Miraval Opens Its First Resort Outside the US on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea

Miraval The Red Sea has opened on Shura Island as the celebrated wellness brand’s first property outside the United States, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s growing luxury tourism offer. The adults-only resort is part of The Red Sea Project, the kingdom’s flagship coastal destination development spanning a 28,000-square-kilometre archipelago along the northwestern Saudi coast.

Miraval — known in the US for destination spa resorts in Arizona, Austin and the Berkshires — brings its concept of immersive wellness programming to a new setting. The Shura Island property is designed for adults seeking a dedicated retreat experience: structured mindfulness programmes, spa and fitness facilities, and an environment deliberately designed around rest. The setting on the Red Sea coast adds world-class snorkelling and diving to the standard Miraval activity menu.

For international travellers, The Red Sea Project has been steadily building out its infrastructure since the first resort openings began in 2023. Flights into the area are served by Tabuk Airport and the dedicated Red Sea International Airport (RSI), with direct international connections from London, Paris and Dubai either operating or announced. Travellers from Jeddah can also reach the development by road in approximately three hours along the coastal highway.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is running at record pace in 2026, supported by the Saudi Summer campaign covering more than 550 tourism products across five regions. The Red Sea Project represents the kingdom’s premium international offer — a contrast to the cultural city tourism of Riyadh and AlUla or the pilgrimage circuits.

Visitors planning a trip to Saudi Arabia for the first time should check our first-time guide to Saudi Arabia and our Saudi Arabia visa guide. The tourist visa is available online and covers leisure visits including stays at The Red Sea Project resorts.

The Red Sea Project: how it fits into Saudi Arabia’s luxury push

The Red Sea Project is one of four giga-projects that form the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure transformation. The others — NEOM, Diriyah Gate and Qiddiya — each serve a different market segment, but The Red Sea Project is the one explicitly pitched at international luxury travellers who would otherwise consider the Maldives, Seychelles or Bali. The goal is a destination that can attract visitors primarily for the experience itself rather than as an add-on to a Riyadh city trip.

Infrastructure development has moved faster than most observers expected. The Red Sea International Airport opened in 2023 with direct international connections, and the pipeline now includes more than 50 resort properties across 16 of the archipelago’s islands. Miraval’s opening brings a globally recognised wellness brand to the portfolio alongside the St. Regis Red Sea, which launched in 2023 as the first major property at the development.

What a Miraval stay involves

Miraval properties in the US are built around the concept of “purposeful living” — scheduled wellness programmes, therapist-led activities, spa treatments and immersive nature experiences rather than a standard resort model of pool, bar and beach. Guests at the Shura Island property can expect structured programme offerings including mindfulness retreats, yoga and movement classes, nutritional workshops and therapist consultations, along with the Red Sea marine environment adding diving and snorkelling as unique local dimensions.

Room rates at Miraval US properties typically start from approximately $1,200 per night inclusive of meals and programming. Pricing for the Saudi Red Sea property had not been confirmed at the time of launch; check the official Red Sea Project website for current availability and rates.

Getting there

Red Sea International Airport (IATA: RSI) is located approximately 60 kilometres from Shura Island’s resort zone. Direct flights operate from London Heathrow, Paris CDG and Dubai, with additional routes under negotiation. From Jeddah, the drive along the coastal highway takes approximately three hours. Saudi tourist eVisas are required for most international visitors and can be obtained online before travel.