As Saudi Arabia continues its rise as one of the world’s most exciting luxury travel destinations, one secluded retreat is offering an experience unlike anywhere else in the Kingdom. Hidden just off the coast of Jeddah, Thuwal Private Retreat is Saudi Arabia’s only fully buyout private island, where every stay is reserved exclusively for one group, transforming the Red Sea into your own private playground.
Reached by a 45-minute boat transfer or private yacht, the island accommodates up to twelve adults and three children across a Three-Bedroom Master Beach Villa and three One-Bedroom Beach Pavilions. Designed with understated elegance, expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, private pools and direct beach access, expect a curated barefoot-luxury experience unlike any other destination in the Kingdom.
A dedicated Island Manager curates every detail in the spirit of hafawah — Saudi Arabia’s tradition of warm, generous hospitality. From torchlit dinners on the beach to bespoke entertainment and wellness experiences, no two itineraries are the same. Naturally, dining is equally personalised. Expect upgrades and personal touches on the usual luxury offerings like floating breakfasts and beachfront barbecues, as well as fresh Red Sea seafood, private yacht lunches and candlelit dinners all included. Private chefs, cooking classes and premium culinary experiences can also be arranged for special occasions.
Surrounded by some of the Red Sea’s most pristine waters, the island offers direct access to the region’s pristine marine life, as well as private yacht excursions. Guests can even join guided dives led by marine scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology as part of the region’s coral rehabilitation programme. For slower moments, the Spa Pavilion offers treatments overlooking the sea, alongside an outdoor whirlpool, garden sauna and waterfront gym. Yet perhaps the greatest luxury is the simplest one. Uninterrupted privacy here, on an island reserved entirely for you, ensures that every experience unfolds at your own pace, making it truly one of the most exclusive escapes in the Middle East.
