Overwater villas glisten like a string of pearls, perfectly poised above the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Seamlessly blending into their surroundings, these floating sanctuaries form the heart of Shebara Resort’s luxury accommodation. Designed by Red Sea Global, this visionary project blends unparalleled luxury with sustainability, set against one of the most extraordinary natural backdrops in the world.

Shebara Island is a living sanctuary where diverse ecosystems thrive. From dense mangroves to sweeping desert flora that blooms against white sand dunes, the island’s landscapes are as varied as they are breathtaking. Beneath its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and seagrass beds create mesmerising underwater gardens teeming with an array of marine life.

Here, nature takes centre stage, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the land. It’s a place to marvel at the island’s intricate ecosystems and reflect on the importance of preserving them.

“Shebara offers a unique blend of lush ecosystems and breathtaking coral reefs, where barefoot luxury meets conservation.”

The luxury resort is made up of 73 orbs in total, with 38 floating serenely over the water and 35 tucked along pristine beachfronts. Shebara Island is almost split into two halves. On one side, lies a tranquil community of beach villas, connected by wide boardwalks that meander through sculpted sand dunes and swaying palms, ensuring utmost privacy at every turn. 

Step inside the orbs, where at the touch of a button sliding glass doors glide open to reveal an infinity pool that melts into the Red Sea. Outside, the design invites pure indulgence - a sunken circular dining table emerges from the pool itself, perfect for unforgettable al fresco meals, while a crescent-shaped daybed beckons for lazy mornings spent basking under the sun or gazing at endless horizons.

On the other half of the island lies an exclusive retreat unto itself - the Royal Villas Ensemble. This ultra-luxe haven features four orbs, accommodating up to 14 guests in unparalleled seclusion. It’s complete with its own yacht dock because arriving in style is simply part of the experience.

Whether you’re looking to embrace total relaxation or dive headfirst into adventure, at Shebara Resort, the choice is yours. Fitness enthusiasts will find a state-of-the-art gym staffed by expert personal trainers, along with pristine padel and tennis courts for an active start to the day. For those drawn to the water, the resort offers everything from diving courses and windsurfing to exhilarating catamaran sailing programs. Seeking an adrenaline rush? Explore a range of e-motor watersports, from effortlessly gliding on an E-SUP to soaring above the waves with E-Foiling. Of course, classic thrills like wakeboarding and surfing are on the menu too.

For a slower pace, the adult-only pool beckons with stylish sun loungers and cocktails inspired by the beauty of the sea. And for the ultimate indulgence, the spa awaits, complete with a jacuzzi pool, sauna, steam room, and massage cabanas scattered along the beach. Treatments range from rejuvenating facials and expert massages to mani-pedis, all tailored to leave you feeling refreshed. There’s even a handy barber’s salon.

When it comes to food, Shebara Resort offers some truly unforgettable dining experiences across its five signature restaurants. 

Savour modern Japanese-Nikkei cuisine at iki.roe, complete with an interactive kitchen and Omakase dining experience. Or for lovers of Italian cuisine, Ariamare is a celebration of simplicity and sophistication, where Michelin-starred Chef Marco Garfagnini invites you behind the scenes to the pasta lab where his homemade creations are showcased through a glass window.

Saria Pool Bar and Grill keeps things simple with its Mediterranean-inspired menu perfect for those easy poolside afternoons, while Solera offers the perfect lunchtime bite with Asian-inspired delights. And to start your day, Lunara serves up breakfasts worth lingering over, from expertly crafted regional specialities to indulgent sweet treats.

At Shebara Resort, the mission was clear: to offer an unparalleled guest experience while treading lightly on one of the world’s most sensitive marine environments. Tasked with creating a sanctuary that’s entirely off-grid, the design team approached their challenge with both ingenuity and reverence for nature.

Take the accommodation pods, for example. Cantilevered above vibrant coral reefs, each pod is anchored by a single supporting column, minimising its footprint to just a few square meters. The effect is an architectural marvel that seems to float above the pristine marine ecosystem, offering guests a front-row seat to the untouched beauty below.

The island’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond its striking design. A centralised solar farm powers the entire resort, while freshwater is sourced through a solar-powered desalination plant. Even waste materials are recycled on-site, reducing the need to bring in or remove resources.

All images courtesy of Shebara Resort/Red Sea Global.