Red Sea EDITION Voted World's Best New Hotel Opening

The new luxury hotel blends modern minimalism with the rugged beauty of the Saudi desert.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Red Sea EDITION, the first hotel to open on the main island of Shura as part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Red Sea project, has been voted the world's best new hotel opening for 2025 by Forbes Travel Guide. The Rockwell Group-designed property seamlessly blends the EDITION brand's signature modern, minimalist aesthetic with the rugged beauty of the desert and warm Saudi hospitality, earning it the prestigious accolade.

Why it matters

The Red Sea EDITION's recognition as the world's best new hotel opening highlights the growing appeal and potential of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry, which is undergoing a major transformation through the Red Sea project. As the first hotel to welcome guests on the main island of Shura, the EDITION has set the tone for the region's emerging luxury travel offerings focused on eco-responsibility and immersive cultural experiences.

The details

Designed by the Rockwell Group, the Red Sea EDITION features 240 guest rooms and 53 suites that radiate tranquility with natural oak, coral stone flooring, sandy tones, and soft lighting. Panoramic windows offer views of the sea or the island, and some suites have private pools. The property also includes several dining venues, a five-treatment-room spa with holistic services, a gym, an outdoor infinity pool, a watersports center, tennis and padel courts, and access to an 18-hole golf course. Sustainability is a priority, with the hotel using 100% solar power and providing guests with complimentary sustainable transportation.

  • The Red Sea EDITION made its grand debut in 2025 as part of the Red Sea project.
  • The hotel was named Forbes Travel Guide's Best New Hotel Opening for 2025.

The players

Rockwell Group

The architecture and design firm that designed the Red Sea EDITION hotel.

Tony Coveney

The area general manager for the Marriott Red Sea Region, which oversees the Red Sea EDITION.

Red Sea project

An ambitious tourism initiative in Saudi Arabia that is transforming more than 90 islands along the country's west coast into a sustainable luxury travel destination.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Every element of the resort is intentionally designed to create an emotional journey that evolves through the day and into the evening. This natural rhythm is connected to a deeper purpose, offering more than just an escape but a transformational experience.”

— Tony Coveney, Area General Manager, Marriott Red Sea Region

What’s next

The Red Sea project is continuing to develop additional hotels, resorts, and other tourism infrastructure along the Saudi Arabian coastline, with the goal of transforming the region into a global luxury travel destination focused on sustainability and cultural immersion.

The takeaway

The Red Sea EDITION's recognition as the world's best new hotel opening showcases Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a premier luxury travel destination, blending modern design with the region's natural beauty and cultural offerings in a sustainable manner.