Nujuma Ritz Carlton Reserve Review | Villas and Access

Updated November 2026.

Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, is a private island resort in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea. Its curved villas, clear water and remote setting create an immediate sense of escape. The difficult part is not deciding whether it looks special. It is understanding the transfer, rate structure and what your booking actually includes.

This refreshed Nujuma review focuses on those practical details. It also corrects earlier assumptions about Marriott Bonvoy benefits, which do not always apply at Ritz Carlton Reserve properties in the same way as standard Marriott brands.

Nujuma at a glance

• Location: Ummahat Islands, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
• Check in: 3 pm
• Check out: Noon
• Minimum check in age: 18
• Resort type: All villa, private island resort
• Facilities: Restaurants, spa, fitness centre, outdoor pool, water sports and room service
• WiFi: Complimentary
• Pets: Not permitted

Use the official Nujuma website for current rates, transfer arrangements and resort policies.

Getting to Nujuma

Nujuma is not reached by a normal road transfer. Guests first travel to Red Sea International Airport. From there, the resort can arrange a seaplane or a combined road and boat journey.

Official destination information describes the seaplane trip as roughly 30 minutes. The alternative is about 30 minutes by road to the marina, followed by a boat transfer of around one hour. Exact timings depend on conditions and the booked route.

Confirm the transfer before buying connecting flights. Ask whether it is included in your rate, how luggage is handled and what happens if your inbound flight is delayed. A remote island stay depends on this coordination.

Villas and design

The resort offers beach and overwater villas with one to three bedrooms. Private pools, large terraces and a strong indoor outdoor connection are central to the design. The architecture uses sweeping timber forms inspired by shells.

The beach villa photograph shows a generous living area, high curved ceiling and direct pool access. Natural textures keep the space calm rather than flashy. Families should compare layouts carefully, since bedroom count and maximum occupancy vary.

Choose a beach villa for direct sand access and a stronger sense of land. An overwater villa places the sea at the centre of the stay. Neither is automatically better. Privacy, views and the needs of children may decide the choice.

Dining at Nujuma

Dining is a significant part of an island stay because there are no nearby alternatives. The resort offers several venues with different styles. Current restaurant hours can vary by season, so check them when you arrive.

The photographed octopus dish shows the refined presentation you would expect at this level. It is paired with chickpeas and herbs rather than a heavy garnish.

Review your rate for breakfast, resort credit or meal inclusions. These details can change the real cost of the stay. Guests with dietary requirements should contact the resort before arrival because spontaneous alternatives are limited on an island.

Wellness and activities

The resort lists a spa, fitness centre, outdoor pool, snorkeling, scuba diving and watercraft activities. The Red Sea setting is the main attraction, so build time around the water rather than filling every hour.

Some activities may require advance booking, medical forms or an additional fee. Sea conditions can also affect the schedule. Ask for the current activity list before arrival if diving or a specific excursion is important.

Marriott Bonvoy benefits

Do not assume that every standard elite benefit applies at Nujuma. Marriott’s terms contain exclusions for Ritz Carlton Reserve properties, including some benefits that travellers may expect elsewhere.

Breakfast, an upgrade, early arrival or late departure may still appear in a specific rate or offer. That does not make it a universal elite benefit. Read the rate conditions and request written confirmation before arrival.

Price and value

Nujuma sits at the top end of the luxury resort market. Rates vary sharply by villa, season and included benefits. Transfers, meals, resort credits and taxes can change the final total.

The best value is usually a package that matches how you will use the resort. A low room rate may be less attractive if transfers and breakfast are separate. Compare the complete stay cost, not only the first nightly figure.

For regional comparisons, see our guide to Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Dubai, the St. Regis Dubai The Palm review and our Ajman Saray review.

Practical tips

• Confirm the island transfer before booking connecting flights.
• Check every rate inclusion, especially breakfast and transfers.
• Reserve important dining, spa and water activities in advance.
• Pack sun protection and suitable footwear for boat transfers.
• Ask about family arrangements and villa occupancy before payment.

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach Nujuma?

Guests travel through Red Sea International Airport, then continue by seaplane or a combined road and boat transfer arranged with the resort.

Does Nujuma have hotel rooms?

No. It is an all villa resort with beach and overwater options.

Is breakfast included?

It depends on the booked rate or offer. Do not assume breakfast is included solely because of Marriott Bonvoy status.

Can I drive to the resort?

No. The resort is on an island. A boat or seaplane transfer is required.

The Brief Review verdict

Nujuma combines striking design with one of the Red Sea’s most secluded settings. The villas, private pools and access to the water make it compelling for a major celebration or a quiet retreat.

The experience also demands careful planning. Transfer details, inclusions and Bonvoy terms should be confirmed in writing. Get those points right, and Nujuma offers a rare kind of privacy that few large luxury resorts can match.