Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Ḩanak, Saudi Arabia, stands as a beacon of ultra-luxury within The Red Sea Project. This Michelin Key Two-Keys property, which opened in May 2024, is celebrated for its exquisite design, exceptional service, and breathtaking secluded setting on a private island within the Ummahat Islands.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Nujuma is overwhelmingly positive, consistently described as an "exceptional stay" and an "outstanding, world-class resort." Guests praise it as a "serene and perfectly curated secluded island setting" offering a powerful feeling of escape. It boasts a high rating of 9.6/10 on Trip.com and a 94% "Excellent" rating on Virgin Atlantic Holidays, reflecting consistent guest satisfaction. The Michelin Key Two-Keys designation further solidifies its status as a property where a memorable experience is always guaranteed, characterized by its charm, personality, and eye-catching design.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Nujuma for several standout features:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently described as "deeply personable," "going above and beyond" to deliver exceptional service, and creating a sense of "genuine care." Many consider the hospitality to be among the finest worldwide.
• Location & Seclusion: Situated on a private island, the resort offers an unparalleled sense of privacy and escape amidst stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear Red Sea waters.
• Design & Architecture: The resort's architecture and design are deeply rooted in local craft traditions, creating a beautiful cultural aesthetic. Designed by Foster + Partners, the 63 solar-powered villas draw inspiration from seashells, featuring sculptural, spherical shapes that blend natural elements with a futuristic vibe.
• Amenities: Nujuma offers extensive facilities focused on wellness and relaxation, including the Neyrah Spa with indoor and outdoor areas, steam room, hot tub, sauna, and vitality pool. Other amenities include a Conservation House, Galaxea Diving Center, two outdoor pools (adult and family), a 24-hour gym, library, and private beach with complimentary cabanas. Every villa also features its own private pool.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Nujuma consist of 63 luxurious villas, available in one to three-bedroom configurations, with both beachfront and stunning overwater options. Each villa is designed as a "private sanctuary" with a private pool and breathtaking sea views. These expansive villas, such as the 151 sqm one-bedroom beach villas, come equipped with an ensuite, a powder room, and premium amenities. Thoughtful touches include a separate kitchen with Miele appliances, a fully stocked mini-bar (chargeable), bicycles for guest use, a telescope for stargazing, a custom-sized bed, and a generous outdoor area with direct beach access for beachfront villas.

4. Dining Experience

Nujuma offers a diverse culinary program across its three restaurants and a bar, with a consistent emphasis on fresh ingredients and thoughtful service.

• Jamaa: The beach and poolside restaurant offers a casual setting with international cuisine and shisha, ideal for relaxed dining.
• Tabrah: This dedicated seafood restaurant draws inspiration from local fishing traditions and has been highlighted as an "especially memorable" and favorite dining venue by guests.
• Sita: The all-day dining restaurant provides an "incredible" breakfast with an exquisite quality à la carte menu, including specialty coffees, matcha, smoothies, and fresh fruit juices. The service at Sita is noted as fantastic, with options for both indoor and outdoor dining in an open timber tent.
• Maia: An astrology-inspired cocktail lounge, Maia focuses on atmosphere and offers creative non-alcoholic beverages. At the time of some reviews, alcohol was not yet permitted, though this may change.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Nujuma are consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests report "exceptional hospitality" and praise the "warm spirit of all the crew members." From the moment of arrival, staff provide "warm greetings, handshakes, and a refreshing welcome drink." The resort employs a dedicated host or butler service, acting as the primary contact throughout a stay and proactively anticipating guest needs. Pre-arrival communication is excellent, with seamless transfers coordinated between properties if guests are visiting others in the region.

6. Location & Accessibility

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is uniquely situated on a private island within the untouched Ummahat Islands off Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. This remote natural location perfectly embodies the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand's vision of luxury intimacy and local culture. Accessibility involves arriving at Red Sea International Airport, followed by approximately a 25-minute scenic drive across the desert to the marina, and then a 45-minute boat ride out to the island. Transfers to and from the resort are typically included with most cash bookings. The seclusion makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet and restorative escape.

7. Value & Pricing

As an ultra-luxury Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, Nujuma commands a premium price. Rates are described as "astonishingly high," starting at approximately $2,500 per night. For those using points, standard room redemptions typically cost around 198,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or more per night. While the cost is significant, guests generally feel the exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, unique design, and secluded experience justify the investment, offering high value for a discerning luxury traveler.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Limited Reef Access: The absence of a house reef at the resort means that guests need to book paid excursions for snorkeling or diving, which some feel is a missed opportunity for spontaneous water access.
• Alcohol Policy: At the time of some guest stays, alcohol was not yet permitted at the resort, which limited evening indulgences, though there were indications this policy might change in the future.
• Dining Ambiance/Quality (Limited): One review mentioned that Jamaa, the beachfront restaurant, felt empty and lacked entertainment, with food quality not entirely meeting expectations when compared to other high-end resorts.
• Outdoor Dining Comfort: The open timber tent setup for outdoor dining at Sita, while beautiful, might not be comfortable during the warmer summer months.

Sources

1. princeoftravel.com
2. workpanda.io
3. arabnews.com
4. onemileatatime.com
5. forbestravelguide.com
6. virginatlantic.com
7. trip.com
8. almosafer.com
9. expedia.com
10. rumemagazine.com
11. youtube.com
12. booking.com
13. booking.com