Evaluate: Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

What we cherished: Nujuma a Ritz Carlton Reserve provides a serene and completely curated secluded island setting mixed with deeply personable workers who go above and past to ship distinctive service. The resort’s structure and design are rooted in native craft traditions which creates a wonderful cultural aesthetic and the rituals from examine in to pre meal moments present a considerate and immersive sense of place.

What we didn’t love: The absence of a home reef on the resort signifies that paid excursions are required for snorkelling or diving which appears like a missed alternative for spontaneous water entry. On the time of our keep alcohol was not but permitted on the resort which restricted night indulgences though we have been instructed this may increasingly change sooner or later.

The best way to guide: This property participates within the Marriott Bonvoy program, with commonplace room redemptions costing 198,000 factors and up per night time. This resort participates within the Marriott STARS most popular accomplice program, so if you’re reserving a money price, attain out to Prince Assortment.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – About The Property

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve model is thought for choosing distant pure areas the place luxurious intimacy and native tradition come collectively. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve suits this imaginative and prescient completely. The resort opened in Might 2024 shortly after the close by St. Regis Purple Sea as a part of Purple Sea International’s broader tourism improvement within the area.

The design of Nujuma is impressed by seashells and coastal dunes and the resort makes in depth use of pure supplies akin to wooden, rope, stone, and clay to echo Saudi craft traditions. The result’s a refined however immersive resort that feels each modern and authentically rooted in its setting.

Location

Nujuma a Ritz Carlton Reserve is positioned on a personal island within the Ummahat Islands off Saudi Arabia’s Purple Beach between the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. Friends first arrive at Purple Sea Worldwide Airport which serves as the principle gateway for the area.

From there the everyday journey continues with a scenic drive of about 25 minutes throughout the desert to the marina adopted by a ship trip of about 45 minutes out to the island.

As soon as on the island, friends can discover by foot, buggy, or bicycle alongside quiet boardwalks and sandy paths whereas taking within the pure landscaping, mangroves, and uninterrupted views of the ocean and sky.

Reserving

For our go to we skilled the property on an business price. Commonplace money pricing for a One Bed room Seaside Villa typically begins at about 9,000 SAR per night time earlier than taxes or from round 198,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.

Having beforehand cherished our keep at Mandapa a Ritz-Carlton Reserve we have been very eager to attempt one other Reserve property and the chance to go to the Purple Sea as an rising vacation spot added to the attraction.

Pre arrival communication was glorious. Since we started our journey on the St. Regis Purple Sea the groups at each properties coordinated a seamless 5-minute boat switch between the 2 resorts. Additionally they dealt with our flight particulars arrival and departure occasions and passport and visa info which made your complete journey really feel seamless. Transfers to and from the resort are sometimes included with most money bookings.

For this keep we used Marriott reward playing cards that we had bought at a 20% low cost which created an additional layer of financial savings.

At Prince of Journey we typically worth Marriott Bonvoy factors at 0.8 (CAD) or 0.6 cents (USD). Utilizing that benchmark a redemption at Nujuma can signify a terrific worth in your factors particularly when money charges are excessive.

Any incidentals past our reward playing cards have been charged to the Marriott Bonvoy American Specific Card for its elevated incomes price at Marriott properties and the continuing worth of its annual Free Night time Award.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve participates within the Marriott STARS most popular accomplice program which you’ll entry by way of our in home journey company Prince Assortment.

By reserving by way of us you’ll pay one of the best obtainable versatile price typically and obtain added advantages akin to a USD 100 property credit score complimentary breakfast for 2 a one class room improve when obtainable early examine in and late try topic to availability together with a particular welcome reward and letter.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Test-In Expertise

We arrived at Nujuma after a brief boat trip from the St. Regis Purple Sea. Because the boat approached the jetty, workers have been already ready to welcome us with heat greetings, handshakes, and a refreshing welcome drink. The arrival lounge on the dock provided our first glimpse of the resort’s stunning structure and gave a small preview of what awaited on the island.

We have been launched to our devoted host Stefan, who served as our major contact all through the keep. We got a quick tour of the property then introduced on to our villa to finish our check-in. Our keys have been within the type of bracelets which have been extraordinarily handy.

