Exploring Sindalah Island: A New Era of Luxury Yachting in the Red Sea
By Ellie Malouf, CEO Ahoy Club
I had the immense honour of attending the grand opening of Sindalah Island—a groundbreaking milestone for the NEOM project and a vision come to life in the Red Sea. Invited by Robb Report, who went above and beyond to curate an unforgettable experience, I was among the few fortunate to witness first hand this revolutionary addition to the world’s luxury yachting destinations. From its stunning landscapes to unmatched sustainability initiatives, Sindalah has set a new benchmark for exclusive destinations, and I can confidently say it’s primed to become a staple in luxury yachting.
Unforgettable Moments at the 2024 Red Sea Week.
Sindalah Island’s debut was marked by Red Sea Week, a unique gathering of 400 VIP guests at a private, invite-only event. With A-list attendees like Will Smith, Rafael Nadal, and Tom Brady adding a touch of star-studded glamour, the event perfectly showcased the island’s allure and the heights it will reach. Every night brought world-class performances, including Alicia Keys, Black Coffee, and other top-tier DJs who electrified the atmosphere and set the tone for each unforgettable evening.
Yachts, Celebrities, and Experiences Galore.
This exclusive experience boasted an impressive line-up of 78 stunning yachts, including some of the world’s most iconic vessels like Coral Ocean, Sunrays, DAR, O’pari, Rocket, Trident, Golden Odyssey, Geco, and the royal fleet. With the addition of Sindalah’s deep-water marina, yacht owners now have a world-class haven to dock and explore this remarkable destination.
And for activities? The options were endless.
From golf with pros on a breath taking course, to snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters, beach club lounging, windsurfing, helicopter tours over “The Line,” and luxury shopping, every guest had the chance to explore their adventurous side. The island has an activity for everyone, and each one felt like a new, unforgettable adventure.
A Culinary Paradise.
The dining experience on Sindalah Island is nothing short of phenomenal. With 16 exclusive restaurants and cafes, we were spoilt for choice and delighted by the unique charm each spot brought to the table. A personal highlight for me was La Mer by Robuchon—the crab dish here is a must. Haru Wa also left a lasting impression with its Japanese-Korean fusion flavours.
A New Standard of Luxury Design.
The design and architecture across Sindalah redefine luxury. The Yacht Club’s interiors, crafted by the legendary Stefano Ricci, exude sophistication, while the Golf Club’s architecture is simply breathtaking. Playing the second hole, which shoots over Turtle Bay, I have no doubt it will become one of the world’s most iconic holes.
What Lies Ahead for Sindalah Island.
As impressive as the island already is, more is still in the works. With the Four Seasons resort under development, and additional rooms and villas planned at Syanne, Sindalah is gearing up to offer an even more comprehensive luxury experience. A recreational centre is also underway, and the official opening to the public is set for March 2025, with a full yachting season anticipated for winter 2025/2026. With this, Sindalah Island promises to become a hotspot for yacht owners and charterers alike, offering an unparalleled destination in the Red Sea.
As NEOM’s first of three islands, Sindalah is just the beginning of a grander vision for the Red Sea region. With other incredible developments on the horizon, the Red Sea is destined to be the next big thing in luxury yachting. The region is booming, and I, for one, can’t wait to return.
Sindalah has set the stage for an extraordinary future in luxury yachting, and I’m thrilled to see Ahoy Club be part of this exciting journey. Here’s to Sindalah, the Red Sea, and all the incredible yachting adventures that await!
