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Shebara’s reflective overwater villas above the lagoon.
Shebara’s reflective overwater villas above the lagoon.
01 / 07
Hotels · TJP EDIT

Shebara

An island reflected in its architecture.

From the water, Shebara appears as a sequence of polished curves. Its overwater villas reflect the lagoon and sky, making the horizon part of the architecture. The resort occupies Sheybarah Island in Saudi Arabia’s Al Wajh Lagoon, with 73 villas divided between sea and beach. Killa Design’s metallic forms give it an immediately recognisable silhouette.

Inside, curved seating and warm neutral finishes soften the reflective exterior. Rooms open towards private pools and the sea, keeping the setting close. Shebara began welcoming guests in November 2024; reef exploration, dining and the changing light extend the experience beyond the villa.

Living above the lagoon

Arrival is part of the stay. From Red Sea International Airport, the resort offers a seaplane transfer of around 30 minutes, or a drive to the mainland arrival lounge followed by a boat crossing. Transfers are arranged with the stay. Moving over the water gives the villas time to come into focus before guests reach their private terrace.

Studio Paolo Ferrari designed interiors around the villas’ unusual geometry. Rounded sofas, low tables and sculpted bedroom walls follow the curves of each room. Dining adds another mood: Japanese-Nikkei influences at IKI.ROE and Mediterranean cooking at ARIAMARE. The setting remains present throughout, with broad openings drawing the lagoon into spaces made for sitting, eating and resting.

The overwater villas were fitted out off-site before installation, while a dedicated solar farm supports the resort’s off-grid systems. The hotel describes lagoon protection as part of its operating approach. Behind the polished surface is a practical infrastructure story, supporting an island experience in which the water remains the defining feature.

Official website
Explore this place on the Atlas
Location
Sheybarah Island, Al Wajh Lagoon, Saudi Arabia
Accommodation
73 villas: 38 overwater and 35 beachfront
Architecture
Killa Design
Interiors
Studio Paolo Ferrari
Opening
Welcoming guests since November 2024
Arrival
Red Sea International Airport; arranged seaplane or boat transfers
Official sources
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