Red Sea EDITION Named World’s Best New Hotel Opening for 2025
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The Red Sea EDITION secured the title of Forbes Travel Guide’s Best New Hotel Opening for 2025 through an online reader survey and editorial selection. The property debuted as the first hotel on Shura Island within Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea project. Judges evaluated finalists including Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica; Orient Express La Minerva in Rome; Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur; and Waldorf Astoria New York.
The EDITION integrates modern design with the desert and sea landscape of the Red Sea coast. It features eco-conscious construction across more than 90 islands in the giga-project. Guest accommodations emphasize luxury with private plunge pools, direct beach access, and views of rugged terrain. Facilities include multiple restaurants, a spa focused on wellness, and sustainable practices aligned with the destination’s environmental goals.
The Red Sea initiative transforms the western Saudi coastline into a high-end tourism hub. The hotel’s opening milestone supports broader efforts to attract responsible luxury travelers. Forbes Travel Guide highlighted the property’s blend of contemporary aesthetics and natural surroundings as key to its selection.
This award underscores growing interest in emerging Middle Eastern destinations beyond traditional hubs. The recognition positions the Red Sea EDITION as a benchmark for new luxury developments in eco-sensitive areas. Industry observers track how such properties influence booking patterns in the region during 2026.
