The most stunning resorts coming to Saudi Arabia soon
Not traditionally seen as a tourism hotspot, Saudi Arabia is gradually carving out a unique niche in the tourism space, as it looks to lure 100 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.
This tourism drive is part of the Kingdom’s efforts (Saudi Vision 2030) to diversify its economy away from oil revenues and evolve into one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.
Central to delivering this vision are a number of mega projects, including those from Red Sea Global (Red Sea Project and Amaala) and the Saudi government with The AiUla Project and NEOM.
Centered around regeneration and sustainability, and tapping into the culture and traditions of the region, these projects are rolling out immersive and integrated resorts that maximise the benefits provided by the Kingdom’s natural beauty and benefits – from the tranquility of the desert to the pristine waters and beaches of the Red Sea.
From rooms carved into the side of a mountain in western Saudi, to overwater villas on islands in the Red Sea and secluded suites nestled in desert dunes, these five stunning and sustainable resorts are expected to open by the end of 2023.
1
Six Senses Southern Dunes
Location: Red Sea coast
As the first property slated to open in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, and one of three opening this year, Six Senses Southern Dunes is the perfect poster child for the Red Sea project with its focus on wellness and commitment to sustainability.
Nestled against the backdrop of desert plains and the dramatic Hijaz mountains, the Arabic-inspired resort pays homage to Nabataean architectural heritage – with 76 secluded rooms, suites and pool villas offering panoramic views of the desert mountains and wadis. The resort also features a cooking school, juice bar, restaurant with a chef’s table, and holistic anti-ageing centre – offering treatments as well as cold pools and a sensory wet suite.
Among experiences to be had here, local fishing tours, culinary lessons, the ancient craft of Sadu weaving and sustainability-themed workshops in the resort’s Earth Lab.
2
Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Location: Private islands, Red Sea
The second Red Sea Project resort schedule to open its five-star doors in 2023, Nujuma is the fifth Ritz-Carlton Reserve worldwide, and the first in the Kingdom – and in true trademark Reserve style, offers a complete escaped from the real world.
Located on a set of private islands nestled within the stunning Blue Hole cluster of islands in the Red Sea, the resort screams Maldives with its offer of 63 overwater and beach villas surrounded by crystal-blue waters and untouched beaches.
Personalised services, sustainability and immersion are the focus at this resort, which also features a lavish spa, swimming pools and multiple restaurants, not to mention a conservation centre.
The resort will also deliver 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences for those who love it so much, they never want to leave.
3
The Chedi Hegra
Location: AlUla, northwest Saudi
As the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in northwest Saudi, historic Hegra sits at the heart of AlUla, an ancient desert landscape, home to 200,000 years of unexplored human history.
This is where you will find the soon-to-open The Chedi Hegra, a unique 35-room boutique hotel that delivers sustainable design and an authentic luxury experience. Constructed from a fusion of historical mudbricks and modern architecture, the Chedi offers three fine-dining restaurants: one housed within an old railway station, alongside an exhibition of artefacts and fully restored train; another within the Hegra Fort, and a third within a sunken water basin setting delivering unobstructed views.
Among other highlights, the Chedi will deliver a café, spa and swimming pool.
Also in development, The Chedi Trojena is part of Saudi’s NEOM project and will be located in its mountain resort, while The Chedi Wadi Safar will be part of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s transformation of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom.
4
St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Location: Private Ummahat Island, Red Sea
Along with the 83-room city hotel St. Regis Riyadh, the St. Regis Red Sea Resort is expected to throw open its five-star doors this year.
Located on the pristine private Ummahat Island, with access via chartered or seaplane, this immersive resort delivers a collection of 90 overwater and beachfront villas, each with spacious footprint and private pools. Expect the brand’s signature hospitality including its trademark butler service along with exceptional fine dining at three concept restaurants.
The resort also features an outdoor pool, high-tech fitness centre, signature spa and children’s club.
5
Desert Rock Resort
Location: Mountainside, western Saudi
Part of the Red Sea project, which will comprise 50 resorts once complete, Desert Rock Resort is an eco-friendly destination that has been carved into the rockface of a mountain. Located in the western part of Saudi, the 60-room hyper-luxury resort is dramatically situated within the craggy rocks of the Red Sea with architecture designed to blend in with the natural landscape.
Guests will eneter the resort through a hidden valley nestled between the mountains and can stay in one of 48 luxury villas or one of 12 hotel rooms – all with unobstructed views of the surrounding desert.
Five-star facilities include a spa and fitness centre, remote destination dining areas and a feature lagoon oasis, while experiences on offer include dune buggying, hiking and stargazing.
