NUJUMA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE, OFFERS GUESTS
A RARE AND IMMERSIVE ESCAPE TO DISCOVER SAUDI ARABIAN CULTURE AND
THE UNTAPPED WONDERS OF THE RED SEA
UMMAHAT ISLAND, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the first
Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle
East was unveiled today on Ummahat Island in the tranquil
waters of The Red Sea. The private island retreat is nestled within
the captivating Blue Hole cluster of islands, where pristine coral
reefs thrive beneath the surface and the celestial canopy above
paints an endless tapestry of stars. Nujuma – inspired by the
meaning of 'stars' in Arabic – invites travellers to embark on an
unchartered journey to one of the world's most secluded and
protected archipelagos. Here, amidst the azure expanse, guests are
beckoned to explore and immerse themselves in the region's culture
and traditions.
"As more and more travellers look to discover new corners of the
earth, we are thrilled to reveal our newest Ritz-Carlton Reserve,
located amongst the natural beauty and stunning setting of The Red
Sea," said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP The
Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. "Nujuma
joins a collection of rare Ritz-Carlton Reserve estates around the
world, inviting the most discerning travellers to embark on a
journey of exploration where every encounter reveals a deeper
connection to the destination. I cannot wait for guests to discover
this luxurious private sanctuary and truly transformative
experience."
The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia's luxury regenerative tourism destinations on
the west coast of the country, is surrounded by the world's
fourth-largest barrier reef system with an archipelago of more than
90 untouched islands. From this enchanting setting, guests can
embark on extraordinary snorkelling and scuba diving adventures to
uncover seldom visited sites beneath the waves. Teeming with
vibrant coral reefs that have thrived for over five thousand years,
the barrier reef is home to fascinating ecosystems including over
165 endemic reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and
Napoleon wrasse.
The island's shores are fringed by rich mangroves, known to be
one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and within
this lush habitat visitors can spot a variety of sea birds, marine
invertebrates and havali guitarfish. Beyond the turquoise waters,
guests can discover the beauty of the coastal mainland through
guided trails across majestic desert dunes.
Designed by Foster and Partners, Nujuma's sweeping
shell-inspired architecture and elegant interiors are crafted with
natural materials imbued with calming sea and sand tones, and
geometric patterns reminiscent of the region's design motifs.
Arabic artifacts, traditional ceramics, woven Saudi patterned rugs
and intricate wall hangings celebrating local craftmanship flow
through the canopied interiors. Lush landscaping of indigenous
plants elegantly frame the pathways between the pavilioned spaces
and villas.
Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane, Nujuma features 63
overwater and beach villas, offering one-to-three-bedroom
accommodation, spacious living areas and private pools overlooking
the sea. Guests can marvel at the limitless starry night skies from
the comfort of their villa through telescopes positioned on each
deck. Perched above the cerulean-blue sea and connected by an
elevated ring walkway, the overwater villas offer panoramic views
and direct access to the sea. Nestled on undisturbed soft white
sand, the beach villas are secluded retreats flooded with natural
light and the sea's refreshing breeze. Each villa enjoys the
services of a dedicated personal host, who will take care of every
detail and guide guests through all the enriching experiences this
destination has to offer.
Opportunity to gain unique insights into the Saudi Arabian
culture, traditions and the destination are presented by a team of
local experts dedicated to preserving and sharing their
heritage. Honouring the legacy of nomadic exploration and
learning, the Conservation House is an integrated space for
creative pursuits to expand knowledge and foster a sense of
community. Through hands-on activities hosted by resident
sustainability, environmental, and cultural experts, guests of all
ages can cultivate a deep connection with the
destination.
Nujuma's dining philosophy is inspired by the Arabian tradition
of gathering at one's home to share stories of good fortune,
poetry, philosophy and science. Each of the Reserve's five culinary
experiences honour the generations of fishermen from the Umluj
region whose lives have been deeply intertwined with the area for
over 50 years. Guests are warmly welcomed to Tabrah, a
modern interpretation of a fisherman's home, to share a menu of
seafood specialities including, 'The Luckiest Catch', a communal
celebration of the sea's daily bounty that has nurtured the
fisherman's family through the ages. Jamaa is a relaxed
alfresco space serving light dishes prepared in an open kitchen and
over a wood-fire grill to the resort's outdoor pool and beach lined
with plush cabanas.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Maia is an intimate
place for astrology inspired refreshments prepared by expert
mixologists, including 'Gemini', a citrus mocktail named after the
constellation, known as al-Taw'amân in Arabic, that can be seen
from Saudi Arabia's capital all year. Designed to celebrate
the wonders of the night's sky featuring telescope and star design
elements, the open-air terrace is a place to gaze above while
Nujuma's astrologer shares insights into the evening's
constellation. Inspired by vibrant bazaars, all day dining venue,
Sita, is a spacious French-style patisserie and a Levantine
restaurant under three woven-wood pavilions, a design nod to the
tradition of leaf weaving. Guests are greeted by the aroma of
freshly baked bread exuding from a traditional clay oven, paired
with fresh hummus and dishes seasoned from the resort's vast spice
library.
Neyrah Spa is a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to
holistic wellness to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. The
serene indoor and outdoor oasis invites guests to nourish the body
and soul through ceremonies and methods from around the globe while
connecting with regional ingredients including the enchanting scent
of oud and moringa peregrina tree oil sourced from the
AlUla region. Wellness experts design bespoke journeys to rebalance
and relax, and guide guests through breathing techniques,
meditation, lunar yoga and sound healing therapy. The sea's breeze
and gentle sounds of waves flow through five sea-facing treatment
rooms and three outdoor treatment cabins. The space also features
vitality and lap pools, a hammam and a fitness centre. Designed as
a voyage, bespoke treatments encourage guests to reflect on the
past, live in the present, and step into the future with clarity
and energy.
"With the launch of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the
region, we are opening the doors to an unparalleled destination and
inviting the world to discover The Red Sea destination," said
Tony Coveney, General Manager,
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, "Nujuma is unlike any other
property in the region, a pinnacle of luxury with discovery and
sustainability at its core, offering guests a transformative
journey into the extraordinary set within the picture-perfect
backdrop of Ummahat Island's natural beauty. We look forward to
welcoming guests to enjoy an unforgettable exploration of the
destination where every moment is infused with wonder and
connection."
Ritz-Carlton Reserve is part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of
over 30 extraordinary hotel brands. For more information and
reservation inquiries, please visit
www.ritzcarlton.com.
Imagery: Here
About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
Delivering the Gold Standard in service in coveted
destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
currently operates more than 110 hotels in 35 countries and
territories. From iconic urban destinations to stretches of
paradise in untouched corners of the earth, The Ritz-Carlton offers
the opportunity for true discovery and transformative escapes that
stay with guests long after they depart. Committed to thoughtful
innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two groundbreaking brand
extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht
Collection. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of rare estates
set apart from the world, where personalized care and cultural
immersion are paramount. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
translates the brand's legendary service and hospitality for
sea, reimagining the ultra-luxury cruising category.
For more information or reservations, visit the company website
at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company
updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live
conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along
on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company,
L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott
International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is
proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®,
the global travel program from Marriott International. The program
offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands,
exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and
unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite
status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information
about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. The
Ritz-Carlton is committed to supporting the destinations where it
operates through Community Footprints, the company's social and
environmental responsibility program.
About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers
renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the
world, with 31 brands that are tailored to every type of journey.
From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W
Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury
offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points
for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts
and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with
co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for
experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy
Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from
Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for
free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy,
visit marriottbonvoy.com.
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