Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

At Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the Red Sea sits close enough that the Ummahat Islands blur the horizon, and a private stretch of beach frames the Al Wajh Lagoon just steps from the door. Sixty-three rooms and villas spread along this coast, several with private plunge pools and sea views, kept low against the water so the reef stays the point of the trip, not the buildings. Inside, pillowtop beds are made up with down comforters, bathrooms carry deep soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads, and minibars and LED televisions with satellite programming cover the practical end of things without making a fuss of it. Two outdoor pools sit apart from the private beach for those who want chlorine over salt, and the spa runs the standard rotation of massages, body treatments and facials for anyone recovering from a day on the water. Four restaurants and a coffee shop keep the eating varied; SITA carries the Middle Eastern menu, and a bar and a separate poolside bar handle the rest of the day. Multilingual, 24-hour staff and a children's playground alongside a picnic area suggest this works as easily for a family group as for two people avoiding one. What sets it apart from the wider Red Sea resort push is the direct proximity to the Ummahat Islands and lagoon itself, rather than a look at them from a distance. It suits divers, snorkelers and anyone who wants a beach with almost nothing built around it. It does not suit anyone chasing nightlife or a city base. Wi-Fi, laundry and a gift shop round out the practical list. Umluj itself stays quiet, which is rather the point. Steps from the Ummahat Islands and the Red Sea, Nujuma pairs a private beach and two pools with villas that have their own plunge pools. It suits divers and quiet-seekers, not city types chasing nightlife.