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.
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”.
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.
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.