This Saudi Arabia hotel was named world’s best new opening by Forbes

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Beach, The Red Sea Edition

The Red Sea Edition on Saudi Arabia’s Shura Island has been named Forbes Travel Guide’s Best New Hotel Opening for 2025, highlighting the destination’s growing global profile in luxury tourism. It is the second Edition property to open in Saudi Arabia, following The Jeddah Edition, and became the first hotel to welcome guests on Shura Island when it opened in October 2025.

Positioned within The Red Sea development on the kingdom’s western coast, the resort was praised by Forbes for its ability to “seamlessly blend the brand’s contemporary minimalist aesthetic with the raw beauty of the desert and the warmth of Saudi hospitality”.

The property beat four international contenders to secure the accolade: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica; Orient Express La Minerva in Rome; Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur; and Waldorf Astoria New York, which reopened in summer 2025 following a US$2 billion transformation.

Part of Marriott International’s luxury lifestyle portfolio, The Red Sea Edition features 240 rooms and 53 suites, alongside private beachfront access, multiple pools, a spa, gym and a collection of restaurants and lounges overlooking the sea and pools.

Suite, The Red Sea Edition, Shura island

Forbes also recognised the resort’s sustainability achievements. Developed by Red Sea Global (RSG), the entire destination is powered by 100% renewable energy generated by RSG’s dedicated solar farm, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region.

“Every element of the resort is intentionally designed to create an emotional journey that evolves through the day and into the evening,” said Tony Coveney, Area General Manager, Marriott Red Sea Region. “This natural rhythm is connected to a deeper purpose, offering more than just an escape but a transformational experience.”

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea named world’s first Forbes Verified destination

28 Gulf hotels score five stars in 2026 Forbes Travel Guide

The win continues a successful run for Saudi, following last year’s recognition of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – also at The Red Sea – as the Best New Hotel Opening for 2024.

The announcement comes as three Red Sea resorts have been recognised in the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards 2026: Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, received a Five-Star rating; St. Regis Red Sea Resort achieved Four-Star status; and Six Senses Southern Dunes was Recommended.

Further cementing its position as a global standard-setter in luxury and regenerative tourism, The Red Sea destination recently became the world’s first Forbes Travel Guide verified destination, following a comprehensive, year-long evaluation across 182 service standards, covering all guest touchpoints including booking, transfers and on-site experiences.

For more information, visit the-red-sea-edition and redseaglobal.com/shura-island