InterContinental Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, a 210-room luxury property on Shura Island that forms part of Saudi Arabia’s flagship Red Sea development.
The debut advances IHG’s expansion of its luxury and lifestyle portfolio and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which positions the Red Sea as a next-generation global tourism destination.
The resort opens in December 2025 within protected waters and coral ecosystems, combining sustainable architecture, wellness-led design, and curated cultural experiences. The launch establishes one of the first major luxury hotels on Shura Island, a core hub of the multibillion-dollar Red Sea project.
Design standards and sustainable ambitions
The resort carries LEED BD+C Platinum certification and features architecture by Foster + Partners with interiors by Kristina Zanic Consultants. Curved facades, organic textures, and a blend of Saudi artworks are integrated into the project, which is designed to merge with the island’s natural landscape and demonstrate low-impact construction principles.
General Manager Francesco Pantalone said the opening “marks the beginning of a new chapter for guests to explore the Red Sea’s extraordinary beauty.” He added that the property seeks to deliver “extraordinary experiences and timeless memories for our guests.”
The commitment to environmental stewardship extends to the resort’s placement within a sensitive marine setting where coral preservation and ecosystem protection form part of the broader Red Sea development’s sustainability mandate.
Guest accommodations range from 50 sqm King and Twin Rooms to the Red Sea Three-Bedroom Suite. Each room follows a neuroscience-informed design developed with designer Isabelle Sjövall, emphasizing tones, textures, lighting, and biophilic cues intended to support restoration, focus, and wellbeing. The approach reflects InterContinental’s global shift toward creating environments that respond to modern travel behaviors and cognitive needs.
Guests also gain complimentary access to circadian rhythm–based planning tools through InterContinental’s partnership with Timeshifter, a jet-lag mitigation app used by NASA. The program provides personalized recommendations to help minimize fatigue for long-haul travelers arriving at Shura Island.
Club InterContinental offers additional services, including private check-in and exclusive amenities. For families, the Planet Trekkers children’s and teens club provides marine-themed activities, supervised outdoor play, a climbing wall, games, and a splash park tailored to younger visitors.
Cultural access and guest experiences
The resort builds on InterContinental’s long-held emphasis on cultural engagement, with colleagues serving as “cultural connectors” to introduce guests to local perspectives and experiences. The Concierge team facilitates guided activities such as sailing, diving among coral reefs, and cycling routes that showcase the region’s landscape and marine environment.
These offerings support the Red Sea destination’s objective of attracting international travelers seeking both high-end comfort and experiential tourism. The resort’s programming aligns with Shura Island’s broader positioning as a gateway for exploration across the archipelago.
The SPA InterContinental provides wellness spaces beneath open-air domes intended to channel sunlight, sea breezes, and natural materials. Treatments include hydrotherapy, personalized massages, and yoga sessions structured around balancing physical and mental renewal.
Dining is led by culinary teams focused on regional inspirations and global influences. Chef Feras oversees three signature restaurants: Darein, which blends Levantine and Moroccan influences; Ardo, which emphasizes South American cooking and sharing plates; and Chimes, which offers Mediterranean-style tapas. Menus incorporate locally sourced ingredients and techniques meant to honor Levantine traditions and Phoenician heritage.
The pastry program, directed by Chef Raamin, centers on Murrma, a dessert parlor inspired by the mangrove landscapes surrounding the resort. Contemporary creations reinterpret childhood treats and classic pastries, including his signature Apple Cinnamon Vanilla Spiral Donut. The dining portfolio is set to expand in early 2026 with an additional Ardo venue and The 305, a Miami-style restaurant and cigar lounge.
InterContinental The Red Sea Resort joins more than 235 InterContinental hotels in over 70 countries. It becomes IHG’s seventh luxury property in western Saudi Arabia, following developments such as Six Senses Southern Dunes and InterContinental Jeddah, and preceding openings including Regent Jeddah and Six Senses Amaala.
The launch underscores the Red Sea project’s ambition to set a global benchmark for sustainable luxury tourism. As additional components of the development come online, the InterContinental opening signals a growing pipeline of high-end hospitality infrastructure planned for the region.
