In Quebec, old world Europe combines with North American splendor to create a place like no other. In terms of size, Quebec is the largest province in Canada and it’s the only province where French is the sole official language. Interestingly for French speaking visitors, isolated from France for centuries, Quebec has developed its own “accent” which is similar to the one in France in the 16th century.
As predominantly French speaking, Quebec is one of the only areas in North America to have preserved its Francophone culture. This gives the province a unique European feel, combined with the type of awe-inspiring natural scenery that North America is so famous for. Quebec City is the capital of the province and is located at a commanding position on cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway. The city has a remarkable history as the fortress capital of New France since the 16th century. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Quebec is the only city in North America, outside of Mexico, that still boasts its original city walls.
Today, it is a tourist district packed full of small boutiques and hundreds of historical and photogenic points of interest. Some of the buildings are original structures, while others are built in the same style and architecture as former buildings. Walking is the best way to get around the Old Town, thanks to its compact layout, and, beautiful old buildings and little vistas can be found around every corner.
One of these sights is Montmorency Manor, which was built in 1781 as the summer residence of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and father of Queen Victoria. Meanwhile, the postcard-pretty Place Royale or town plaza is the heart of historic Lower Town. This is the spot where Samuel de Champlain landed in 1608 and founded the first French settlement in North America. This moment is immortalized in a large mural covering the entire side of a nearby building. The Chateau Frontenac is a Quebec City icon and holds the Guinness World Record for being the most photographed hotel in North America. The hotel was designed by American architect Bruce Price as one of a series of “chateau” style hotels built for the Canadian Pacific Railway company. Currently owned by Fairmont hotels, it holds a commanding position perched atop a tall cape overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, affording a spectacular view across the city. While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, it is Montreal that is considered to be the cultural and economic capital. The second largest city in Canada, it is a city rich in culture and history and has a well-deserved reputation as one of the liveliest cities in North America. Situated on an island in the St. Lawrence River, the city is famous for having a peculiar geography. Indeed, Montreal has been described as the only city in the world where the sun ‘rises in the south’. Montrealers use the rivers on the mountain as cardinal points of the compass, with St. Lawrence River deemed as being ‘south’ and Mount Royal ‘north’. Areas in the city, such as West Island and East End are named accordingly despite the fact that, in reality, the ‘East’ End is actually north and ‘West’ Island is south.
One thing that Montreal certainly isn’t short of is great places to stay. At the luxury end of the scale there’s the Hotel Le St.James, which is situated at one of the most prestigious addresses in historical Old Montreal. With exceptional architecture from 1870, each room and suit is individually decorated and furnished.
Meanwhile, L’Hotel enjoyed a previous life as a bank before being transformed into one of Montreal’s most popular and luxurious hotels. It’s particularly well known as being home to one of the most impressive Pop and Contemporary collections in North America, which can be found on walls throughout the hotel. The Queen Elizabeth Fairmont Hotel is another grand hotel built for the Canadian National Railway and completed in 1958. With 1039 rooms and 21 floors, it is the largest hotel in the province of Quebec.
It gained worldwide fame when John Lennon and Yoko Ono conducted a Bed-In in Room 1742 between May 26 and June 2, 1969. Moving outside of the cities, the Gaspe Peninsula in south-eastern Quebec extends between the mouth of the St. Lawrence River and the Atlantic Ocean. The area is sparsely populated but incredibly scenic with a rugged coastline dotted with small fishing towns and lighthouse.
Gaspe is a city at the tip of the Peninsula and it’s a popular summer destination for Canadian and international visitors alike. The city is where Jacques Cartier first took possession of Nouvelle-France (now Canada) in the name of Francois I of France on July 24,1534. At the outer tip of the Gaspe Peninsula, spectacular natural scenery can be found in Parc National Forillon, which is one of the 43 national parks and park reserves across Canada.