Stefan supplied his WhatsApp quantity in order that we may attain him at any time. He walked us by way of the actions on supply for the day and later despatched the complete weekly schedule which made it very straightforward for us to plan out our time on the resort.

As a Platinum Elite member we obtained a heat recognition of standing and have been introduced with the next elite perks:

• Improve: We got a alternative between remaining in our initially booked One Bed room Seaside Villa or shifting to a One Bed room Water Villa. We opted to remain within the Seaside Villa as we had simply stayed in an overwater villa on the St. Regis Purple Sea and have been suggested the outside patio was bigger on the Seaside Villas.
• Welcome amenity: 1000 Bonvoy factors got. A beneficiant platter of recent fruit, a cake, and a non-alcoholic bottle of bubbly have been additionally awaiting us in our villa.
• Late try: Versatile departure timing was given primarily based on boat switch and flight schedules.
• Breakfast: Full breakfast complimentary for all resort friends, so no further profit was provided.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – One Bed room Seaside Villa

The One Bed room Seaside Villa is a hanging expression of natural structure and refined consolation. The outside is formed to resemble seashells or gently sculpted dunes.

Contained in the design continues this theme of sentimental curves and pure textures. Mild beige and cream tones are paired with heat wooden and refined Arabic geometric motifs which seem in wood screens, rugs, and furnishings. The general impact is fashionable and minimal but invitations a way of heat that fits the island location.

The villa consists of two predominant domed areas linked by a hall of home windows that herald ample pure gentle. One aspect homes the spacious dwelling space with a wise TV and is furnished with ample seating round a central espresso desk.

On the centre stands a telescope which references the title ‘Nujuma’ that’s derived from the Arabic phrase for stars and invitations friends to search for on the night time sky.

A dinette had a welcome platter of fruit, a birthday cake, and a bottle of non-alcoholic glowing beverage.

A powder room and compact kitchen are tucked subtly into the design in order that they supply comfort with out interrupting the visible circulation.

The kitchen features a fridge, range, oven, sink, and beverage station making it straightforward to organize snacks or a easy meal for anybody who brings provisions from the mainland.

The opposite predominant dome is devoted to the bed room which is centred round a king-sized mattress oriented towards the seashore and sea.

Constructed-in seating and closets are built-in into the curved partitions and accented by smooth ambient lighting. Instantly behind the mattress is a freestanding bathtub and desk.

The ensuite toilet encompasses a double vainness, a walk-in bathe, and a separate water closet. Each plush and lighter linen robes are supplied together with slippers and a seashore bag that are considerate touches for a coastal keep.

From each the lounge and the bed room giant ground to ceiling home windows open onto a beneficiant patio that spans the size of the villa. The outside space consists of cushioned loungers, a eating desk, a personal plunge pool, and an outside bathe, in addition to direct entry to the seashore.

Every villa is positioned with pure dunes and planting between them which supplies a powerful feeling of privateness.

Digital panels on the villa entrance and bedside management all lighting, curtains, and local weather settings, including to the convenience of the area. Paired with its natural structure and pure supplies, the One Bed room Seaside Villa turns into a serene and splendid sanctuary throughout the Purple Sea area.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Meals and Drink

The resort provides three eating places and a bar though not each venue operates every single day. Collectively they supply a mixture of relaxed and refined eating with a constant emphasis on recent components and considerate service.

Sita is the principle restaurant and is called for its six-pavilion format. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a concentrate on Mediterranean flavours. Signature gadgets embrace housemade hummus, recent baked bread, and a satisfying shawarma platter.

While you arrive for breakfast, as a part of Saudi custom, Arabic espresso is served. Breakfast is absolutely à la carte with an in depth menu of continental and scorching dishes all ready recent to order. A specific spotlight for us was the service as our server, Yash, shortly realized our preferences and remembered how we favored our espresso and breakfast gadgets every morning.

Jamaa is the seashore and poolside restaurant which provides an off-the-cuff setting with outside seating. The menu is worldwide and well-suited to lengthy days by the water. Shisha can also be obtainable for friends who want to linger into the night.

