St. Regis Red Sea
Ummahat Island, Red Sea
Saudi Arabia
LIV Golf, NEOM, the Red Sea Project. The phrase ‘go big or go home’ might as well have been invented for modern-day Saudi Arabia. Luxury hotel group St. Regis has landed on on the pristine Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, and guess what? They decided to include a padel court.
Review
St. Regis Red Sea - Padel’s Red Sea Debut
The Saudis are not one to shirk a challenge. Far from it, if LIV Golf, the NEOM project or the power play for global tennis is anything to go by. In fact, Saudi Arabia has become so ambitious in the world of sports that you might think they invented the words “mega project”. There are currently 24 of these mega projects underway, of which some, most one might argue, are the largest and most aspirational development projects man has ever witnessed. From building cities in the desert, or through it in the case of the incredible The Line project, to ambitious tourism development, this Red Sea nation of 36 million people has a go big or go home philosophy, and so cue what is known as the Red Sea Project.
You might guess the nature of this, but we would be surprised if you got close to the full extent of the operation. 200km of coastline. 8,000 luxury hotel rooms. Zero waste. Carbon neutral. And the majority of the project is taking place on currently uninhabited islands.
Back to padel, half our raison d’être at Club Águilas (travel being the other half). Padel fits into all of this because, at the beginning of 2024, St Regis, the luxury hotel chain, opened one of the initial resorts of the Red Sea Project. And yes, you guessed it, ever a nation to spot a new trend, they included a padel court.
Located on the pristine Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort is a destination-defining oasis with its avant-garde architecture, sustainable design details and bespoke service. However, before even seeing its beauty in the flesh, you get the fantastic experience of arriving over the vibrant coral reefs by seaplane or chartered speedboat.
Arriving, you will be captivated by the endless white beaches with swaying palm trees and luxury villas running the length. Recently visited by the great Cristiano Ronaldo (GOAT? Better ask fellow football star come padelista Lionel about that), who of course enjoyed a game of padel there, this hotel really is the best of its kind.
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Having dipped your feet in the crystal blue waters and made your way up to your private villa, you might be thinking about how to keep yourself busy for your stay, or in a place like this, most likely how best to relax. If the latter is more your vibe, then you certainly won’t be disappointed.
The luxury spa and wellness facility will not leave you feeling short-changed. From your traditional massages, facials and fitness classes to more unique signature treatments including a 24kt Gold facial, a Gold and Caviar ritual to nourish and rejuvenate the body, and a series of immersive wellness journeys incorporating yoga and meditation, they have got everything to send you home feeling alive and replenished.
If, like us, you are more of a balance of activity with wellness on the side kinda guy or gal, then this is also the place for you. As the island is surrounded by rich wildlife, diverse marine ecosystems, and breathtaking natural wonders, one can snorkel through pristine coral reefs and go on scuba diving adventures to nearby shipwrecks and exploration sites. The island's sparkling, vibrant blue waters are perfect for various water sports such as stand-up paddle-boarding (a name often confused by rookies with our own beloved padel), sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Mainland boat trips also provide opportunities to explore dormant volcanoes, historic sites, and vast desert dunes.
Crystal blue waters not appealing? Panic not, because there is plenty to keep you busy without getting your hair wet. The fitness centre has everything you need to keep your rigorous training programme on track and if, like us, you can’t go anywhere without picking up a racket then the padel courts are there for you to occupy.
The culinary options definitely fit into the “experience” section, with five venues each offering alfresco beachside dining and serving produce sourced from local farms and fishermen.
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The energy here is unmatched. Guests are excited to be there, staff are excited to work there - it’s the first of its kind, the dawn of a new project, why wouldn’t you be?
Whether you are there on a quiet family holiday, romantic getaway or have gone on tour with your padel mates (it’s dry, don’t forget), you will no doubt leave feeling energised and enriched. Every detail, from the meticulously designed interiors to the personalised St. Regis Butler Service, exudes an air of refined opulence. Whether you’re indulging in a spa treatment, savouring gourmet dining, or simply lounging by the infinity pool, the resort envelops you in a world of tranquillity and lavish comfort. The warm Arabian hospitality and the enchanting ambience create a haven where relaxation and elegance are effortlessly intertwined.
Go big or go home, indeed.
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Despite having already primed your taste buds with the mention of five different culinary venues, there is only one that you will want to head to after having left your heart and soul on the court. Away from some of the stuffier more formal restaurants, The Beach Club perfectly blends beachside chic with delicious cuisine. The outdoor sanctuary sitting on the water’s edge is the perfect spot to relax and catch your thoughts.
Don’t let the comfort set in too much however, as the bars creative cocktails must not be missed.
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Coral Mary – sometimes mocktails are the winners
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The signature St. Regis Butler Service is world renowned for a reason.
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One is never enough (particularly in Saudi) – yet that is precisely all there is. This head-scratcher has to be our main unanswered question from a resort that has every other bell and whistle. The setting, however, more than makes up for it, with sweeping sand dunes enclosing the venue and its neighboring tennis court. When the heat becomes too much, you are only a stone’s throw away from the neighbouring fitness centre and its exquisite lap pool helping to cool you off from the intense Persian heat.
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With the recent opening of the resort, a robust coaching programme has not yet been put in place. No doubt that when this does happen it will match the excellence of the rest of the resort.
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The on court offering is still a work in progress. With padel not being a headline offering at this stunning location, we’re willing to give St. Regis the benefit of time. Something tells us that when coaching comes (as it surely will), St. Regis will deliver.
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Vilebrequin x St Regis Red Sea Swimming Trunks (it had to be Vilebrequin, right?)