Covering 244 sq. km, the park was created in 1970 and was the first national park in Quebec. It embraces forests, sea coast, salt marshes, sand dunes, cliffs, and the Eastern End of the Appalachinas. The park includes nesting colonies of sea birds and whales, seals, black bears, moose and other woodland animals. Meanwhile, Cape Gaspe Lighthouse is located at the very tip of the park. And there is no shortage of lighthouses in Quebec, with around 80 are remaining today. The province is home to the tallest lighthouse in Canada — the 34.1 m (112 ft. tall) Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse. It was built in 1858 and its while marble walls are 2.1 meters (7 feet) thick at the base, tapering to 0.9 meters (3 feet) at the top of the tower. Meanwhile, the La Martre lighthouse is hard to miss being made out of bright red wood. Dating from 1906 and still in operation, the lighthouse boasts the original timing system that controls the light. The lighthouse at Pointe au Pere stands at 33m tall, which makes it the second tallest in eastern Canada. On the same site, there is a historical museum that displays some 200 years of maritime history, including the only submarine open to the public in Canada, the HMCS Onondaga. The Pot a l’Eau-de-Viel lighthouse, which is located on a tiny island in the heart of the St. Lawrence River, gives visitors the opportunity to actually stay for the night. Abandoned in 1964, 102 years after it was first commissioned, the Pot a l’Eau-de-Vie was restored in 1989 and turned into a cosy inn with three attractive rooms. Both Pointe au Pere and Pot a l’Eau-de-Viel are located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent province of Quebec, which is located along the south shore of the lower Saint Lawrence River. The town in Cap-Sante can be found on the northern bank of the Saint Lawrence, 40 km west of Quebec City. Legend has it that the community’s name, which means “Cape Health”, was coined when soldiers suffering from an unknown disease miraculously recovered thanks to a cure discovered in the village. Beautiful river views can be enjoyed along the Chemin du Roy tourist rout, which was the first road open to vehicles between Quebec City and Montreal.
The route hugs the shoreline of the St-Lawrence, extending some 102 km, and bears witness to some three centuries of history, Along the way, there are some 23 attractions and 14 points of interest. The route passes through the Mauricie region, which stretches from the north shore of the St. Laurent River deep into the Laurentian Mountains. Populated by French settlers under the seigneur system in the 17th and 18th century, it has some of the oldest towns and villages in Quebec.
The St.Maurice River, which gives the region its name, meanders through Mauricie to its mouth at Trois-Rivieres. Trois-Rivieres is the second-oldest city in Quebec and was founded in 1634. It lies almost half-way between Montreal and Quebec City. Today, it is home to an unusual attraction in the form of the Old Prison. Once a working prison, this has been re-classified as a historical monument and offers visitors a real and exceptional experience.
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Email: Life.style@arabnews.com
Quintessential Quebec
Quintessential Quebec
Madinah Retreats: Culture, spirituality to power up the soul
- Paradigm shift blends wellness practices, cultural expeditions, spiritual experiences
JEDDAH: In the sacred embrace of Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest sites, a new culture-oriented wellness experience is offering a journey that integrates spirituality, culture, and heritage.
The inspiration behind Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar’s experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Recognizing key gaps in traditional retreat models and leveraging Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision, he envisioned a paradigm shift that blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey.
With a background as a corporate culture change and people engagement manager, Al-Bitar has curated over 50 retreats across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the US, serving more than 400 participants.
His academic training spans diverse fields, including organizational behavior, Islamic spirituality, and intercultural studies.
Officially launched in 2024 after five years in the making, the initiative held its second retreat, under the theme “The Arrival,” earlier this year in Madinah.
FASTFACTS
• Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar’s experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
• It blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey.
Al-Bitar told Arab News: “Every retreat we design starts with clear intentions and objectives, supplemented by a story and a theme that aligns with a particular destination.”
The retreats feature a collective of facilitators who work together toward a unified intention, ensuring a balanced and immersive experience.
“One of our main goals is to promote different destinations in Saudi Arabia that are perfectly ideal for wellness-centric experiences, in addition to its unmatched culturally enriching character,” Al-Bitar said.
