Saudi Arabia has joined the ranks of the best luxury destinations in the world, with seven hotels awarded the coveted Michelin keys in the global ranking.
Just as the michelin stars define the pinnacle of fine dining, the new michelin keys recognize the best hotel experience in the world – where design, service, and positioning meet and create extraordinary differences.
Unveiled at an event in Paris and spread around the world, the selection of Michelin Global keys, the highest expansion of the iconic brand – extending its 125-year heritage from the food of the world’s migration.
Michelin star hotels in Saudi Arabia
The first global list includes 2,457 hotels across 120 destinations, with Michelin inspectors anonymously evaluating properties using five of the world’s highest-grossing properties.
From one of the main hotels offering a unique stay in three key areas that deliver a wealth of luxury, the MICHELIN keys have become a worldwide independent symbol for excellence – and a trusted guide for discerning travelers.
Michelin key ratings explained
- One Michelin key – a very special stay: A hotel with a unique character and a turnkey service that consistently exceeds expectations
- Two Michelin keys – different stays: Really in different ways in every way, working with care, pride, and a different personality
- Three Michelin keys – extraordinary stay: Among the most notable hotels in the world, bringing the ultimate in comfort, service, and style.
Top hotels in Saudi
Among the first recipients in the Kingdom are seven Saudi hotels that are redefining the evolution of modern hospitality – each reflecting the country’s growing exposure as a global travel destination.
Hand-selected by Michelin evaluators for their design, service, and sense of place, these places embody the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 to elevate the nation’s tourism industry and place the kingdom among the world’s top luxury destinations.
Two main Michelin hotels in Saudi Arabia
Six senses of the Southern Dunes, Red Sea
What Michelin said: “Driving the six dunes, the Red Sea is a resting place where it says the obvious; very few will find themselves passing through this desert structure when searching for a night’s room.
“No, as in any of the six senses, you have come with the vanity of the south for a magnificent luxury – here, a collection of similar rooms, suites, and mountains, placed under a roof like the earth above the dunes, and the mountains of hijaz in the distance.
“Personally, the living space strikes a wonderful balance, feeling fresh and novel but also warm and traditionally inspired”.
Shebara Restaurant
What Michelin said: “On the island of the red sea, the orbs of shebara are formed above the water display: Part exhibition of architecture, part low-impact design.
“Inside, the villas are curvaceous, quiet, and fully self-contained, with infinity pools and sea views that seem to melt away.
“Activities range from e-foiling to diving among uninstructed reefs, but the pace is always personal”.
Nujuma, the ritz-Carlton Reserve
What Michelin said: “Located in the Sere Red Sea Archipelago, Nujuma is the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, a collection of sharp, solar-powered properties spread over sand and sea.
“Built for privacy and exploration, the resort offers immersion in one of the most integrated systems in the world, as well as a detailed encounter with Saudi Culture in the Conservation House House House House.
“Adventure, sailing, and navigation go with the inhabitants of nature around the speed”.
Desert Rock Resort
What Michelin said: “Held in the craggy rocks of the hijaz mountains, desert rock is not only close to nature, it is carved into it.
“Villas and Suites are built directly into the stone or embedded in terraces, with private pools and views stretching across the open desert.
“Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between indoors and outdoors, creating part of the spatial experience”.
The main michelin hotels in Saudi Arabia
Banyan tree is not easy
What Michelin said: “The arrangement, in another village of Ashar, is amazing, and focused on the real ancient history – and it takes the hotel to live with these places.
“The Banyan Tree is not simple, however, it goes to work.
“Its 47 arestanding villas are drawn by tent-like shadows, but they are strong, but they have permanent structures, which contain a living space like living spaces in the world”.
Waldorf Airport Jeddah – Qasr al Sharq
What Michelin said: “Think of the Saudi Arabian equivalent of a Waldorf-Astoria and you’re well on your way to understanding what kind of place QASR al sharq is.
“Actually there’s a good reason for the comparison – it just happens to be part of the Waldorf-Atotoria Collection.
“Since this is Jeddah, rather than New York, you will find a certain local harmony in the area; the style, obviously, suits the gate to the eastern side in the east”.
St Reg Red Sea Resort
What Michelin said: “The 25-year-old seaplane from the Saudi Main country transports you to something subtle.
“ST. Reg Red Sea Redort Resort, made as wind of sand and shell, is the first private island to escape from the water on this island that has never existed.
“The designers have created villas, whether they are washed above the coral shacks or pressed into the Dune-line, they blend seamlessly into their places”.
