NUJUMA: Middle East's first RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE  

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, was unveiled on 27 May 2024 on Ummahat Island in the tranquil waters of The Red Sea.

The private island retreat is nestled within the captivating Blue Hole cluster of islands, where pristine coral reefs thrive beneath the surface. The celestial canopy above paints an endless tapestry of stars.

Nujuma – inspired by the meaning of 'stars' in Arabic – invites travellers to embark on an unchartered journey to one of the world's most secluded and protected archipelagos. Here, amidst the azure expanse, guests are beckoned to explore and immerse themselves in the region's culture and traditions.

"As more and more travellers look to discover new corners of the earth, we are thrilled to reveal our newest Ritz-Carlton Reserve, located amongst the natural beauty and stunning setting of The Red Sea," said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts.

The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's luxury regenerative tourism destinations on the country's west coast, is surrounded by the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system, which includes an archipelago of more than 90 untouched islands. 
Guests can embark on extraordinary snorkelling and scuba diving adventures from this enchanting setting to uncover seldom-visited sites beneath the waves.

Teeming with vibrant coral reefs that have thrived for over five thousand years, the barrier reef is home to fascinating ecosystems, including over 165 endemic reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and Napoleon wrasse.

The island's shores are fringed by rich mangroves, known to be one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Visitors can spot various sea birds, marine invertebrates, and guitarfish within this lush habitat. Beyond the turquoise waters, guests can discover the beauty of the coastal mainland through guided trails across majestic desert dunes.

Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane, Nujuma features 63 overwater and beach villas. These offer one- to three-bedroom accommodation, spacious living areas, and private pools overlooking the sea. Guests can marvel at the limitless starry night skies from the comfort of their villa through telescopes positioned on each deck.

A team of local experts dedicated to preserving and sharing their heritage presents unique opportunities to gain insights into Saudi Arabian culture, traditions, and destinations. Honouring the legacy of nomadic exploration and learning, the Conservation House is an integrated space for creative pursuits that expand knowledge and foster community.

Nujuma's dining philosophy is inspired by the Arabian tradition of gathering at one's home to share stories of good fortune, poetry, philosophy and science. Each of the Reserve's five culinary experiences honours the generations of fishermen from the Umluj region whose lives have been deeply intertwined with the area for over 50 years.

Guests are warmly welcomed to Tabrah, a modern interpretation of a fisherman's home, to share a menu of seafood specialities including, 'The Luckiest Catch', a communal celebration of the sea's daily bounty that has nurtured the fisherman's family through the ages.

Jamaa is a relaxed alfresco space serving light dishes prepared in an open kitchen and over a wood-fire grill. It leads to the resort's outdoor pool and beach lined with plush cabanas.

Maia is an intimate place for astrology-inspired refreshments prepared by expert mixologists as the sun dips below the horizon. One such beverage is 'Gemini', a citrus mocktail named after the constellation known as al-Taw'amân in Arabic, which can be seen from Saudi Arabia's capital all year.

Designed to celebrate the wonders of the night's sky featuring telescope and star design elements, the open-air terrace is a place to gaze above while Nujuma's astrologer shares insights into the evening's constellation.

Neyrah Spa is a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to holistic wellness to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Wellness experts design bespoke journeys to rebalance and relax and guide guests through breathing techniques, meditation, lunar yoga and sound healing therapy.

The space also features vitality, lap pools, a hammam, and a fitness centre. Designed as a voyage, bespoke treatments encourage guests to reflect on the past, live in the present, and step into the future with clarity and energy.

"With the launch of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the region, we are opening the doors to an unparalleled destination and inviting the world to discover The Red Sea destination," said Tony Coveney, General Manager, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

"Nujuma is unlike any other property in the region, a pinnacle of luxury with discovery and sustainability at its core, offering guests a transformative journey into the extraordinary set within the picture-perfect backdrop of Ummahat Island's natural beauty."