“We seek to partner with pertinent governmental initiatives and entities that fulfill the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for wellness tourism and exceptional experiences.”
Al-Bitar explained that each retreat is meticulously structured around three core pillars: spirituality (meditative practices and inner reflection); culture (heritage site visits, traditional storytelling, and local experiences); and wellness (movement–based practices, mindfulness exercises, and healing foods).
By integrating these elements into daily programs, Madinah Retreats offers a journey tailored to the needs of participants and is a “philosophy of being rooted, real, and rich.”
The retreats target individuals and groups seeking genuine transformation in their well-being, spiritual connection, and cultural enrichment. They provide a safe and accepting space where participants are respected on their unique paths to healing.
Madinah, which is the spiritual capital of Islam, is popularly known as the Illuminated City. It offers an atmosphere of peace and rejuvenation, and its diverse topography and climate make it ideal for nature-based healing.
“Madinah is widely recognized as a destination where the heart feels at peace, the body feels rejuvenated, the mind feels clarity and the soul feels enriched,” said Al-Bitar. “The city’s rapid development and recognition as a top global tourism destination further enhance its appeal.”
The Madinah Retreats experience is usually hosted in a traditional farm resort surrounded by nature. Participants visit cultural and historic sites, explore the city’s vibrant social scene, and experience local cuisine, contemporary art, and community traditions.
“During the retreat we offer meditation, breathwork, self-reflection, yoga, tai chi, and other somatic therapies, creative expression as a healing tool, as well as locally sourced, nourishing meals,” Al-Bitar added.
The somatic practices guided by expert facilitators enhance body awareness and overall well-being.
Al-Bitar said: “Connecting with nature and animals has proven therapeutic benefits. Madinah Retreats incorporates nature-based and equine therapy to help participants reconnect with their original disposition, providing an irreplaceable form of healing.”
Cultural storytelling is also an essential component, allowing participants to explore the hidden wisdom of each landmark and understand local traditions and historic practices.
No prior experience in meditation or wellness practices is required, making the retreats accessible to all.
Honoring his Egyptian roots, Al-Bitar is expanding the retreats to Siwa, Egypt.
Siwa Oasis, nestled within a breathtaking desert landscape, is characterized by vast dunes, striking limestone outcrops, and distinctive geomorphological features that enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
“The expansion to Siwa, Egypt, was inspired by the oasis’ 160-year-old tradition of reconciliation — Eid El-Solh, a celebration of harmony,” Al-Bitar said.
“Siwa’s natural healing elements, such as salt lakes, hot springs, and lush landscapes, mirror many of Madinah’s restorative qualities.”
Al-Bitar said that Madinah Retreats will also explore the Kingdom’s hidden gems by hosting retreats in Abha, Aseer, Al-Ahsa, and other locations rich in healing nature and cultural heritage.
Retreat prices range from SR5,000 ($1,333) to SR10,000, depending on the location, program, facilitators, transportation, and accommodation.
Madinah Retreats follows a collaborative model, partnering with local service providers, facilitators, and experts to provide an experience that remains true to the cultural essence of each destination.
Al-Bitar said: “Our content caters to people from different backgrounds, both English and Arabic speakers. Our agenda is characterized by being spacious and offers ample time for self-guided practices. Our way of delivery is strictly non-intrusive.”
Participants leave Madinah Retreats feeling “transformed, enriched, and connected to their most authentic selves.”
Al-Bitar said that the experience embodied the profound wisdom: “You presume you are a small entity, but within you is enfolded the entire universe.”
Madinah Retreats also provides a customized retreat model that caters to corporations and teams, as well as add-on visits such as expeditions in AlUla.
High-end design with luxury service: The Jeddah Edition
JEDDAH: With its sleek, contemporary design that combines modern luxury with understated elegance, it’s no surprise that the Jeddah Edition won Best Hotel Design at last month’s Saudi Commercial Interior Design Awards.
