New images have revealed the progress on Saudi Arabia's striking Desert Rock Resort, with staff "counting down the days" until opening.
Set in a rugged hidden valley near the Red Sea coast, the ultra-luxury hotel will offer uninterrupted views over the horizon from villas and suites camouflaged within the crevices and caves of the mountain rocks.
Guests will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including a world-class spa and fitness centre, destination dining areas dotted across the dramatic desert landscape and a feature lagoon oasis.
'Counting Down the Days' Until Opening
Activities on offer include hiking trails, dune buggies and star gazing surrounded by spectacular settings that use natural materials to "honour and respect" the hotel's locale.
Although a specific launch date has yet to be revealed, John Pagano, Chief Executive Officer of developer Red Sea Global, wrote on LinkedIn that the desert destination's staff are ready to go, and "counting down the days" until the doors of the indulgent, rocky open.
He said: "Blending seamlessly with the landscape, Desert Rock offers 50 villas and 10 rooms — all built into the rock with unobstructed views of the dramatic desert landscape.
Spectacular Star-Gazing at Desert Rock
Pagano added that the glowing lights of the resort are a "sight to behold" when darkness falls each evening, with "specially designed lighting ensuring that guests can enjoy the beauty of the starry sky without impacting the nocturnal environment".
He continued: "As the sole operator of Desert Rock, Red Sea Global is committed to offering luxury that respects and honours the natural surroundings.
"Our state-of-the-art facilities, world-class spa, remote dining areas, and lagoon oasis are all designed with this commitment in mind. We're eagerly looking forward to welcoming you to this incredible destination soon."
50 Resorts Planned for the Red Sea Region
The Red Sea welcomed its first guests in 2023, with three hotels now open — The St. Regis, Nujuma, A Ritz Carlton Reserve and Six Senses Southern Dunes — the region is increasingly becoming a popular destination with both international visitors, local travellers and a selection of celebrity clientele.
In addition to Desert Rock, Red Sea Global's Shebara — a futuristic resort with stainless steel overwater villas — will welcome its first guests in the coming months, while Shura Island is on track to open its doors next year in 2025.
Once complete in 2030, the destination will be home to 50 resorts, with up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Guests will also be able to explore luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment venues, restaurants and leisure facilities.
