The Red Sea’s newest luxury destinations have established themselves as year-round retreats where natural beauty meets sophisticated programming. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, occupy distinct positions within this emerging archipelago, each offering carefully curated seasonal experiences that respond to the region’s climate, wildlife patterns, and cultural calendar.
Both properties benefit from exceptional natural assets such as underwater visibility frequently reaches 40 metres, revealing coral formations and marine life in remarkable detail. The surrounding reefs support diverse ecosystems where rays glide through crystal waters and reef fish navigate elaborate coral structures. Above the surface, the desert sky provides remarkably clear conditions for astronomical observation, free from the light pollution that obscures celestial wonders elsewhere. The resorts’ overwater and beachfront accommodations position guests directly within these surroundings whilst maintaining the exceptional standards expected.
Renewal and Sunrise Rituals
The year opens at Nujuma with a structured approach to renewal. January’s programming centres on Hatha yoga, pranayama breathing techniques, and Yoga Nidra under the guidance of resident expert Prateek. Early morning sessions begin as the sun rises over the Red Sea, casting golden light across the water. The practice incorporates thermal contrast therapy and floating sound healing sessions that take place on the calm waters surrounding the island.
February turns to intimate, romantic moments. Private beachfront dining allows couples to dine where sand meets sea, while sailing across the reef reveals secluded coves and lagoons. Sunset gatherings at Jamaa offer panoramic views as the sky shifts through amber and rose, while overwater villas provide complete privacy, with outdoor terraces and direct water access.
Marine Immersion in Crystal Waters
March brings exceptional conditions for underwater exploration at The St. Regis. The combination of optimal visibility, often extending to 40 metres, and coastal wildlife movement creates ideal circumstances for snorkelling. Guests can observe parrotfish grazing on coral, octopuses moving across the reef floor, and schools of smaller fish creating shifting patterns in the water. The shallow coastal areas allow close observation without requiring deep diving, making the experience accessible whilst remaining genuinely impressive. The timing coincides with World Water Day, and the resort structures its programming accordingly, with marine biologists available to explain the ecosystem’s intricacies.
Evening hours cater for recovery, with accommodation designed specifically for restorative sleep. Plush bedding responds to body temperature, carefully controlled ambient conditions maintain optimal rest environments, and private terraces benefit from the natural sea breeze that flows across the water after sunset.
April continues the marine theme whilst expanding to terrestrial exploration. The secluded geography of the Red Sea islands means native wildlife encounters occur with relative frequency during this season. Guests spot desert foxes in the early morning, watch birds nesting in coastal vegetation, and observe the subtle signs of nocturnal animal activity. The untouched habitats both on land and in the ocean provide a sense of discovery that feels increasingly rare in developed resort destinations.
Family Adventures
May at Nujuma is done with the half-term calendar in mind. Programming during this month is designed to engage younger guests, as The Children’s Club offers complimentary activities that balance structured learning with creative freedom such as arts and crafts sessions use natural materials collected from the beach, whilst nature experiences teach children to identify local species and understand island ecosystems.
Families can participate in water sports together, with calm lagoons providing safe conditions for paddleboarding and kayaking. Swimming areas feature gentle gradients that accommodate varying confidence levels, whilst tennis and paddle matches on dedicated courts allow for friendly competition. The balance between shared activities and independent pursuits means each family member finds their preferred pace.
Holistic Wellness and Coastal Spa Experiences
June marks a transition to immersive wellness at Nujuma’s Neyrah Spa, a facility designed to maximise the therapeutic qualities of its coastal location. Five sea-facing treatment suites frame the water as a living artwork, with the view shifting subtly throughout each session as light changes and tides move. Open-air cabins allow treatments to incorporate natural elements, like the sound of waves, the scent of salt air, the sensation of breeze on skin.
The facility incorporates a traditional hammam where steam and heat work in concert with skilled therapists, alongside vitality and lap pools that provide temperature contrast and gentle resistance. Programming aligns with World Oceans Day and International Yoga Day, giving the month’s activities particular focus. Couple treatments can be mirrored between adjacent suites, creating synchronised experiences, whilst meditation and sound healing sessions take place.
Culinary Exploration and Sunset Rituals
July shifts attention to culinary exploration at The St. Regis, where three distinct restaurants offer different approaches to sophisticated dining. Nesma draws from regional ingredients and Middle Eastern techniques, presenting familiar flavours through contemporary preparations that surprise. Gishiki 45 offers omakase service with live preparation, allowing guests to watch skilled chefs transform pristine ingredients into precisely constructed courses. Tilina occupies an elevated position above the reef, providing unobstructed views that extend to the horizon, particularly impressive during the hour before sunset when the water takes on deeper blue tones.
The à la carte menu changes with ingredient availability, ensuring seasonal relevance. The St. Regis Bar maintains the property’s evening ritual of sabrage, which is the dramatic opening of champagne bottles with a sabre, accompanied by signature cocktails and live musical performances that range from jazz standards to regional compositions.
Evenings Awaken the Reef
August extends the resort’s programming into the cooler evening hours, revealing a side of the reef unseen by day. Night-time snorkelling uncovers bioluminescent displays, tiny organisms tracing glowing paths through the water, while creatures that hide by daylight such as octopuses and nocturnal fish, emerge, giving the reef a wholly different, mesmerising character.
Evening experiences continue on land with coffee masterclasses exploring regional roasting and brewing traditions, mixology sessions where bartenders reveal the precision behind signature cocktails, and hands-on cooking workshops highlighting local ingredients and traditional techniques.
Conservation and Starry Nights
September shifts the focus toward conservation and experiences that engage older children. Guests can take part in mangrove and sea lavender planting, contributing directly to coastal restoration while learning how these species stabilise shorelines, filter water, and provide habitat for juvenile fish. Bonfire evenings on the beach create natural gathering points with the night sky stretching fully overhead. Families share stories around the flames as the Milky Way emerges in vivid clarity. It is truly a rare and unforgettable spectacle for many young visitors.
Diving Into the Red Sea
October signals the start of prime diving conditions on the Red Sea, when water temperature, visibility, and marine activity align perfectly. The Galaxea Diving Centre at Nujuma offers PADI-certified courses for newcomers alongside guided reef dives for experienced divers. Routes are tailored to current marine activity and visibility, with dive masters adapting plans to ensure encounters with the reef’s most spectacular residents. On land, International Chefs Day brings culinary theatre to the resort, featuring demonstrations of refined technique and intimate dining experiences that showcase seasonal ingredients prepared tableside or within open kitchen settings.
Celestial Evenings
November takes advantage of the region’s exceptionally clear skies to transform evenings into immersive astronomical experiences. Nightly stargazing with the resort’s resident astronomer guides guests through constellations, planetary movements, and celestial phenomena visible only under true darkness. Astrophysics presentations at Maia cater to all levels, from fundamental concepts to deeper discussions of cosmic mechanics. With no light pollution in the desert, guests can witness nebulae, star clusters, and distant galaxies that remain hidden elsewhere, making for unforgettable nights under the stars.