The high-ceilinged lobby is gorgeous — its orange acrylic sphere, created by Vincent Leroy, really pops against the sunset and created such a perfect vibe as I walked in.
The welcome was as impressive as the surroundings, with Saudi coffee and dates served before I’d even checked in. The check-in process was smooth and efficient, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable stay, throughout which the staff were always friendly and quick to respond to any requests, ensuring visitors feel well taken care of.
My spacious deluxe room, thoughtfully laid out, instantly made me feel at home. The beige-and-white color scheme, balanced by the perfect lighting, created a calm and comfortable environment, while the bathroom’s freestanding tub and signature Le Labo toiletries added a touch of luxury.
In the evening, I headed down to the Lobby Bar to grab a light snack. The atmosphere was lively — there’s a snooker table and a selection of games for guests to enjoy — but cozy too, with blankets and shawls draped over the comfortable sofas. I sampled some of the delicious snacks, including vegetable spring rolls and zucchini chips paired with a brinjal sauce dip, before heading out for a stroll around the nearby art promenade.
While there are many excellent dining options within the hotel, its location near the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina provides easy access to a variety of great spots, ideal for foodies.
As night fell, I made my way to the poolside lounge on the Edition’s roof terrace. This quickly became one of my favorite spots, with its panoramic views of the marina and the Formula 1 racetrack.
In the morning, I indulged myself with a relaxing massage at the hotel’s Aromatic Spa, an experience which began with a refreshing cup of lemon mint tea with a few drops of chamomile. The spa facilities were immaculate, with separate changing rooms and bathrooms. For couples, there’s a special treatment room that includes a private balcony.
The food at the hotel was excellent. At the Maritime restaurant, which serves a contemporary French-Asian menu, there are breakfast and lunch buffets, while for dinner, the à la carte menu offers a selection of dishes designed for sharing. I was particularly impressed by the monkey bread, shrimp dumplings with lemongrass beurre blanc and caviar, lamb shank, and perfectly cooked beef short ribs. The restaurant’s terrace, framed by pink bougainvillea and 150-year-old olive trees, and with views of the Red Sea, provided an exceptional setting for dining.
After eating, I headed to The Den, a cozy lounge perfect for those looking to unwind with a cigar or enjoy a light drink. With tufted teal velvet banquettes and a classic ambiance, The Den is an intimate setting that contrasts beautifully with the lively energy of the rest of the hotel.
There were several other amenities I made use of, including a well-equipped gym and the rooftop pool. Sadly, the latter, while an excellent spot to relax under the warm Jeddah sun, isn’t really large enough for anyone wanting to get some proper swimming in.
That was a minor gripe, however, and overall my stay at The Edition was an experience I would be happy to repeat. If you’re looking for a relaxing, luxurious stay in Jeddah, it’s hard to beat.
Exploring Uzbekistan: a crossroads of cultures
- The Central Asian country is home to some of the finest examples of Islamic design in the world
BUKHARA: As a young Saudi girl, I didn’t often hear stories from my late Uzbek grandmother about her homeland. Instead, she shared her heritage through food. During family gatherings, she would pile our plates high with Bukhari rice, a fragrant dish as rich in history as Uzbekistan itself. But neither my father nor my siblings had ever been to her homeland, so when I was offered the chance to go — close to my birthday too — it felt like a gift from destiny.
Saudi citizens can now visit Uzbekistan without a visa, and though it remains a niche tourist destination, the country has been a crossroads of Islamic, scientific and cultural development, for centuries, influencing Central Asia and the wider Islamic world.
It has been home to some of the Islamic world’s most significant scholars, including Imam Al-Bukhari, Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Biruni and Al-Khorezmi. Their contributions to science, mathematics and astronomy are still globally influential.
While glitzy Tashkent, the capital, offers a beguiling blend of modernity and history — and the country’s best shopping options — you’d be doing yourself a disservice if that was your only destination.
