The Four Seasons Private Residences – Shura Island marks a new chapter in ultra-luxury living within the Shura Island enclave of The Red Sea Destination on Saudi Arabia’s western coastline. Developed in partnership between Four Seasons and Red Sea Global, the project offers 75 bespoke villas — a harmony of desert dune and waterside settings — combining exclusive architecture, branded residence services, and a pristine natural context.
Vision & Strategic Positioning
This development positions itself at the intersection of luxury branded residences and regenerative tourism. By placing a globally recognized hospitality brand’s residential offering within a flagship sustainable destination, the project signals a shift in luxury real-estate: beyond premium product into experience-driven lifestyle. Located on Shura Island — the main hub within The Red Sea’s archipelago — it benefits from the destination’s master-planning emphasis on renewable energy, low-density development, and high-end amenity infrastructure. The strategic proposition is clear: offer villa-living with full Four Seasons services in an environment where both nature and luxury are equally respected.
Master Plan & Core Components
The residences are nestled between the Four Seasons Resort and the island’s championship 18-hole golf course, offering two distinct typologies: 43 Dune Villas integrated into the undulating desert terrain and 32 Waterside Villas adjacent to the beachfront. Architecture has been led by Foster + Partners, with interior design by Goddard Littlefair. Villas span approximately 414–534 m² (4,467–5,748 ft²) with private infinity pools and expansive terraces.
Key components include:
- Private pools and terraces with dune or sea vistas
- Residents-only clubhouse operated by Four Seasons with fitness centre, pool, and dining
- Direct beachfront access and adjacency to the golf course
- Island infrastructure featuring a marina, bridge link to mainland, and luxury retail and leisure offerings
The project integrates design and service elements within a broader master-plan built for sustainability and exclusivity.
Development & Investment Potential
With only 75 villas on offer — a highly limited product in a globally rare destination — scarcity underpins the investment case. Branded residences continue to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking both lifestyle and asset diversification. The alignment with Four Seasons adds brand trust and operational stability. From a development perspective, early booking momentum is strong, with reports of more than half the residences secured at announcement.
The destination itself is positioned for growth, supported by The Red Sea International Airport and the phased opening of Shura Island. This rise in demand for ultra-luxury real-estate aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. For investors, the project offers a unique blend of lifestyle appeal, brand security, and sustainable legacy.
Sustainability & Innovation
Sustainability is a core pillar of Shura Island’s design philosophy. The Red Sea Destination aims for a net-conservation benefit by 2040, powered entirely by renewable energy. The island’s golf course incorporates environmentally advanced techniques such as soil sensors, recycled wastewater irrigation, and minimal turf footprint.
Architecturally, the design follows Foster + Partners’ “Coral Bloom” concept, harmonizing built form with the surrounding dunes and marine environment. Within the residences, materials such as limestone, marble, and rattan promote a tactile connection to the natural landscape, while large outdoor terraces blur the boundary between indoors and out.
Challenges & Considerations
- Timing & execution risk: As a high-end branded residence in a relatively new destination, delivery schedules and infrastructure roll-out will be closely watched.
- Market transparency: International buyers should consider local property frameworks, resale market structures, and rental yield potential.
- Climatic and locational factors: The remote setting and extreme desert climate may influence year-round utilization for some owners.
- Brand license structure: The residences are developed by Red Sea Global under license from Four Seasons, which provides brand and operational management but not development liability.
- Global macro-economics: Ultra-luxury real-estate remains sensitive to global wealth trends, currency shifts, and regional tourism dynamics.
Urban Impact & Legacy
At a broader scale, the residences contribute to transforming Saudi Arabia’s western coast into a world-class luxury destination. The project enhances Shura Island’s identity as a lifestyle hub rather than solely a resort zone, offering full-time living potential with unparalleled service and sustainability. As a legacy, it redefines branded living in the Middle East — shifting from urban high-rises to environmentally integrated, low-density luxury.
Summary
The Four Seasons Private Residences – Shura Island present a compelling proposition: a limited-edition villa collection that fuses globally renowned hospitality, high-design architecture by Foster + Partners, and the natural majesty of The Red Sea’s landscape. Balancing sustainability, exclusivity, and architectural innovation, it stands as one of the most anticipated luxury developments in Saudi Arabia’s emerging coastal frontier.
Project Facts & Figures
- Number of residences: 75 villas (43 Dune Villas + 32 Waterside Villas)
- Floor-area range: approx. 414-534 m² (4,467-5,748 ft²)
- Architects/Interior: Foster + Partners (architecture); Goddard Littlefair (interiors)
- Developer: Red Sea Global
- Operator: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
- Destination: Shura Island, The Red Sea Region, Saudi Arabia
- Accessibility: 25-minute drive from The Red Sea International Airport
- Sustainability: 100 % renewable energy, marine protection zones, and low-density planning
