Desert Rock Resort at The Red Sea Destination Earns Three MICHELIN Keys

Red Sea Global has announced that Desert Rock resort at The Red Sea destination has been awarded Three MICHELIN Keys, the MICHELIN Guide's highest hotel distinction, while Shebara resort has retained its Two MICHELIN Keys in the Guide's 2026 selection. Desert Rock also won the Guide's global Architecture & Design Award.

 The recognition marks a proud milestone for The Red Sea destination, placing two of its resorts, both operated by Red Sea Global Hospitality, among the world's finest hotels. The announcement comes days before Saudi National Day, reflecting the rapid development of the Kingdom's tourism and hospitality sector and its growing prominence among the world's leading luxury tourism destinations.

 With this distinction, Desert Rock joins an elite group of just 155 hotels worldwide awarded Three MICHELIN Keys this year. It is one of only two hotels in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to receive this rating. The Guide's selection also includes 657 hotels with Two MICHELIN Keys and 2,020 with One MICHELIN Key.

 Commenting on the achievement, Red Sea Global Group CEO John Pagano said: "Desert Rock receiving Three MICHELIN Keys and winning the Guide's Architecture & Design Award is a moment of immense pride for the resort, for Red Sea Global and, above all, for Saudi Arabia. That a resort conceived, designed and developed here ranks among the world's best demonstrates what can be achieved when ambition, creativity and respect for nature come together.”

 He added that the destination was equally proud of Shebara retaining its Two MICHELIN Keys, reaffirming its position among the world's most exceptional hotels and recognizing the distinctive experience the destination's teams have created on the Red Sea coast.

 The Architecture & Design Award offers global recognition of the design philosophy behind Desert Rock. It is one of only four special awards presented worldwide by the MICHELIN Guide in 2026, alongside the Wellness, Local Gateway and Opening of the Year awards. It celebrates hotels where architecture goes beyond aesthetics to become an integral part of the guest experience and the identity of the place. Desert Rock was one of five hotels worldwide nominated for the award before being selected as the winner.

 The Guide highlighted how the resort uses the surrounding rock formations as the foundation of its design, describing it as one of the world's hotels most closely integrated into the natural landscape. Designed by Oppenheim Architecture, the resort follows an approach that works with nature rather than building over it, with interiors by Studio Paolo Ferrari.

 Nestled in a hidden valley among the mountains near Umluj, approximately a 20-minute drive from Red Sea International Airport, Desert Rock features 64 villas and suites, offering an experience that combines luxury, privacy and adventure in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

 Shebara offers an entirely different experience on a private island in Al Wajh Lagoon, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. It features 73 villas with private pools, including overwater villas whose reflective exteriors resemble a string of pearls above the lagoon. The resort also offers five restaurants, a nature-inspired spa and activities including diving, snorkeling, sailing and electric water sports.

 Since welcoming its first guests in 2023, The Red Sea destination has continued to expand its network of resorts, infrastructure and essential services. It now has 11 resorts in operation, with six more set to open on Shura Island in the coming months.