Try, for example, the storied ancient city of Samarkand in the northeastern Zerafshan River valley. Once a hub on the Silk Road, Samarkand is a tapestry of Persian, Greek, Arabic, Mongol and Soviet influences, and earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001. Founded in the 7th century BCE and flourishing during the Timurid era of the 14th and 15th centuries, Samarkand became a beacon of Islamic culture. Its famed Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Registan Square are exemplars of Islamic creativity; the square’s trio of majestic madrasas — Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori — feature intricate tilework, calligraphy and design that influenced Islamic architecture far and wide. I had the best ice cream there, too.
Bukhara, another millennia-old Silk Road city that has long been a center of Islamic scholarship and spirituality, is another must-see. During the Golden Age of Islam, the city became a hub of Sufi thought and Muslim theology, and today it houses more than 350 mosques and 100 religious institutions. It was here that Imam Al-Bukhari compiled “Sahih al-Bukhari,” a major work of Sunni Islam.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, Bukhara offers a rare view into a perfectly maintained ancient Islamic city. Highlights include the Ark of Bukhara fortress, dating back to the 5th century, and the Ismail Samani mausoleum, a pristine example of 10th-century Muslim architecture. The city’s Poi Kalan complex — consisting of the Kalan Mosque, Kalan Minaret, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasa — is a fine showcase for Islamic decorative arts, with tilework and mosaics that have survived through the centuries.
Both cities are also celebrated for their artistic traditions, which are central to Uzbekistan’s identity. Their high-quality silk, handwoven carpets, and embroidery, notably using the traditional textile adorned with intricate floral and geometric patterns are fan favorites. Along with the hand-painted pottery and other handmade goods, the quality on offer will make you wish you had more suitcases with you.
As for the food, Uzbek cuisine is influenced by flavors and techniques from across Central Asia. While it’s heavy on the meat — horse is very popular — there are some great vegetarian dishes and plenty of pomegranates to go around. The plov, a famous rice dish with fragrant meat, carrots and spices, is a must-try; indeed, the plov I shoveled down in Bukhara was better than anything I ever tasted at my family home. Sorry grandma.
My next favorite thing was to rip into the fresh bread and dried fruit — perfect.
While Samarkand and Bukhara are major draws, Uzbekistan’s other regions offer further gems. In Khiva, the well-preserved walled city of Ichan-Kala takes visitors back to the Silk Road days with palaces, mosques and minarets aplenty. The Fergana Valley, known for its agriculture and craftsmanship, boasts pottery in Rishtan and silk weaving in Margilan — crafts that have been handed down for generations.
Traveling within Uzbekistan is both affordable and convenient, with well-connected train routes between the major cities. While Uzbek and Russian are commonly spoken, you can usually find menus with oddly worded English translations at most places. And if not, then smiles and hand gestures go a long way in bridging any language gaps with the friendly locals.
For Gulf tourists seeking a road-less-travelled destination, but with familiar historical and cultural links, Uzbekistan is an ideal choice.
How Saudi Arabia is leveraging regenerative tourism to blend luxury with sustainability
- Unsustainable tourism is degrading ecosystems, harming biodiversity, and leading to cultural exploitation
- Red Sea Global’s luxury destinations limit visitors to 1 million per year to ease pressure on the environment
RIYADH: At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s environmental strategy is regenerative tourism, which aims to protect natural habitats through science-led approaches and sustainable practices.
Unlike sustainable tourism, which aims to minimize harm, regenerative tourism strives to improve destinations through conservation, community engagement and science-led initiatives.
This includes implementing eco-friendly infrastructure, protecting biodiversity, and involving local communities in conservation efforts to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Raed Albasseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global, says the real estate company practices “regenerative tourism” with a commitment to operate on renewable energy alone.
“This commitment is not just a tagline; it’s woven into the very infrastructure of our destinations ... integrating sustainability into every phase of design and construction,” he told Arab News.
“Visitors can already experience this firsthand at The Red Sea, where eco-conscious designs are effortlessly integrated into every aspect of their stay.”