Tabrah is the resort’s devoted seafood restaurant and attracts inspiration from native fishing traditions. The dishes right here have been particularly memorable and Tabrah grew to become our favorite eating venue on the resort.

Maia is the bar the place friends can take pleasure in curated drinks in a fantastically designed area. Throughout our keep alcohol was not but obtainable however the non-alcoholic drinks have been artistic and fulfilling.

Every dinner on the eating places started with a complimentary welcome drink which added a constant and gracious contact to the eating expertise.

Friends even have the choice of eating on the eating places on the neighbouring St. Regis. We selected to return for a night to expertise their nice eating restaurant and our host Stefan organized the boat switch on our behalf. In-villa eating is on the market as properly for many who want a extra personal meal in their very own area.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Different Services

The amenities at Nujuma are in depth and properly aligned with the resort’s concentrate on wellness, rest, and understated luxurious.

The Neyrah Spa is a vacation spot in itself with each indoor and outside areas that characteristic conventional motifs within the woodwork lighting and decor.

Contained in the spa friends can take pleasure in a steam room, scorching tub, sauna, and a sensory bathe expertise, in addition to a quiet lounge that’s ultimate for studying or resting. Exterior, an inviting vitality pool provides one other strategy to unwind.

There may be additionally a devoted yoga pavilion the place classes are led by a talented teacher who additionally supplies courses on the St. Regis Purple Sea. Due to the low occupancy throughout our keep we lucked out and had a personal session!

The resort features a 24-hour gymnasium for friends who want to preserve a health routine. For tennis or padel ball, workers can organize entry to courts on the St. Regis.

The principle pool space at Nujuma options a big pool, scorching tub, and lots of loungers and cabanas. The cabanas are notably interesting with giant sunbeds, overhead followers, and attentive service. Employees help with establishing the area, offering chilled bottled water and even bringing a conveyable speaker for friends who wish to hearken to music.

Alongside the seashore loungers are spaced out in order that friends can simply discover their very own quiet spot whether or not they want full solar or shade.

Households are properly taken care of with a supervised children membership for kids aged 4 to 12. The membership is an inviting area with indoor tables and chairs, studying nooks, a online game room, and a lined outside space with climbing gear and water play.

Water primarily based actions are a pure emphasis right here. Friends obtain thirty minutes of complimentary use of kayaks and paddle boards every day. Extra experiences akin to snorkelling and diving excursions might be booked on the water exercise centre for an additional price. The island’s community of paths and boardwalks is good for strolling or biking for many who want to discover extra of the pure environment.

Nujuma is continuous to refine its cultural and nature packages however the resort already provides complimentary experiences akin to stargazing classes, mangrove excursions, health courses, yoga courses, and talks about Saudi historical past and tradition.

For friends excited about exploring Saudi Arabia’s marine life, historical past, and heritage by way of actions guided by professional workers, pay a go to to the resort’s studying hub, The Conservation Home. I really like the idea of this, however throughout our go to the exercise choices have been restricted as a result of a couple of workers members have been away, which meant stargazing and mangrove excursions have been quickly suspended.

Sensing our slight disappointment, nonetheless, our host Stefan stepped in and supplied a customized mangrove tour himself. Drawing on his background in ecology, he took us on a sundown stroll by way of the mangroves, explaining their significance to the native ecosystem and stating some wildlife alongside the best way, just like the blue noticed stingrays that we had by no means seen earlier than.

On the morning of our departure, after breakfast, our server Yash stunned us with a handwritten card full of considerate notes about our time collectively, together with a small parting reward for every of us. Gestures like these spotlight how the workers persistently go above and past to make each keep memorable and fulfilling, absolutely embodying the philosophy of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve model.

Conclusion

Nujuma a Ritz Carlton Reserve is a resort the place design tradition, nature, and luxurious come collectively in a really cohesive means. It’s an excellent alternative for {couples} who need a romantic and secluded escape, travellers who search quiet and restorative environment, and anybody who values considerate structure and genuinely heat service.

The villas really feel like personal sanctuaries, the workers create a way of real care, and the setting on a personal island within the Purple Sea delivers a strong feeling of escape from on a regular basis life. For friends who admire such issues, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve deserves a distinguished place on any future journey listing and is well worth the splurge.