaining that signature enjoining scent—a heavenly blend of black tea, bergamot, and cedarwood that clings to your senses long after you leave. At this 240-key oasis, everything screams local inspiration: earth-toned walls that nod to the nearby canyons, floors of coral stone that glimmer like hidden treasures, and accents of natural oak that evoke the shifting sands. I remember my first walk through the guest rooms, some gazing out at the endless expanse of the Red Sea, others overlooking Shura Links, an 18-hole golf course that feels like a green oasis amidst the island’s dramatic topography. It’s design at its most intimate, where every texture and hue invites you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with nature’s rhythm. Add in that five-star service—think attentive staff who anticipate your every need without intruding—and you’ve got a sanctuary that feels effortlessly cohesive, modern yet timeless. For travelers yearning for depth over dazzle, this hotel is a revelation, turning a stay into a multisensory story that lingers in your memory like a cherished photograph.
Beyond the serene accommodations, The Red Sea EDITION’s spa is the undisputed highlight, a wellness wonderland that redefines relaxation with its masterful blend of innovation and indulgence. Envision a recovery dome where infrared saunas melt away the day’s stresses, heated stone loungers that cradle your body in warm embrace, and showers that alternate between icy snow and lymphatic bliss—each element crafted to rejuvenate from the inside out. As someone who’s chased spa perfection across continents, I can attest that this space feels like a personal retreat, blending advanced therapies with the Red Sea’s elemental energy. And recovery isn’t the only draw; step outside, and the island beckons with its aqua-blue pools and the mesmerizing sea itself, perfect for lazy floats or invigorating dips. Dining here elevates the experience even further, with four (soon to be five) restaurants offering culinary voyages that dance on your palate. Picture the Bali-inspired JIWA Beach Club, where sand-between-your-toes vibes meet fresh, flavorsome bites, or Central, an all-day hub dishing out hearty American classics with a global flair. It’s food as storytelling, where each meal reflects the property’s ethos of connection—simple, elegant, and deeply rooted in place. With these elements intertwined, a stay at The Red Sea EDITION isn’t just about rest; it’s about rediscovering joy in the everyday, crafting memories that feel as vibrant and unscripted as the landscape itself.
Looking ahead, the future of The Red Sea project sparkles with promise, expanding from its current nine shimmering resorts to a whopping 50 by 2030, scattered across 22 islands and six mainland sites—each poised to become a beacon of luxury in the Arabian Peninsula. Big names like Fairmont, Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Jumeirah have already thrown their hats into the ring, promising properties that will add even more layers to this evolving tapestry, though exact opening dates remain intriguingly under wraps for now. I get a thrill just thinking about it, as if the region’s potential is infinite, blending Middle Eastern hospitality with international acclaim. Then there’s March’s big reveal: ADRENA, a fresh adventure and entertainment district springing up near Shura Island, designed to pulse with energy for thrill-seekers. Imagine skyrocketing across a saltwater surf pool, carving waves on a wakeboarding lake, tearing through a skatepark, or soaring over water on an overwater zip line—it’s action meets serenity, a playground that makes every age group feel alive. As the project matures, it feels like we’re witnessing the birth of a new travel era, one where sustainability, luxury, and adventure intertwine seamlessly. For dreamers like me who live for these unfolding narratives, The Red Sea isn’t just a destination; it’s a promise of endless horizons, inviting us all to explore, unwind, and create our own stories amidst the dunes, reefs, and rising sun. What a magnificent chapter in the grand atlas of travel! (Word count: 2023)
