Posted inSaudi ArabiaArchitectureKSA

Shebara Resort opens in November, featuring Killa Design’s achitecture

Reservations are now open for Shebara, a home-grown resort operated by Red Sea Global (RSG). The villa-only property welcomes guests from November 2024

Positioned to provide unique access to Saudi Arabia’s marine environment, Shebara offers a design rooted in the Saudi concept of Hafawah, embodying generosity and kindness in every element, aligning the guest experience with local cultural values.

The architectural design of Shebara is led by Killa Design. It embraces the natural landscape through innovative structural choices that integrate harmoniously with the Red Sea’s pristine surroundings. The resort’s 73 villas, situated overwater and along the beachfront, are crafted from stainless steel, blending seamlessly with their environment.

Described by Shaun Killa, design director and founder of Killa Design, as“a beautiful yet meaningful” approach, the villas resemble a string of pearls levitating above the water, reflecting the changing colours of the ocean and sky throughout the day. This floating effect, achieved through cantilevered architecture, minimises the visual impact while enhancing the connection to the landscape.

Killa said: “Shebara is a wonderful example of what is possible when creating beautiful yet meaningful design. It demonstrates how innovative architecture can gracefully flow into nature, with pods that reflect and refract light from the sun, the sky and the sea to naturally blend with the environment. From the eco-materials chosen to the lunar positioning of the villas, our priority has been to honour the natural beauty that exists here, while creating a resort that embodies modern luxury.”

Designed with sustainability as a core priority, Shebara is powered by its own solar farm and integrates eco-friendly utilities across the resort. The architectural approach prioritises natural materials and a layout that minimises environmental disturbance, with each villa’s positioning following the lunar cycle to enhance harmony with the surroundings.

Shebara is accessible by a 30-40 minute boat ride or a 30-minute seaplane flight from Red Sea International Airport. It serves as a year-round destination and offers cooler temperatures even during the summer.

Safa Hassan

With a decade of experience in journalism and marketing, Safa began her career in 2014 with the Times of India as a Campus Reporter. In 2017, she returned to Riyadh to become the Editor of Destination...