FACT Review: The future of luxury travel awaits at Shebara Resort
Few places in the world push the boundaries of hospitality quite like Saudi Arabia's ambitious Red Sea project, and the newly-opened Shebara Resort is a prime example of its visionary ethos. This ultra-futuristic destination is where the natural world fuses with cutting-edge design. An ultra-luxe sanctuary for the elite traveller, bringing Maldives-like living to the Middle East.
Positioned on Shebara Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, Shebara Resort offers an escape from the ordinary. The island retreat is accessible via private boat (approximately 35 minutes) or seaplane charter, immediately setting the tone for an exclusive experience. As you approach, the first thing that captures the eye is the architectural marvel of its structures, which appear to float, UFO-like, over the azure waters.
This balance between technology and nature is evident from the moment you step onto the island. A curated arrival experience ensures a seamless transition into a world that feels like it has leapt from the pages of a science fiction novel, with its undulating dunes and orb-shaped structures.
Shebara Resort has been created by Killa Design (the studio behind Dubai's Museum of the Future), and features sleek villas that seem to hover above the water. Connected by an intricate network of overwater walkways, it's like a string of pearls stretched out across the sea. The mirrored facades reflect the ever-changing hues of the sea and sky, creating an ethereal effect that shifts with the time of day. However, these reflective orbs are very difficult to keep clean due to the natural elements.
The resort includes 73 keys, which span beach and overwater villas. The accommodations designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari boast a minimalist yet opulent design, with a free-standing bathtub, a small kitchenette, and a bed that moulds into the very walls of the room. The interiors merge natural colours with modern aesthetics, complementing the floating bowl-shaped infinity pools and private terrace with panoramic views. Nets suspended just above the shallows ensure guests maintain a connection with the surrounding ocean.
Moreover, the resort integrates innovative technology at every turn. Doors glide open at the touch of a button, as does the rocket-shaped minibar stocked with Lyre's zero-alcohol products. The rainfall shower features various colours, jets and mists, while a Japanese toilet will make you feel like you're living in the future. Fronted by a futuristic polished metal design, it's all very Jetson space-age chic.
Perched on its own private island at the edge of Shebara, the ultra-exclusive Royal Villas Ensemble is a resort within a resort, featuring a dedicated yacht dock and four beachfront orbs that can accommodate up to 14 guests in complete seclusion.
The island offers a selection of five high-end restaurants that take inspiration from global culinary traditions while emphasising local, sustainably sourced ingredients. The flagship restaurant, Ariamare, by Michelin-lauded chef Marco Garfagnini, is your go-to for Mediterranean cuisine, where dishes take inspiration from the land and sea around it.
If you prefer Japanese cuisine, Iki.Roe should be on your restaurant reservations radar. This eatery, with its modern interiors featuring olive green and beige tones, allows you to watch the chefs craft super sushi in the open kitchen.
For those who want to sample a bit of everything, Lunara is the perfect place. With views that deserve a pinned post on Instagram, this beachfront restaurant offers a superb setting with its ceiling of studded wood and a bountiful breakfast offering that includes eggs with caviar and chilli crab with a kick.
Saria Pool Bar and Grill offers perfect poolside meals featuring grilled specialities, while the adults-only Solera serves a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and shisha alongside dishes curated from the Red Sea and its surrounding landscape.
Shebara's immersive activities are tailored to both thrill-seekers and those looking for serene indulgence. For adventure enthusiasts, the diving and snorkelling experiences are unparalleled. The surrounding coral reefs are some of the most pristine in the world, and guests can explore underwater ecosystems teeming with marine life.
On land, Shebara's wellness programs take a holistic approach, including bespoke treatments such as the Moonlight Meteorite Massage or Pearl and Green Caviar Signature Hammam. From rejuvenating spa therapies that blend ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology to a running track, padel courts and guided yoga sessions overlooking the horizon, every aspect of well-being is catered to.
Shebara Resort provides a glimpse into the future of travel. Every element, from its pioneering architecture and sterling service to its immersive recreation, has been meticulously designed to push the limits of luxury. The result is an escape that feels both exclusive and visionary. Of course, this level of exclusivity comes at a premium price point.