The Red Sea, a luxury regenerative tourism destination on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, features world-class resorts. By 2030, it will include 50 hotels, 8,000 rooms and more than 1,000 residences, while capping visitors at 1 million annually to help protect local ecosystems.
As part of this plan, Red Sea Global has developed the Desert Rock Resort, a newly opened retreat that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Designed to reduce energy use and maximize natural light, its elevated rooms feature large openings that mimic cave mouths, allowing ample daylight to filter in.
Before construction began at the Desert Rock Resort, Red Sea Global partnered with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to conduct a comprehensive marine spatial planning simulation.
“This was the largest study of its kind ever undertaken in Saudi Arabia, and it provided crucial data to inform our master plan and minimize our impact on the delicate marine ecosystem,” Albasseet said, adding: “As a result, we limited development to only 22 of the more than 90 islands at The Red Sea destination.”
The Desert Rock Resort even repurposed excavated materials, meaning no additional materials were brought in for the main infrastructure.
“We used the mountains’ natural stone for interior and exterior walls and concrete was mixed using local sources of sand and stone,” said Albasseet. “To further reduce on-site disruption and waste, we emphasize pre-fabrication and off-site manufacturing.”
Moreover, Red Sea Global’s hotels and resorts are powered by solar energy, allowing guests to enjoy an eco-friendly destination with a zero carbon footprint.
Albasseet said the backbone of the company’s renewable energy strategy was Red Sea’s vast solar farms, which include hundreds of thousands of photovoltaic panels — more than 750,000 are currently in place.
“These farms generate clean electricity, significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing our carbon footprint,” he said.
“To ensure a consistent and reliable power supply, even when the sun isn’t shining, we’ve also built one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities at The Red Sea. This … allows us to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it to power our resorts at night.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• Diriyah, a historic landmark in Riyadh, is being developed sustainably under Vision 2030, earning platinum-level LEED precertification.
• The Farasan Islands, a biodiverse Red Sea archipelago, are being developed for conservation and ecotourism.
• Soudah Development is transforming Saudi Arabia’s southern region into a luxury destination with a focus on ecosystem restoration.
This reliance on solar power extends beyond Red Sea Global’s resorts and hotels.
“It also powers Red Sea International Airport, putting it on track to become the region’s first airport powered entirely by renewable energy,” Albasseet said. “Even our 5G network, a crucial component of modern connectivity, runs on solar energy, making it the world’s first sunlight-powered network.”
Shebara and Desert Rock, which opened to guests last year, have integrated advanced water systems and water-saving strategies through smart irrigation systems that optimize water use.
“A key element of our water conservation efforts is the implementation of closed-loop systems. Notably, at Desert Rock we have advanced water retention and distribution systems that capture rainwater,” Albasseet said.
“This captured rainwater is being used to sustain the surrounding wadi, revitalizing the local ecosystem and minimizing reliance on external water sources.
“The resort’s design also incorporates water-efficient fixtures and landscaping, further reducing water usage in day-to-day operations. This integration of natural water systems into the resort’s design demonstrates our commitment to working with, rather than against, the natural environment.”
The consequences of unsustainable tourism are far-reaching, ranging from the degradation of delicate ecosystems and biodiversity loss to the exploitation of local communities and cultural commodification. “The current trajectory is simply not viable,” Albasseet said.
“Encouraging sustainable tourism practices is no longer a choice but a necessity for the future of our planet and the travel industry itself … The industry’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, estimated at 8 percent globally, underscores the urgent need for transformative change.
“This is not simply about minimizing negative impacts; it’s about actively restoring and regenerating the destinations we cherish.”
Furthermore, he added: “These practices undermine the very foundation of the tourism industry, jeopardizing the natural and cultural assets that attract visitors in the first place.
“The increasing awareness of these issues among travelers, coupled with global commitments like the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, further reinforces the need for the industry to embrace sustainability.”
Review: Experience luxury living at Shebara on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
- Can the Kingdom’s latest beach resort live up to its eye-watering price tag?
