SLS The Red Sea Residences offers a new benchmark of ultra-luxury, branded residential living within the transformative coastal destination of Shura Island in Saudi Arabia. Set against the backdrop of the broader Red Sea Project, the residences promise owners a rare fusion of island serenity, high-design living, and resort-style amenities.
Vision & Strategic Positioning
Shura Island is envisioned as the hub of The Red Sea Project, connecting pristine coastline, reef systems, and luxury hospitality through a master-planned, regenerative development approach. The SLS residences align strategically with this vision, offering branded homes embedded into the island’s mixed-use resort ecosystem. The positioning is three-fold:
- A prime location in Saudi Arabia’s west-coast luxury corridor, within reach of domestic and international travellers.
- Branded residential real estate that elevates value through association with hospitality-led amenities and design pedigree.
- A product that supports the Kingdom’s shift toward tourism and high-end real-estate diversification under Saudi Vision 2030.
By placing bold, design-led villas and apartments within a resort destination, SLS The Red Sea Residences embodies the positioning of “resort-living as home” rather than conventional property ownership.
Master Plan & Core Components
The residences form part of the larger Shura Island master plan, which features multiple resorts, a marina, an 18-hole golf course, and supporting infrastructure.
Key partners include:
- Developer: Red Sea Global (formerly The Red Sea Development Company), master-developer of The Red Sea Project.
- Brand / Hospitality Partner: SLS Hotels & Residences (an Ennismore brand), delivering the branded-residence component.
- Design Team: International architectural studios and interior designers, including Lissoni & Partners.
Core components of the residential offering:
- Ultra-limited inventory of only 15 beachfront villas under the SLS brand.
- Configurations ranging from one- to four-bedroom layouts, sized from approximately 130 m² to 423 m².
- Premium features including private infinity pools, expansive terraces, high-end finishes, and smart-home automation.
- Seamless access to resort-style amenities: beach club, spa, fitness centre, fine dining, marina, and golf course.
Within the wider master plan, the SLS residences sit alongside other high-end branded communities such as those by Four Seasons, reinforcing the island’s stature as the luxury epicentre of the Red Sea.
Development & Investment Potential
From an investment standpoint, the development presents several compelling advantages:
- Scarcity: Only 15 beachfront villas under the SLS brand ensure exclusivity and long-term value.
- Market entry: Pricing aligns with premium branded residences in the region, starting from approximately US $1.5 million depending on configuration.
- Accessibility: Shura Island is reachable to over 250 million people within a three-hour flight radius, enhancing both rental and resale appeal.
- Income potential: Certain units may participate in a rental programme, providing returns when not owner-occupied.
- Economic context: The Red Sea Project is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030’s tourism diversification, offering strong macroeconomic support for long-term growth.
From a risk perspective, the project remains off-plan with delivery targeted for late 2025, and liquidity within Saudi Arabia’s emerging luxury market will depend on continued investor confidence.
Sustainability & Innovation
Sustainability is central to The Red Sea destination, and the residences uphold this ethos through several key measures:
- Integration into a master-destination powered by renewable energy and served by eco-mobility solutions such as electric vehicles.
- Architectural and landscape design that preserves coastal ecosystems and coral reef habitats, aligned with regenerative tourism principles.
- Smart-home systems and materials designed to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining the SLS brand’s signature luxury aesthetic.
These innovations reinforce both lifestyle quality and environmental stewardship, contributing to the Red Sea Project’s ambition of setting new standards in sustainable coastal development.
Challenges & Considerations
While the project’s vision is ambitious, potential challenges include:
- Dependence on the success and recognition of the broader Red Sea Project to sustain long-term value.
- Delivery risks related to large-scale infrastructure timelines and global supply chain dynamics.
- Limited resale market depth for ultra-luxury residences in a developing regional market.
- Regulatory clarity regarding foreign ownership and participation in the resort’s rental programmes.
- Operational dependency on resort performance metrics for owners seeking income returns.
Urban Impact & Legacy
SLS The Red Sea Residences contribute to the transformation of Shura Island from a pure tourism enclave into a balanced, mixed-use coastal community. By establishing a permanent residential population within a hospitality-driven environment, the development enhances year-round vitality and service integration. Over time, these residences are expected to become part of a new symbol of Saudi coastal luxury—an icon of living architecture within an evolving Red Sea identity.
Summary
SLS The Red Sea Residence present a rare opportunity to own a piece of the Red Sea’s new luxury narrative—limited, branded, and designed for lifestyle as much as investment. With its architectural precision, sustainability focus, and integration into one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects, the development captures the essence of next-generation coastal living. For discerning investors and residents seeking exclusivity and innovation in equal measure, SLS The Red Sea stands as a defining statement of Saudi Arabia’s future on the global luxury map.
Project Facts & Figures
- Location: Shura Island, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
- Developer: Red Sea Global
- Brand: SLS Hotels & Residences (Ennismore)
- Inventory: 15 Beachfront Villas (1- to 4-Bedrooms)
- Size Range: Approx. 130 m² – 423 m²
- Starting Price: From ~US $1.5 million (equivalent)
- Target Handover: End of 2025
- Amenities: Private pools, beach club, spa, fitness centre, dining, marina access, golf course
- Sustainability Features: Renewable energy integration and eco-mobility systems
