Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Travel & Leisure

The Red Sea, A New Frontier for Travel

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An emerging destination where islands, desert, and sea converge through world-class experiences

As global travel shifts away from predictability, The Red Sea is emerging as one of the world’s most distinctive destinations for travelers seeking something new and exciting. Stretching along Saudi Arabia’s western coast, the destination unfolds across an archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands, alongside vast desert landscapes, volcanic mountains, and coral-rich waters, offering a rare sense of scale and discovery in an increasingly crowded travel landscape. As one of the world’s newest destinations to welcome international travelers, it presents a moment few places can offer; the chance to explore a region while it is still being revealed.

Across islands and inland terrain, exploration is shaped by contrast and depth. On the water, Shebara’s mirrored overwater and beach villas open directly onto sailing, e-surfing, and reef ecology experiences, while the Ummahat Islands, home to The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invite immersion through snorkeling, kayaking, marine workshops, and nights filled with stargazing ventures setting a gateway for the curious astronomer, set against white sand beaches and calm lagoons. Inland, the landscape shifts dramatically. Desert Rock is carved into ancient volcanic formations, offering guided climbs, desert navigation, including stargazing, while Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea draws inspiration from Nabataean heritage through sadu weaving, spice blending, desert wellness rituals, and nature-led culinary experiences shaped by centuries of desert wisdom.

Exploration across land and sea is unified through The Red Sea’s experience brands. WAMA delivers responsible over-water activities, Galaxea opens access to vibrant underwater ecosystems through guided diving and reef exploration, and Akun leads guests across desert trails, geological routes, and night skies once used by ancient travelers for navigation. Together, they form an ecosystem of discovery rooted in respect, education, and place.

Anchoring this emerging frontier is a collection of world-class resorts and experiences developed as part of a regenerative tourism vision that prioritizes protection over expansion. Architecture and infrastructure are designed in harmony with the landscape rather than reshape it, positioning The Red Sea as both a destination of the future and a blueprint for responsible growth.

The destination is easily reached via Red Sea International Airport, with direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, and Milan, alongside one-stop connections from major cities across Europe and beyond. For travelers, The Red Sea offers not simply a new destination, but a place defined by vast landscapes and experiences shaped by land and sea.

For more information, visit: www.visitredsea.com

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