Travel

Top 5 Luxury Resorts in Saudi Arabia: Unforgettable Experiences

Saudi Arabia invites you on an exceptional journey into a world of luxury and comfort. Stunning Saudi resorts are scattered across vast sand dunes, golden beaches, and ancient historical landmarks.

Prepare for an unforgettable experience at these luxurious resorts, blending Arab authenticity with modern touches, offering unparalleled experiences in relaxation and exploration. The Kingdom is bustling with exciting hotel openings in its vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and new mega-projects, welcoming major brands, from favorites to sprawling resorts.

Top 5 Resorts

If you’re planning a trip to discover the best resorts in Saudi Arabia, there’s always something to suit your needs. For your next trip to Saudi Arabia, “Aljawhara” magazine has compiled a guide to the top 5 Saudi resorts.

1. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea

Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red SeaFeaturing 40 mountain villas, carefully arranged across the site, with lightweight roof shapes inspired by the winding sand dunes and traditional tents.

The villas respect the terrain of the site; their fluid roof structures blend seamlessly with the sand and the soil color. The resort boasts exclusive amenities such as a spa, a swimming pool area, and specialty restaurants, all supporting a commitment to supporting local crafts, cuisine, and traditions.

A Breathtaking Location

The resort is nestled in a breathtaking location, where sand dunes meet the mountains. Its entrance features a distinctive flower-shaped canopy, shielding a lush oasis planted with local species. The natural cooling of the space enhances its environmental qualities, and the lightweight, rope-covered flower petals encompass the welcome area and many other facilities, all surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains and desert. The hotel’s luxurious rooms face the valley, offering breathtaking views of the mountains.

The resort spa offers a wide range of traditional treatments, with peaceful views of the nearby valley and surrounding mountains. The pool area provides an oasis for guests, shielding them from the strong sun and offering stunning views of the sand dunes. The specialty restaurants in the resort are located at the highest point of the site, facilitating dining at sunset.

2. Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton ReserveThe resort features architecture inspired by seashells and elegant interior décor crafted from natural materials, saturated with shades of the sea and the calming sand, in addition to geometric patterns reminiscent of Middle Eastern design motifs.

Arab artifacts, traditional ceramics, and rugs woven in a Saudi pattern flow throughout. Intricate wall hangings celebrate local craftsmanship through the covered interior designs, while lush landscapes of local plants elegantly frame the walkways found between shaded spaces and villas.

Nujuma Resort can be accessed by chartered boat or seaplane. It houses 63 overwater and beachfront villas, offering accommodations ranging from one to three bedrooms with private pools overlooking the sea. Tourists can watch the stars from their villas through telescopes located on the terrace.

Overwater Villas

The overwater villas, connected by an elevated circular walkway, boast panoramic views and direct access to the sea. Meanwhile, natural light floods the beachfront villas built on the white sand.

Each villa enjoys dedicated personal concierge services who can arrange experiences and activities. Guests staying at “Nujuma” have the opportunity to gain insights into Saudi culture and traditions. In honor of the heritage of Bedouin exploration and learning, the resort’s environmental conservation house is a space where they can enjoy activities and experiences hosted by resident sustainability, environmental, and cultural experts, deepening their connection to the destination.

All dining experiences at “Nujuma” celebrate Arab culture and honor generations of fishermen from the Amlj region whose lives have been closely tied to the area.

The resort’s “spa” uses regional ingredients in its comprehensive treatments, such as oud fragrance and moringa tree oil. Wellness experts design personalized wellness journeys for each guest to restore balance and relaxation, guiding them through breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and sound therapy.

The resort boasts 5 treatment rooms overlooking the sea and 3 outdoor treatment pods, as well as a vitality pool, a traditional hammam, and a fitness center.

3. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

The St. Regis Red Sea ResortIf you’re interested in seeing what the future of Saudi Arabia’s promising tourism sector will look like, the St. Regis Red Sea Resort is an excellent window.

In January 2024, the St. Regis became the first island resort to open its doors on the Red Sea, a significant milestone for a pioneering destination as well, serving as Saudi Arabia’s first mega-project welcoming guests.

Numbers and Facts

The sprawling project encompasses 28,000 square kilometers, with 90 unexplored islands and the fourth largest coral reef system in the world.

By the end of 2025, visitors will have the option of staying in 16 hotels. By 2030, that number will reach 50 hotels. However, only 1% of the Red Sea will be developed, ensuring the protection of natural beauty and wildlife.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is one of two luxury resorts on the Ummahat Islands, alongside the neighboring Nujuma Resort, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which will open at a later date.

The remote location of this stunning island is part of its appeal, but thanks to direct flights to the Red Sea International Airport from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dubai, access has become easier. Once you land at the Red Sea International Airport, you can transfer to the resort by seaplane in 25 minutes or by yacht in 45 minutes.

On a scenic boat trip, we passed by Shoura Island, which is still under construction, where 11 resorts will open next year, and a few fishing boats, but the closer we got to the resort, the less we could see it.

The calming colors of the ocean blend with the stunning blue sky, the only horizon separating the two, and the resort stretches along the island, which is about 3 km long, surrounded by pristine coral reefs.

4. Our Habitas AlUla Resort

Our Habitas AlUla ResortFor those who love the idea of isolation with social connection, Our Habitas AlUla is a desert resort focused on connection.

Nestled deep within the Ashar Valley, the resort features 96 luxury villas and offers amenities alongside group excursions, 4×4 tours, visits to the Madâin Saleh archaeological site, and encourages relaxation by the stunning pool area.

One of the resort’s highlights is that all ingredients are sourced from local farms in the communities surrounding AlUla, bringing fresh seasonal flavors to the table, making each dinner spent under the stars unique and special.

5. Banyan Tree Al Ula Resort

Banyan Tree Al Ula ResortTraveling to a new destination is a transformative experience in itself. Banyan Tree Al Ula offers a luxurious exploration, making the stay as exciting as the journey.

The luxurious resort comprises stunning villas and takes the meaning of comfortable living to new heights. The unparalleled villas, available in different sizes and styles, offer one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom options, each with a sparkling private pool and an outdoor patio nestled amidst stunning desert structures.

The exquisite Banyan Tree Al Ula, divided into three distinct approaches, “In-Villa,” “In-Valley,” and “Journey,” offers luxury resort stays.

This enchanting haven features leading health, leisure, and ultra-luxury resort services, including restoration in the heart of nature, refined culinary journeys, therapeutic body treatments, and more.

Related Articles

Back to top button