Shebara's dedication to sustainability is also noteworthy. The resort's reliance on solar energy and its commitment to minimising its environmental impact are a reminder that luxury and responsibility can coexist.
As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a global leader in luxury tourism, Shebara Resort stands as a testament to its commitment to redefining the travel experience. While projects like The Line and Trojena still feel distant, Sheabra Resort is tangible and apparent. While there are similar resorts in the vicinity, Shebara Resort is a futuristic masterpiece that's even more stunning in reality than the social media reels would have you believe.
GO: Visit www.shebara.sa for reservations and more information.
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Itadaku, Wasl Vita Mall, Jumeirah, daily, 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm, Tel: (0) 4 223 6122, @itadaku_dubai Odeon Inspired by the joys of Parisian life, Odeon serves up delightful authentic food and a mind-boggling selection of gourmet French products, from different kids of chocolate, candy, crisps, spreads and condiments to fresh seafood, freshly-baked bread, cured meat cuts, cheeses, dairy products and more. You want it, they have it. It has that sort of homely feel of a neighbourhood establishment. Odeon, Jumeirah, daily, 8am to 10pm, Tel: ( 0) 4 340 2272, @odeondubai Iranish If you're looking for the most authentic Iranian food you can find in Dubai, Iranish is the place to be. It's a place filled with stories and each dish they serve has a legacy, a sweet tale of nostalgia behind it. The flavours are uniquely Iranian, meaning you won't find Iranian food of this kind elsewhere in Dubai. 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Tel:(0)4 582 2244. @brassmonkeysocial Kokoro Kokoro, Dubai's first hand roll bar, is the newest Japanese offering at Alserkal Avenue, a small, almost hole-in-the-wall spot free of frills and fuss and full of the casual, inviting warmth one usually finds at a space like this. And fresh fish, of course. Every variety of it. Everything about Kokoro says laidback but not lazy, spontaneous but not overwhelming, so very cool but not alienating. Like that hipster barista you know who makes you feel like they woke up today to brew coffee for you and you only (and the 12 other people in the line behind you). Kokoro, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Sun to Wed, 12pm to 10.30pm, Thurs to Sat, 12pm to 11.30pm, @ Hoe Lee Kow If you're looking for a casual eatery to catch up with friends or enjoy quality food with your closest ones, unconventional Korean BBQ, Hoe Lee Kow is well worth a trip. Venturing into a new cuisine, chef Reif Othman was inspired by his years of travel and love for Korean BBQ. 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VNYL HiFi, Bluewaters Island, Mon to Thurs, 1pm to 1am, Fri to Sun, 1pm to 4am, Tel: (0) 52 249 4004, @ Cucina Cucina feels like a family neighbourhood Italian, with the warmth and the carbs to show for it. This is a family-oriented restaurant and perfect for a cosy weeknight or weekend dinner date where you all want is a bowl of safe, delicious pasta and the company of a special person. They also have a gelato parlour, because you can't have dinner without dessert and classics on the menu that you know you'll love. Cucina, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, daily, 7am to 1am, Tel: (0) 4 666 1408, @cucinathepalm KATA As far as sushi in the mall goes, Kata really takes the cake. This Japanese restaurant not only has incredibly plated food that will look gorgeous for your socials as the Dubai Fountains go off in the background but Kata where the food looks good, it tastes even better – we promise. 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Isola Ristorante, Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse, Fri, Feb 14, 7pm, Tel: (0) 4 583 3124, @isolarestaurantdubai Lola Taberna This Valentine's at Lola Taberna, couples will be welcomed with roses and a refreshing welcome drink before sitting down to a dinner from the la carte menu. With a minimum spend of Dhs199 per person, guests can enjoy a romantic dining experience accompanied by live entertainment. The evening will feature retro Spanish hits by Keco Fontana, followed by DJ Javi to keep the night alive. Who doesn't love some delicious food and a spot of Spanish music? Lola Taberna, TRYP By Wyndham Dubai, Fri, Feb 14, 7pm, minimum spend Dhs199, Tel: (0) 4 247 6688, @lolataberna Images: Socials/Supplied
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