Faena the Red Sea will be the next among a slew of luxury hotel openings to be unveiled in Saudi Arabia over the next two years. Jenny Southan reports
Saudi Arabia is forging ahead with bringing in the biggest luxury hospitality brands in the world to turn the west coast Red Sea Project into an international tourism enclave.
Opening in 2024, Faena the Red Sea has been designed in by architects Foster + Partners, which has also worked on the Red Sea International airport, among numerous other projects in the destination.
The Faena will be situated on the southern side of the hub island, Shura, which is also known for hub resort “Coral Bloom” (also by Foster + Partners) due to its colourful, coral-like awnings that provide a shaded canopy.
The property will feature 150 suites and villas, each with their own private pool and ocean views. Executive suites will measure 84 sqm. There will also be seven villas, including six three-bedroom Presidential Pool Villas and a four-bedroom Royal Pool Villa.
Faena the Red Sea will have six restaurants and bars (although there are no plans for Saudi Arabia to lift its ban on alcohol), as well as the Living Room, which will host live performances by a “dynamic roster of entertainers” in the evening.
Meanwhile, Tierra Santa Healing House will be a South American-inspired spa, which is described as a “refuge of holistic therapies, blending ancient healing rituals from around the world to awaken consciousness and restore wellbeing”. 
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Faena to our family of resorts at the Red Sea destination. Faena’s hotels in Bueno Aires and Miami are bursting with artistic and cultural energy, and the brand embodies an opulent, colourful and eclectic glamour that’s rooted in Latin America but global in its appeal. 
“Faena’s passion for integrating art and design with hospitality, while also providing innovative entertainment and dining, make it an exceptional partner.”
Connected to the central island by bridge, guests at Faena the Red Sea will also have access to an 18-hole championship golf course, 118-berth marina and yacht club, an adventure centre and luxury shops.
Red Sea Global say it seeks to diversify the cultural footprint of Saudi Arabia by “bringing a unique blend of experiential hospitality, interdisciplinary art and culture, innovative culinary concepts, healing and wellness, original entertainment, and curated retail”.
Founded by Alan Faena and Len Blavatnik in 2000, Faena currently has properties in Miami Beach and Buenos Aires, with New York also slated to open in 2024.
Other brands due to open hotels in the Red Sea Project include Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Rosewood, Banyan Tree, Six Senses, Miraval, Edition, St Regis, Fairmont, Raffles, SLS, Grand Hyatt and Jumeirah.