Raffles The Red Sea Opens With a Catch for Spa Seekers

Raffles The Red Sea has opened on Shura Island, with the debut announced on October 14. The resort sits between a lagoon and the open sea, but travellers planning a wellness break should pay close attention to the launch details: the spa, adults' pool and several other facilities are scheduled for later phases.

What can guests book at the new resort?

The property has 168 keys: 121 rooms, 14 suites and 33 private pool villas. Red Sea Global describes the villas as one- to four-bedroom residences designed by Foster + Partners, with interiors by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. Accommodation looks towards either the lagoon or the Red Sea.

That creates a useful starting question for a reservation. Ask which waterfront your chosen category faces and how its outdoor space is arranged. A lagoon-facing room and a villa overlooking the open sea may suit different versions of the same holiday, particularly when several generations are travelling together.

Which facilities are opening later?

Raffles' launch announcement says the spa and adults' pool will arrive in a future phase. The children's and teens' centres are also due later, while dining venues are opening in stages, including specialty restaurants and a bar. No firm completion dates are given for those elements in the announcement.

The planned spa includes seven treatment rooms and thermal facilities. For now, the brand points guests towards the gym, padel and water sports. Before paying for an opening-period stay, request a dated list of operating facilities, especially if a spa treatment or supervised children's activity is the reason for the trip.

What is there to explore around Shura Island?

The resort adds another base within The Red Sea destination, with access to Shura Links golf, the marina and the island's retail area. Red Sea Global also identifies Botanica Red Sea and the ADRENA sports and adventure district among the wider destination's attractions.

Its five planned dining venues cover Eastern Mediterranean, Singaporean and Pan-Arabic food, plus patisserie and poolside meals. Confirm which are accepting guests on your dates, then build outings around the restaurants and activities actually available. The opening makes Raffles a new option on Shura; the practical question is whether the current phase delivers the particular stay you want.

Sources: Red Sea Global's opening announcement and Raffles' launch release.