DATA SHEET
Owner: Marriott Bonvoy
Hotel operator: St. Regis
Architecture: Kengo Kuma
Interior design: Kristina Zanic Consultants
Construction: Blumer-Lehmann AG
Cooperation: AKT 2
Lighting: Hilson Moran
Facility: Hilson Moran
Accumulation: Mott Mcdonald
Exterior: AECOM
Photo credits: ©︎ Nicola Maniero Courtesy of
Surrounded by the world’s largest coral reef, sand dunes, and crystal-clear water with an astonishing color intensity, the new St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is respectfully situated on the private island of Ummahat AlShaykh, in the Red Sea belonging to Saudi Arabia.
Architecture by Kengo Kuma and interiors by Kristina Zanic Consultants harmonize with the surrounding landscape while embodying a design ethic that aims to preserve both natural forms and the marine ecosystem. In line with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 objectives, the operation has brought in partnerships like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the British marine robotics firm VAARST, whose SubSLAM® technology captures 3D images of coral throughout the Al Wajh lagoon.
A mangrove nursery is now open to help with the planting of 50 million trees by 2030, with the first million seedlings already in the ground. The surrounding vegetation has been enhanced with more than five million plants and shrubs. From its earliest stages of development, the resort was envisioned as a sustainable luxury destination.
100% powered by renewable energy, through solar power and one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities located on land, the complex is engaged daily in advanced water treatment and complete waste management solutions in a plastic-free environment. Nestled on the white sand beach, the Dune Villas echo the shape of desert dunes, while the Coral Villas, situated right on the water, are shell-shaped and provide direct access to the sea, connected by elevated walkways.
In all, there are 90 villas with a site-specific approach that gives them low, horizontal profiles and slightly curved roofs, laid out by gently following the natural contour and geometry of the coast. Or they are inspired by coral life with a spiral plant that gracefully emerges from the water. Each residence, with accommodations ranging from one to four bedrooms, includes a private pool, sundeck, and outdoor shower, and features floor-to-ceiling windows framing picturesque sea views and flooding the living space with natural light.
In the choice of materials, concrete is kept to a minimum. A system of pre-fabrication mainly incorporates wood – red fir selected for its durability in highly saline environments – and clay plaster, evoking the patterns of the sand dunes and infusing it with beautiful warmth. The roofs are covered with natural cedar shingles, chosen for their weather resistance as well as their beauty.
As with the architecture, the interiors borrow fluid and organic themes from nature to blend harmoniously with the landscape, and are developed based on the guidelines for LEED Platinum certification.The elegant design is meticulously curated with primarily custom-made furnishings, with a neutral-based color palette inspired by the desert, invigorated by tones borrowed from local marine life and biodiversity. The legendary St. Regis exclusive butler service remains a personalized hallmark of the brand, making any stay one-of-a-kind.
