Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve among world's first resorts to win DarkSky certification

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has become one of the world’s first resorts to receive the newly launched DarkSky Approved Resort certification, developed by DarkSky International in collaboration with Red Sea Global.

Awarded by DarkSky International, the certification recognises resorts that meet rigorous international standards for protecting the natural night environment through responsible lighting design, environmental stewardship and ongoing operational practices.

Tucked away in the remote Ummahat Islands along Saudi Arabia’s ecologically rich Red Sea coast, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve invites guests to experience a new paradigm of sustainable luxury and immersive hospitality.

At Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the end of the day marks the beginning of something extraordinary.

As the last light fades over the Red Sea, the islands settle into near silence. Above, thousands of stars emerge across uninterrupted skies, while below, the surrounding marine environment follows the rhythms of nature, untouched by unnecessary artificial light. It is a moment that has always defined the destination, and one that is now being recognised on a global stage.

The recognition reflects the measures introduced across Nujuma to reduce unnecessary artificial light while maintaining guest comfort and safety. Lighting has been carefully considered throughout the resort to preserve clear views of the night sky and limit disruption to the surrounding environment.

At night, Nujuma’s setting is an integral part of the experience. Guided stargazing sessions allow guests to take in the constellations.The designation also recognises the resort’s commitment to supporting biodiversity, advancing sustainability and preserving one of nature’s greatest wonders.

“The night sky is an essential part of Nujuma’s experience. It gives our guests the opportunity to pause, look beyond the everyday and connect with the landscape in a deeply personal way. This certification reflects the care taken to protect that experience,” said Dennis Sorensen, Resort Manager, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

The importance of responsible lighting extends beyond the guest experience. Natural darkness supports the behaviour, movement and survival of nocturnal species. Limiting artificial light helps protect the natural cycle relied upon by surrounding wildlife, such as sea turtle hatchlings, which instinctively navigate towards the natural brightness of the horizon.

“Nujuma means stars in Arabic, and the night sky has always been central to the identity of the resort” said Tony Coveney, Area General Manager for Marriott Luxury Group at The Red Sea. “This recognition sets an important precedent for The Red Sea destination. It demonstrates that exceptional hospitality and environmental responsibility should not be treated as separate ambitions. The most meaningful guest experiences are often a direct result of protecting the qualities that make a destination extraordinary in the first place.”

Originally launched as the DarkSky Approved Lodging programme in 2023, the initiative evolved through Red Sea Global’s collaboration with DarkSky International to create a dedicated framework for larger resort destinations. The new standards recognise the operational requirements of complex hospitality developments while maintaining strict environmental criteria.

“Red Sea Global is integrating responsible lighting into every stage of development to protect the ecological integrity of the night environment. Through our collaboration with DarkSky International, we are setting a new benchmark for regenerative tourism, demonstrating that preserving natural darkness not only safeguards biodiversity and ecological processes but also enriches the guest experience through world-class and authentic connections with nature,” said Raed Albasset, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer, Red Sea Global.

For the wider Red Sea destination, the certification demonstrates how environmental protection can be embedded into the design and operation of luxury hospitality from the outset.

“Red Sea Global’s commitment to sustainable, DarkSky-friendly design created an opportunity to evolve our Lodging programme,” said Ruskin Hartley, CEO and Executive Director of DarkSky International. “Together, we developed resort-specific lighting best practices that recognise the unique needs of larger hospitality destinations while upholding DarkSky’s rigorous standards for protecting the night.”

As travellers increasingly look for experiences shaped by nature and a stronger sense of place, Nujuma’s certification presents a more considered definition of luxury. One measured not only by what a resort provides, but by what it chooses to protect. -TradeArabia News Service