You’ve probably seen a hotel come across your For You Page that looks like a series of UFOs over the Red Sea. That hotel is Shebara Resort Saudi Arabia, and it’s one of the most unique hotels in the world. While the concept of an overwater or beachfront villa is not a new one, the design of these rooms and their one-of-a-kind location make this a standout property. Not to mention their top-of-the-line service! Most hotels are picked once you have a destination in mind. But with this one, we want to plan a trip to Saudi Arabia just to stay here! In this article, you can expect a full Shebara Resort review. We break down what makes this property so special, and what you can expect throughout your stay, from booking details to amenities to location.
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Why Shebara Is a Truly Unique Property
Shebara ignores all of the common tropes of an overwater villa, but gives you all the same luxury and relaxation. The most striking element is the design, which heavily resembles UFOs. The orb-shaped villas were designed by Killa Design, which is the same group that made Dubai’s Museum of the Future, which has been heavily featured all over social media. The villas are all bolted to the floor of the lagoon, so there’s no need to worry about waking up having somehow floated into the middle of the sea! Another element we love is that this property is incredibly sustainable, running entirely on solar energy. And best of all, Shebara Resort is completely remote, with no town, marina, or properties nearby. It’s just you and 73 total villas. That level of privacy and remoteness is really hard to come by.
Shebara Resort Villas
The Overwater Villas
One of the coolest features we’ve seen at any hotel EVER is their pool dining table. You don’t have to worry about leaving the gorgeous pool area to go have your meals. The dining table is sunk into the infinity pool, so you can have every meal without leaving the water. Plus, you may see rays and baby reef sharks from your pool since it’s flush with the Red Sea.
You have the choice of a one-bedroom villa or a two-bedroom villa. We think the one-bedroom villa is perfect, and an upgrade isn’t really necessary since the Shebara Resort Price can be a bit steep. A one-bedroom overwater villa typically costs between $2000-$3000 a night. For travelers looking for an unforgettable luxury overwater villa and a serene escape, the privacy and access to the Red Sea that Shebara Resort offers make it worth it.
The Beachfront Villas
The beachfront villas sit on the island and are the better option for families. They’re quite a bit larger than the overwater villas, offer direct beach access, and there are great dive sites nearby.
One major cost saver is that children under the age of 12 stay free in the beachfront villas. So while the hotel is still on the expensive side, it’s a huge cost saver to come while your children are young. Guests 12 and over cost an additional 1,500 SAR per night, which is around $400 USD.
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Shebara Resort Activities
Start in the Water
The lagoon around Sheybarah Island has some of the calmest and clearest water, making it an excellent snorkeling spot, even for beginners. You’ll be able to see all sorts of aquatic creatures, including reef sharks! But don’t worry, those are totally safe to swim around.
Wama, the water sports center, rents transparent kayaks so you can get out on the water without missing any of the fish or other marine life swimming below. It’s truly one of the most peaceful moments imaginable.
You can also choose from paddleboarding, catamaran sailing, and guided diving excursions. We always recommend people book a catamaran trip so they can learn from the captain what to look out for on the water, and learn more about the surrounding area. On land, you can find tennis courts, a jogging track, a 24-hour gym, a kids club for ages 4 to 12, and my personal favorite, aerial yoga! There’s no shortage of things to do at Shebara Resort.
The Spa
I know I’m going to have a peaceful time at the spa when even the atmosphere around it feels calming. The exterior of this spa is so one with nature that it almost blends into the dunes. If you’re not paying attention, you could truly almost walk right past it.
The treatment we most recommend is their signature, the Shebara Journey. It lasts two hours and involves a Tahitian black pearl cleanse and green caviar exfoliation. You can also opt for a massage that incorporates meteorite dust, which sounds like the most Saudi Arabia thing ever!
There are five indoor treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite. There are three outdoor beachfront cabanas for some private beach time. And there are separate male and female areas complete with Jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms.
Shebara Resort Restaurants
One major thing to note about Shebara Resort is that they do not serve alcohol. As a sober gal, I personally love this. But it’s not for everyone, so it’s definitely worth being aware of before you arrive! They do use Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits, so you get the sense you’re having a cocktail, without a dreaded hangover the next morning.
There are five restaurants on-site:
Iki.roe is the flagship restaurant, serving Japanese-Peruvian fusion. We recommend ordering the miso black cod and the robata selections.
Lunara does breakfast daily and Levantine dinners Sunday through Wednesday. We dream of the vanilla-dipped brioche French toast with pomegranate seeds and cinnamon at breakfast.
Solera is adults-only, at the southern end of the resort, open 10:30 AM to 7 PM. They serve Asian-inspired lunch options. It’s the most relaxed food spot on the property.
Ariamare offers Mediterranean food for lighter dinners.
Saria is the family pool bar and grill for midday eating when you refuse to leave the water.
How to Make the Most of Your Stay
We recommend splurging on a seaplane arrival if it’s within your budget to do so. You can also opt instead for the cheaper boat from Turtle Bay. But nothing beats flying over the Red Sea and viewing the UFO-shaped villas from above! Talk about arriving in style!
The best time to visit Shebara Resort is from October through April. Summer temperatures often exceed 104°F, so visiting during the winter and spring offers more temperate weather. Especially since you’ll probably be spending most of your vacation outdoors!
Book the spa before you arrive. The Shebara Journey sells out quickly. The team earns the most consistent reviews on the property and deserves protected time in your schedule.
Eat at least one meal in the pool. The sunk-in table, floating platters, and reef below you make for a perfect and memorable meal. Do not skip it.
Crystal kayak before 9 AM. The lagoon is calmest in the early morning, and the visibility through the transparent bottom is noticeably better in flat water.
Is Shebara Resort Worth It?
There’s no doubt about it. Shebara Resort is definitely a pricey stay. But what you’re getting for this price point is remoteness, exclusivity, relaxation, and true serenity. Plus, when else will you get the chance to stay in a UFO-shaped villa?!
Another element that makes this stay so worthwhile is that it’s still relatively new and unvisited. So you’ll be among the first people to experience it. Yet it’s also been well-reviewed, so you’re getting a new experience without being a guinea pig!
We do wish there was a butler service included with this nightly rate, but there is still top-tier and readily available service with their WhatsApp contact.
Similar Stays You’ll Love
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia – The Red Sea’s other overwater option and the one to book if butler service is non-negotiable.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, Saudi Arabia – Inland, slower, desert-focused, and the right choice when you want wellness over water.
Soneva Jani, Maldives – The retractable-roof, sleep-under-the-stars overwater villa that still sets the benchmark for this category.
What we prioritize most of all at Travel The Unexpected are unique stays that level up your travel and further enhance your experience. Some hotels are really cool, but they pull you out of the natural elements or have a kitschy vibe to them. Shebara Resort Saudi Arabia is one that connects you even further to nature, the sea, and your own serenity. It’s one of the most unique hotels in Saudi Arabia, and a must-book in our opinion.
