Arrival at Six Senses Southern Dunes, a Red Sea Global resort, begins with the “Six Drums” ritual, a welcome ceremony inspired by the property’s guiding philosophy. Here, the “sixth sense” is interpreted as intuition — a concept that underpins the entire guest experience.
That philosophy is evident throughout the resort. Staff are trained to anticipate guests’ needs, particularly in relation to comfort and wellbeing, creating an atmosphere of calm that feels both immediate and carefully considered.
Umluj
One of the first pleasant surprises was the complimentary 24-hour gelato wheel, offering a variety of flavors, many inspired by local ingredients. A standout was the combination of Umluj mango and Saudi coffee, which captured familiar Arabian notes of cardamom, saffron, cloves and roasted coffee beans.
Among the resort’s most distinctive design features is a network of large umbrella-like structures inspired by desert flowers. Strategically positioned throughout the property, they provide welcome shade from the desert sun while serving as striking sculptural elements within the landscape.
Our accommodation was one of the resort’s expansive pool villas, designed in a palette of earthy tones with timber ceilings, sand-colored walls and furnishings influenced by traditional Bedouin textures. Moreover, the bedroom featured a canopy bed oriented toward the desert, complemented by a private pool and uninterrupted views of the surrounding dunes.
The bathroom was equally spacious, featuring an indoor rain shower, an outdoor shower overlooking the desert and a sunken bathtub. The outdoor shower quickly became a highlight, offering a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape. Sustainability was reflected in even the smallest details, from wooden toothbrushes to biodegradable amenities.
Bariya
The resort’s culinary offering is centered around three main venues: Bariya, serving international cuisine; Al-Sarab, which specializes in Middle Eastern dishes; and The Pool Bar & Grill, featuring Latin American-inspired fare. Of the three, Al-Sarab stood out for its creativity and depth of flavor.
Bariya places a strong emphasis on natural ingredients and scratch-made preparations. One of its most distinctive offerings is the “Rocket Fuel” wellness drink, a blend of organic apple cider vinegar, citrus fruits, turmeric, ginger, garlic, black pepper and herbs, fermented over 10 days. Homemade kombucha and tepache, a fermented pineapple beverage, are also available.
Wellness sits at the heart of the Six Senses experience. Additionally, the spa is organized into themed treatment rooms, each designed around a distinct sensory identity. My treatment took place in the Frankincense room, where fragrance played a central role in shaping the atmosphere.
I also participated in a sound therapy session led by practitioner Magenda, who later conducted a yoga class focused on disconnecting from external pressures and stress. The experience was notably calming — so much so that one participant fell asleep during the session.
One of our final activities at the resort was a soap-making workshop at Earth Lab. Guests combined natural ingredients including turmeric, cloves, flowers, orange and honey while observing their transformation into handmade soap. The workshop was both educational and interactive, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability.
For guests seeking more active pursuits, a visit to ADRENA Water Park offers a change of pace. Attractions range from surfing experiences to paddle-based challenges, though my visit remained largely water-focused. The highlight was the “Slip and Fly,” a high-speed slide that launches riders into a saltwater pool, delivering a brief but exhilarating adrenaline rush. Notably, all water attractions use saltwater to replicate a natural marine environment, with the exception of the children’s pool.
AKUN
At AKUN, we joined an e-quadrunner excursion across the Southern Dunes. Initial hesitation quickly gave way to confidence as I adapted to the vehicle’s controls and settled into the experience. Led by guide Captain Khaled Al-Johani, the journey traversed vast stretches of golden sand while incorporating insights into the local ecosystem. Along the way, he pointed out native species such as the Arak tree and a dried lake bed that once supported wildlife including frogs and wasps. Priced at SAR 650, the excursion combines outdoor adventure with environmental interpretation.
Another major attraction is the exceptional stargazing available each night. With light pollution carefully managed throughout the property, the night sky becomes a spectacle in its own right. Gazing at the stars proved to be one of the most memorable experiences of the stay, offering a powerful reminder of the stillness and vastness that define Six Senses Southern Dunes.
As we prepared to depart, the reception team presented a small wooden keepsake engraved with my name in Arabic on one side and the Six Senses logo on the other. It was a simple yet thoughtful gesture — an elegant reflection of a stay shaped by attention to detail, quiet luxury and a profound sense of place.
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