Set along Saudi Arabia’s untouched Red Sea coastline, Shebara Resort doesn’t just offer a stay – it redefines what a modern retreat can be. Designed as a net-zero property, this coastal escape combines bold architectural experimentation with environmental sensitivity, producing something rare: a place that feels both futuristic and deeply grounded.
From the first approach by boat, guests are met with a surreal sight – mirrored orb-like villas shimmering against the water and sand. These stainless-steel spheres, designed by Killa Design, reflect the changing tones of sky and sea, creating a near-invisible profile that blends rather than disrupts. Spaced thoughtfully to ensure privacy, each villa is equipped with its own plunge pool, shaded terrace, and a direct connection to the beach or ocean. Their layout encourages stillness, yet pathways and boardwalks gently urge exploration.
Inside, Studio Paolo Ferrari brings the architecture’s fluid elegance to life with interiors that wrap guests in soft forms and warm textures. Travertine surfaces, deep reds, curved lines, and tactile materials like stone, wood, and brushed metal create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and natural. Lighting shifts gently with the time of day, guiding moods rather than overwhelming them.
Comfort here is never separate from context. Passive cooling techniques, like overhangs and reflective surfaces, reduce reliance on mechanical systems, even in the region’s intense heat. The entire resort runs off-grid, powered by solar energy and advanced water systems. The construction approach prioritized the protection of nearby coral reefs and native habitats, ensuring the resort becomes part of the ecosystem instead of threatening it.
Shebara’s dining and wellness spaces continue the design’s quiet confidence. Open-air restaurants welcome the ocean breeze, while spa pavilions provide hushed shelter for rest and rejuvenation. Nothing feels excessive or out of place. Each structure contributes to a cohesive vision, where every choice – from materials to sightlines – reflects an understanding of place.
This is luxury rooted in restraint. At Shebara, the extravagance isn’t in glitz or scale, but in precision and care. Guests are offered something more meaningful than indulgence: the chance to slow down, to notice, to feel at home in a landscape that’s both ancient and new.
