Shebara Review: Inside Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic Villas in the Red Sea

From the air, Shebara looks like a mirage—a constellation of silver orbs floating between the Red Sea’s turquoise shallows and the golden dunes of Saudi Arabia’s coastline. This is no trick of the light, but Red Sea Global’s $1.3 billion bet on the future of ultra-luxury travel, which opened in November 2024 after just one year of construction.

A New Architectural Icon

The numbers astonish: 73 villas (38 suspended over water, 35 along the beach) designed by the team behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Each stainless-steel orb acts as a magic mirror—by noon, they dissolve into the horizon; at sunset, they glow like polished pearls.

Our overwater villa (a generous 188 square meters) revealed an unexpected warmth behind the futuristic facade. Curved walls wrapped in caramel-toned leather embraced sweeping sea views, while clever design touches delighted at every turn:

• A television that disappears into millwork with the press of a button

• A minibar that slides open automatically, revealing artisanal date treats and Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits

• A shower that transitions from invigorating morning amber to evening’s soothing indigo

The showstopper? Floor-to-ceiling glass doors that vanish into walls, dissolving the boundary between indoor luxury and the Red Sea’s endless blue.

From Desert Oasis to Global Destination

Just five years ago, Sheybarah Island was known only to local fishermen and weekend picnickers from Al Wajh. Today, it’s the crown jewel of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation—a seven-kilometer masterpiece where cutting-edge design meets untouched nature.

The resort’s dual personality enchants:

• The Overwater Collection: Villas hover above thriving coral gardens, connected by boardwalks that seem to float on air

• The Beach Sanctuary: Nestled among native tamarisk trees and sculpted dunes, these retreats offer complete privacy

• Royal Retreat: Four exclusive villas occupy their own island, complete with private yacht access

Wellness Reimagined

Shebara’s spa is a sanctuary within a sanctuary, centered around a breathtaking 2,700-year-old olive tree that stretches through an open skylight. The raw stone exterior blends seamlessly into the desert landscape, while inside, an oasis of tranquility awaits:

• Signature Treatments: The Moonlight Meteorite Massage incorporates actual space dust for an otherworldly experience, while the Pearl and Green Caviar Signature Hammam pampers with decadent ingredients

• Hydrotherapy: A vitality pool bubbles under the sun, flanked by oversized loungers, while indoors, guests can alternate between a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and experience shower

• Beachside Serenity: Massage cabanas dot the shoreline for breezy treatments accompanied by the sound of lapping waves

• Holistic Offerings: The airy yoga pavilion hosts sunrise sessions, while the barber salon and mani-pedi studio cater to every grooming need

Adventure & Activities

For those seeking more active pursuits, Shebara delivers:

• Marine Exploration: Snorkel vibrant house reefs or take a boat to outer reefs teeming with marine life (guided tours available)

• Water Sports: Try e-foiling for a futuristic glide above the waves or test your balance on an E-SUP

• Land Activities: A state-of-the-art gym with personal trainers, padel and tennis courts, and a jogging track circling the island

• Cultural Connections: Stargazing sessions using traditional Nabataean navigation techniques

Culinary Excellence

Five restaurants showcase Saudi Arabia’s rising culinary ambitions:

• Iki.Roe: A Nikkei masterpiece where Japanese precision meets Peruvian fire 

• Ariamare: Michelin-starred pasta crafted in an open kitchen overlooking the sea

• Lunara: Breakfast became theater especially with the vanilla-dipped brioche French toast

Service With Saudi Soul

The emerging "Hafawah" hospitality philosophy—rooted in Bedouin traditions of generosity—shines through:

• Personal butlers anticipate needs before they’re spoken

• Marine biologists guide snorkeling tours through pristine reefs

• Every staff member beams with pride when sharing their homeland’s wonders

The Experience

Days begin with sunrise yoga, transition to snorkeling vibrant reefs, and unwind with sunset massages by the sea. Evenings bring stargazing from overwater hammocks and expertly crafted mocktails at Solera’s adults-only pool bar.

This is more than a resort, it’s the physical manifestation of Saudi Arabia’s bold new vision. The architecture stuns, the service beguiles, and the location, between sea and desert, reminds you this is somewhere truly special.

The Final Word

Shebara doesn't just meet expectations - it vaporizes them. This is the rare resort that delivers on every extravagant promise while creating moments of authentic magic. Book now, before everyone discovers what may well be this decade's most important new luxury destination.

The Luxe Insider Tips:

• Splurge on an overwater villa, the sunrise views are life-changing

• Reserve the Moonlight Meteorite Massage at sunset for maximum impact

• Allow time to simply float in your infinity pool - some of our best moments came between activities

Perfect For:

• Architectural connoisseurs seeking boundary-pushing design

• Couples wanting romance with an adventurous edge

• Wellness seekers craving innovative treatments

• Curious travelers eager to witness Saudi Arabia’s tourism renaissance firsthand

The Shebara is an instant classic that raises the bar for luxury resorts worldwide. We're already planning our return.