Set within a secluded Red Sea archipelago off the coast of Jeddah, Thuwal Private Retreat is Saudi Arabia's only fully buyout private island. Surrounded by turquoise waters, coral reefs and pale sandy shores, the retreat is operated by Red Sea Global Hospitality and hosts one group at a time: up to 12 adults and three children, with the entire island exclusively theirs.
Each stay is shaped around the guests arriving. Led by a dedicated Island Manager and rooted in Hafawah, the Saudi tradition of genuine, caring hospitality, the on-island team tailors dining, activities, treatments and celebrations around the group's interests and pace, remaining available throughout while working discreetly in the background. The retreat is open year-round, with warm sea temperatures, a heated pool and campfires on cooler evenings adapting the experience to every season.
Accommodations & Design
Warm Saudi hospitality meets a barefoot-chic approach to island living, with natural materials, light-filled interiors and accommodation opening directly towards the sand and sea. The island holds one Three-Bedroom Master Beach Villa and three One-Bedroom Beach Pavilions.
Three-Bedroom Master Beach Villa: The island's largest residence, with 580 square metres of indoor and outdoor space: 185 square metres of interiors in neutral tones and natural materials, and 395 square metres outdoors, where living areas open onto an expansive sun deck with a swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool overlooking the Red Sea. The master bedroom has a king-size bed; the second and third bedrooms configure as kings or twins. The villa sleeps up to six adults, one child and two infants.
One-Bedroom Beach Pavilions: Three pavilions set directly beside the shore, each with 103 square metres of indoor and outdoor space. Cool, light-filled interiors open onto terraces with sun and shade, the sandy beach just beyond, and bathrooms whose bathing and shower spaces open towards the island setting. Each pavilion sleeps up to two adults and one infant, with king or twin configuration.
Amenities & Inclusions
A stay at Thuwal is planned entirely around the group, from menus to marine programming.
Your Stay Includes: A dedicated Island Manager and on-island team throughout the stay, and a culinary team preparing breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner each day, alongside soft drinks and mocktails, served wherever guests choose across the island.
Dining: The Beach Bar and Restaurant hosts terrace lunches, frozen mocktails at sunset and dinners overlooking the sea, while the Overwater Diwaniya, with its open kitchen and terrace above the Turquoise Hole, suits breakfasts, barbecues and sundowners. The programme moves easily from floating breakfasts in the pool to torchlit Saudi banquets on the sand, and guests returning from a fishing trip can have their catch prepared by the chefs. Cooking classes with the culinary team can be shaped around particular ingredients or traditions.
Experiences: Snorkelling begins straight from the beach or from the Diwaniya into the Turquoise Hole, among damselfish, parrotfish and coral, with guided excursions to outer reefs. PADI courses start in the calm water beside the island, and experienced divers can explore deeper reefs, wrecks and night dives, including UV night diving. Above the water there are crystal kayaks, paddleboarding, e-foiling and SeaBob sessions, yacht excursions through the archipelago, and marine conservation outings with scientists from nearby KAUST.
Wellness: The Spa Pavilion holds two treatment beds, a whirlpool and a sauna, with massages, facials and body therapies offered in the pavilion, on its terrace or on the beach. The gym sits beside the water with cardiovascular and strength equipment and Red Sea views, and evenings close with the Sunset Ritual of bonfires and Arabic music, films at the Starlight Cinema on the sand, and guided stargazing.
How Private Is This Island?
Thuwal is a fully buyout island: one group at a time, no neighbouring properties, and open water on every side. The island team is dedicated solely to your party and works discreetly in the background, so days together and time apart in your own beachfront accommodation balance naturally. Yacht owners can arrive aboard their own vessel to the island's dedicated docking area.
Getting There
Guests arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport can be met by a VIP meet-and-greet service, assisted through customs and transferred to KAUST North Marina, approximately 90 minutes by road from downtown Jeddah. From the marina, a 45-minute private boat crossing brings you to the island's jetty.
