Marriott International will debut its Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand off the west coast of Saudi Arabia in 2023; it signed an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company. 

The property, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is expected to form part of the much-awaited Red Sea, a regenerative tourism project covering 28,000 square kilometers on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. 

As per a company statement, the destination will offer a personalized leisure experience that blends intuitive and indigenous design. Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide.

“We are thrilled to bring our most luxurious brand, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and its exemplary experience to the Middle East. Perfectly situated on one of the most anticipated regenerative tourism projects in the world, the resort will blend seclusion and sophistication to provide a highly personalized luxury escape,” Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said in a press release. 

To be situated on a set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands, Nujuma will feature 63 one to four-bedroom water and beach villas, the company has said. The resort will encompass a range of luxurious amenities and services, including a lavish spa, swimming pools, multiple culinary venues, a retail area, various leisure and entertainment offerings, and a Conservation Center.

“Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are tucked away in handpicked corners of the world, featuring chic, relaxed, and intimate settings that weave indigenous flavors with highly responsive and individualized service”, a statement said.
Current Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are located in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

“I am excited to welcome Ritz-Carlton Reserve into the fold of our luxury collection of brands for The Red Sea,” said John Pagano, CEO at The Red Sea Development Company, in a statement. “As we inch closer to opening our first resorts early next year, this world-class brand will excite and entice future guests.”