EVERYONE dreams of heading to the beautiful Maldives with its bright blue waters and incredible resorts.
But did you know, there’s a very similar destination which has all the qualities and luxury of the tropical escape? And it even has an extra perk – it’s much quicker for Brits to get to.
Saudi Arabia is in the process of developing its new luxury destination called The Red Sea Project, which also includes a significant residential component.
It has everything you need from a holiday escape from beautiful islands to coral reefs, beaches, desert and even mountains.
Talking about the destination, Stephen Cheesebrough, Head of Development at Red Sea Global told EuroNews: “It’s true that the islands may remind you of the Maldives, with crystal-clear water and white-sand beaches. But that’s where the similarities end.
“Our landscapes are far more diverse. In addition to the islands, we have mountains, volcanoes, deserts and kilometres of virtually untouched coastline.
“A visitor can spend the morning scuba diving among coral reefs and that same afternoon head into the desert or dine in the mountains. Very few destinations in the world offer such a variety of experiences in such a compact area.”
For Brits who dream of a holiday to somewhere like the Maldives, but don’t like the idea of a long flight – the Red Sea is much quicker to get to.
From the UK to the Maldives takes a minimum of 10 hours, and when you factor in seaplane or boat transfers to the hotel, can often exceed 12 hours in total.
But to get to The Red Sea Project from the UK takes around eight hours.
A direct flight from the UK to Riyadh will take six hours 30-minutes, followed ay a short domestic flight from Riyadh to RSI Red Sea Airport.
There could eventually be direct flights to RSI Red Sea Airport however, after it launched its first flights from Italy back in November 2025.
The Red Sea is under construction but lots of hotels are open for business with the first opening in 2023.
Currently, The Red Sea Project has 11 resorts with more set to open in the coming months.
At its centre is Shura Island which once completed will have hotels, shops, a marina and an 18-hole golf course.
In total there will be 50 hotels on the Red Sea resort including the Four Seasons, Six Senses, Rosewood Resort and Equinox.
The St Regis Resort even has overwater villas – some with private pools and butler service.
A seven-night stay in a One Bedroom Dune Villa in September is £1,512.
By 2030, the Red Sea aims to welcome around one million visitors each year.
For those keen on exploring the ocean, the Red Sea is home to one of the ‘world’s largest barrier reef systems’ – so it will be a sought-after diving destination.
Stephen Cheesebrough added that the destination is set to be open year-round for guests who want “luxury” as well as “exceptional experiences.”
To get there, guests can fly into Red Sea International Airport (RSI) which is in the Tabuk Province of Saudi Arabia.
It’s purpose- built for those visiting The Red Sea Project.
It connects to cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, but is yet to expand to Europe – however, that is in the works.
Stephen Cheesebrough said “there would be no point in creating a destination of this scale without ensuring that travellers can reach it easily.”
If the UK is added to the roster of direct flights, Brits could reach the Red Sea on a direct flight in up to seven hours.