Above, Below & Beyond: Six reasons why the Saudi Red Sea is the Next Best Winter Sun Destination

 

As heatwaves roll on throughout the Summer months, it can be hard to think ahead of cooler climes. But for the chill-evading Brits, now is the best time to book breaks for winter the biggest savings.

 

From private island resorts and fringed with white sand beaches, to kaleidoscopic marine life and world-class hospitality, the Saudi Red Sea is the perfect spot to while away the cold winter months in a quiet slice of paradise.

 

Unspoiled Natural Beauty

 

Think powder-white beaches, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs—untouched and crowd-free. Explore crystalline shores on paddleboard or kayak, or dial up the adrenaline and try kitesurfing.

 

Beneath the waves, this pristine aquatic world is home to over 300 species of coral and more than 250 species of fish, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks and sea birds. Two months ago a record-breaking giant 800 year old coral colony, the length of six London buses, was discovered in the regions waters – a great indicator of the Saudi Red Sea’s rude health.

 

Year-Round Sunshine

 

With warm temperatures even in the middle of winter, the Saudi Red Sea is an ideal escape from cold weather. Expect clear skies, balmy breezes, and perfect sea-swimming conditions, with daytime temperatures consistently in the mid-twenties over the Autumn and Winter.

 

Ultra-Luxurious Resorts for Every Traveller

 

Home to some of the world’s most exclusive new resorts, region is redefining barefoot luxury with eco-conscious design. Shebara Resort offers striking solar-powered overwater and beachfront villas, housed in stainless steel orbs which reflect the sea and sky.

 

On the Ummahat Islands, The St. Regis Red Sea boasts picture-perfect, decadent overwater accommodation, while Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nujuma delivers elegance and fantastic family activities and facilities in equal measure.

 

For wellness seekers, Six Senses Southern Dunes offers a desert-inspired spa retreats and yoga escapes, and the secluded Desert Rock Resort provides dramatic cliffside villas, stargazing, and bespoke summer wellness experiences.

 

More than Fly and Flop

 

This isn’t just a beach break– pair coastal fun with inland adventures. The celestially curious will love desert stargazing in unrivalled dark skies, or hike to Wadis and along the sandstone paths where desert expanse meets sea brilliance.

 

Got time to build on sun-drenched beach bliss? Tag on a stop in Jeddah (1.5 hour flight) to experience its picturesque historic quarter Al Balad and thriving art scene, or AlUla (four hour drive) to blend your beach days with UNESCO Nabatean ruins to rival Petra.

 

A Call to Conscious Travel

 

Protecting this otherworldly environment is at the heart of development in the Saudi Red Sea. For example the 1.2km Shurayrah Bridge which was crafted with a graceful curve, rather than a simple straight-line design, to minimize impact on coral formations.

 

In the Saudi Red Sea, guests can experience world-class hospitality that puts nature first: from off-grid energy systems to zero-waste initiatives and wildlife-friendly architecture, these retreats offer the ultimate escape without compromise to the environment.

 

With just 1% of the entire Saudi Red Sea footprint being developed, the rest will be left untouched, a testament to this commitment to a more conscious conservation.

 

Easy Connections

 

Less than 7 hours from London, increasing numbers of direct flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Yanbu from BA, Wizzair, Saudia and Virgin Atlantic mean the Saudi Red Sea is more accessible than ever. Red Sea International Airport, which opened in September 2023 and is powered entirely by renewable energy, now handles both domestic (Saudia) and international (flydubai) services, serving as the sleek, sustainable gateway to the region.

 

BOOK 

• Six Senses Southern Dunes from £2,587 per person (save £341) for seven nights, room only  (Expedia.co.uk, 22^nd – 29^th November, includes return flights from London)
• St Regis Red Sea from £4,471 per person (save £259) for seven nights, room only (Expedia.co.uk, 22^nd – 29^th November, includes return flights from London)
• Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nujuma from £5,547 per person (save £345) for seven nights, room only (Expedia.co.uk, 22^nd – 29^th November, includes return flights from London)
• Shebara Resort from £8,011 per person (return flights from London included for free) for seven nights, room only (Expedia.co.uk, 22^nd – 29^th November)

Learn more about Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)

[related_post]