RED SEA: Overwater villa resorts continue to attract holiday goers around the world, but the Kingdom’s latest beach resort, Shebara, on the Red Sea, is breaking the mold with its futuristic designs.
It’s rare that a resort’s architecture is seen as its biggest draw, but that is exactly what Killa Design, the studio behind Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, has managed to achieve, with its silver stainless-steel pods that dot the ocean in a necklace-like curve 25 kilometers off Saudi Arabia’s coastline.
Most visitors will arrive from elsewhere in the Kingdom via the Red Sea International Airport. Currently an efficient two-hall operation — until developers build a larger airport set to welcome international flights — beach-ready tourists arrive at Shebara via a 30-40-minute boat ride or a 30-minute seaplane flight that departs from nearby the airport, which currently serves domestic flights from Jeddah and Riyadh.
Sunlight reflects off the resort’s 73 orb-like villas as guests approach, with the mirrored surface of each pod changing from sunlight to sunset. Both the Beach Villas and the Overwater Villas are available with one or two bedrooms.
The resort, which is reportedly powered entirely by an on-site solar farm, has all the amenities you would expect for the SAR9,000 (just under $2,400) nightly price tag (for a one-bedroom Beach Villa), but, as we said, it’s the spacious living spaces themselves that are the highlight. The luxe spa, well-kitted out gym and water sport offerings are really just there to complement the rooms, both the exteriors and interiors of which are worthy of a Bond film.
The interiors — by Studio Paolo Ferrari — are a masterclass in experiential living: steel curves, pops of burnt orange, and leather-clad curved walls may not be to everyone’s taste but it’s an experience — one that comes with a reflective button-operated bar that sits like a giant beetle near the living area.
A fully equipped kitchenette is a plus point for guests keen to use the various Nespresso gadgets. Trek over to the bathroom — even the one-bed Overwater Villa is a roomy 188 sq. meters — and you’ll be treated to a free-standing bathtub and separate, curved shower room.
From the lights to the air conditioning and patio doors, it’s all touch screen or button-controlled. Hitting a switch triggers a swoosh as the French doors open to reveal endless blue sea, with a small dipping pool and two outdoor seating areas on a marble-clad deck. For guests seeking a little extra privacy while taking a dip, it should be noted that the overwater villas’ deck pool and sea-skimming overwater hammock area are not shielded from view.
Guests travelling in larger groups are able to reserve an entire islet — the Beachfront Crown Villas Ensemble option, which includes a three-bedroom villa and three one-bedroom villas. The Beachfront Royal Villas Ensemble on the separate Sheybarah Island, featuring a private dock, is also available. This option boasts a four-bedroom villa and three one-bedroom villas.
Walk or catch a buggy through beautifully landscaped soft dunes to the spa and you’ll be treated to a menu of massage, facial and hammam options. The post-treatment relaxation area, with the usual sauna-and-steam room mod cons, is a little on the small side.
Dining options include iki.roe, serving modern Japanese-Nikkei cuisine; Ariamare, led by restaurateur Chef Marco Garfagnini whose menu offers Mediterranean flavors; Lunara, an international brasserie; and Saria Pool Bar & Grill, a beachside venue specializing in Levantine cuisine. Solera, an adults-only pool bar, is the ideal spot to watch a spectacular sunset with a mocktail in hand.
All in all, it’s as luxurious as it gets. But it has to be said that sea resorts do have to contend with more than their fair share of wear and tear due to the weather conditions they face. It is perhaps unfair to expect the resort’s many glass and steel surfaces to be crystal clear and brilliant all the time, but if we were nitpicking — and at this price point, we surely must — more attention could be paid to the details in the public areas as it all feeds into the experience. That being said, the rooms themselves are pristine.
While Mother Nature does battle with the resort’s maintenance staff on a daily basis, she’s also the source of one of Shebara’s most stunning offerings; the snorkeling at this resort is a must as the Red Sea is famous for its diverse marine life, clear blue-green waters and colorful coral.
While there are similar resorts the world over, the architecture and fresh take on beach living make Shebara well worth a visit.
