As Saudi expands its tourism, showcasing its rich heritage and vibrant culture, it introduces new luxury properties blending tradition with modernity. Two destinations in particular, Red Sea Global and NEOM, lead the way in redefining the concept of luxury resorts.
Red Sea Global is pioneering a brand-new luxury regenerative tourism destination – one of the world’s last true hidden treasures, the Red Sea is surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system and spans over 28,000-square-kilometers with pristine beaches, dormant volcanos, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons and historical cultural sites. Aiming to open 50 hotels by 2030, Red Sea Global opened the destination’s first two resorts Six Senses Southern Dunes and St Regis Red Sea ahead of schedule, with more hotels planned to launch throughout 2024 and 2025.
While Sindalah Island, an exclusive luxury getaway on the Red Sea, will be the first destination in NEOM, one of the biggest and most exciting development projects in the world, to launch in 2024.
From remote desert getaways to exclusive beach resorts, Saudi’s roster of newly opened and upcoming hotel openings boasts a wealth of enviable and exclusive locations.
1. Six Senses Southern Dunes
OPENED NOVEMBER 2023
Set against the dramatic backdrop of desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains, Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea resort pays homage to Nabataean architectural heritage and majestic desert surroundings.
The heart of the resort is the Oasis. Inspired by a desert flower, the canopy is a self-shading structure that will host vibrant activities and functions under one roof. The villas are arranged in two lines to take advantage of views of the surrounding dunes. As well as two signature restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and guests will enjoy a world-class Six Senses Spa.
2. Desert Rock Resort
OPENING 2024
Set in a hidden valley and nestled between the mountains, Desert Rock, part of Red Sea Global, allows guests to immerse themselves in nature on a whole new level, while offering unparalleled luxury.
The hotel is an architectural masterpiece and sits fully integrated in the mountainside, preserving its striking natural silhouette. Offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience guests can even stay in rooms carved out of the rock itself. All rooms offer undisrupted views out to the horizon, allowing guests to admire the vast desert vistas that stretch out ahead.
3. Marriott Autograph Collection, Sindalah Island, NEOM
OPENING SPRING 2024
Expected to open in 2024, the Autograph Collection property in Sindalah is anticipated to offer rich immersive moments that will leave a lasting imprint for guests. Plans for the resort include 66 rooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas, multiple dining options, a kids club, and a spa.
Sindalah is the first of a group of islands that will be developed in NEOM and is set to be among the most alluring destinations in the Red Sea. The island will feature exquisite facilities and exclusive offerings surrounded by a stunning and diverse ocean environment home to over 2,000 marine species, 600 of which are endemic to the Red Sea.
4. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
OPENED JANUARY 2024
Move over, Maldives! Located on a pristine private island, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort blends outstanding naturally beauty with avant garde style and unbeatable service.
Accessed from the coast of Saudi via chartered boat or seaplane, the Ummahat archipelago offers a collection of 90 spacious overwater and beachfront villas, each with their own private pool. Providing the perfect holiday destination for all the family, the resort includes an outdoor pool, high tech fitness center, signature spa and kids club. Exceptional fine dining is served at three restaurants, each with a unique concept. And that is just on the island – venturing off shore will offer guests the opportunity to sail, kayak, or even try their hand at wing foil as well as explore kaleidoscopic marine life on a snorkel or dive trip.
5. Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve The Red Sea
OPENING 2024
Blending intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design, Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide.
Nujuma will be situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort is expected to feature 63 one-to-four-bedroom water and beach villas. When not soaking up the tranquil surroundings from the comfort of their own villa, guests will be able to indulge in a lavish spa, swimming pools, a range of restaurants and a retail area, or learn more about the prized natural setting at a Conservation Centre. The destination is also expected to include 18 Ritz-Carlton Reserve branded residences, offering owners a one-of-a-kind living experience.
6. Dar Tantora, AlUla
OPENED MARCH 2024
Dar Tantora is an upscale eco-lodge from The House Hotel set to open in historic AlUla Old Town. The fusion of heritage and contemporary design is set to deliver a truly unique and immersive experience, transporting guests back to the 12th century while offering them the utmost comfort of modern day hospitality. The hotel will sport 30 guest rooms created by restoring and repurposing historical mud-brick buildings using modern engineering in tandem with traditional materials and techniques for a truly authentic Old AlUla experience. The hotel also has a lobby lounge, coffee bar, retail facilities and pool, spa and fitness facilities.
7. Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan, Al Balad, Jeddah
OPENED MARCH 2024
This month, Jeddah Historic District launched three luxurious boutique hotels in Al Balad, an area of great historical and cultural significance, with UNESCO heritage protection. Set in historic properties, each hotel has been carefully reinvigorated thanks to a hand-picked team of historians, local artists, carpenters and architects as well as locally sourced products. The three properties thoughtfully reflect their original layout and design whilst offering luxurious and effortlessly chic modernity.
Guests will delight in authentic local fare served at the centralized restaurant, and marvel at bespoke touches – everything from the chocolates in their airport transfer to the scent of incense in their room is personalized, offering a home away from home.
8. Bab Sahman, Diriyah
OPENING IN 2024
This year Bab Salman is set to open its doors, making it the first ever hotel to open within UNESCO World Heritage site Diriyah. Promising to blend contemporary luxury with the signature Najdi architectural style, the hotel will boast 106 rooms each offering a distinct ambience that will immerse guests in the culture and history of the area. Positioned in North Diriyah, the property is a short distance from both scenic Wadi Hanifah and At-Turaif, one of Saudi’s most important historical sights, so guests can really benefit from everything Diriyah has to offer.
Truly, it has never been easier to visit Saudi – visa initiatives have been continuously developed, with the eVisa program now including 63 countries and special administrative regions, and the GCC residents visa and free 96-hour Stopover Visa. UK, US, or Schengen visa holders, as well as residents of the UK, US, or European Union countries, are eligible for the instant eVisa.
