Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism revolution is taking place in absolutely spectacular fashion. The KSA aims to attract 150 million visitors a year by 2030, and in order to do so, is using some of the world’s most creative architects and influential brands to transform whole regions into tourism destinations. The Red Sea is one such project, with three ultra-luxe resorts already open. Those who want to explore AlUla’s ancient archeological sites now also have several accommodation options with serious wow-factor. Meanwhile, Jeddah and Riyadh’s five-star hotels are upping the ante to rival those of any international city.
Expect to be dazzled by the beautiful locations, innovative style and top-notch facilities of Saudi’s best luxury resorts.
1. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
For many travellers, Saudi Arabia is synonymous with the desert, so the mesmerising views of dunes, wadis and endless sands from Six Senses’ luxurious villas will make this the ultimate desert destination resort. The first of the Red Sea Project resorts to open, it’s a 45-minute drive from the coast and was designed by Foster + Partners with materials and forms that reflect its natural desert surroundings. Sustainability was also a priority in its creation (as with all Red Sea Project developments) and the resort’s electricity is completely run by solar power.
2. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, was another of the earliest Red Sea Projects to launch. The villas are shaped like seashells, many of which appear to float over the crystal clear Red Sea waters. The vibe here is all about barefoot luxury, meaning you can wander freely from the pristine white sands to the Neyrah Spa or any one of the beautiful al fresco restaurants.
Anyone who wants to make the most of the stunning archipelago can go on kayaking, sailing, windsurfing or diving excursions, and there’s also a Conservation House that educates guests about the local landscape. The private island resort is accessible only by speedboat or seaplane.
3. The St Regis Red Sea Resort
This incredible resort is a back-to-nature dream. It features villas perched above the Al Wajh Lagoon waters, so guests get every chance to spot dolphins and turtles or just gaze out at the sea and sky. This is also an incredible place to explore the Red Sea’s underwater world, as there are thriving coral reefs and colourful fish to see beneath the waves, plus a world-class diving centre. The resort is also one of the best luxury resorts for families, as there are daily activities available, special menus and a welcoming Kids’ Club.
4. Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort
Travelling from abroad? You can touch down at Riyadh airport, and be in another world of green lawns, wildlife, sand dunes and a beautiful mountainscape within the hour. Nofa Riyadh is a great place for an outdoorsy, activities-packed break, as it features freshwater lakes, an adventure playground complete with zip wire, swimming pools, a golf course and even the chance to go horseback riding. Wildlife-lovers can visit the Nofa Bird Centre or the adjoining Nofa Wildlife Park, home to lions, tigers, gazelles, elephants, giraffes and more.
5. Our Habitas, AlUla
Our Habitas is a resort and wellness retreat housed in an extraordinary location – the remote Ashar Valley in AlUla, surrounded by looming sandstone canyons. The yoga studio, infinity pool and cutting-edge spa might be features you’d expect in any top-end wellness resort, but there are also trampolines, adult-sized swings and numerous art installations, giving the resort a unique and somewhat surreal feel. An eco-conscious brand, Our Habitas is constructed in a way that minimises environmental impact and makes efforts to avoid single-use plastic.
6. Banyan Tree Al Ula
Play out all your desert fantasies at Banyan Tree AlUla. Tented villas, roaring fire pits and handcrafted antiques strewn about the grounds will make you feel as though you’ve woken up in the middle of a classic Arabian adventure story. It’s also a great base for exploring AlUla – the resort can arrange trips to the nearby ancient city of Hegra, and hiking, biking and rock climbing expeditions in the surrounding canyons. There’s also the chance to go stargazing in nearby Gharameel, a dark sky area where you can gaze at the milky way, hear from a constellation expert and enjoy the night-time magic of this remote and peaceful desert location.
7. Shangri-La Jeddah
For an urban retreat, you couldn’t do much better than Jeddah’s Shangri-La – rooms overlooking the Corniche, with floor-to-ceiling windows, are worth booking for the sparkling Red Sea views alone. You can while away blissful hours in the spa, which offers massages and facials inspired by Asian traditions. There are several on-site restaurants serving everything from Chinese dim sum to Lebanese mezze. And for later on in the evening, there's a stylish rooftop lounge, Kaia, which has an open air terrace, DJs and fabulously creative mocktails. If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, the top sights of the city are all nearby, including Jeddah Waterfront and the ‘floating’ Al Rahmah Mosque.
8. Four Seasons Riyadh at the Kingdom Centre
Riyadh has no shortage of luxury hotels, but the Four Seasons Riyadh is a particularly lavish place to bed down. Housed in the iconic Kingdom Centre in the Olaya district, the hotel’s rooms look over the city from a dizzying 40-50 floors up and those staying in a suite will be waited on by a private attendant. There’s a health club and spa including a steam room, sauna and cold plunge pool (men only) and treatments available for both men and women. Best of all, one of Riyadh’s top experiences is just an elevator ride away – Sky Bridge, a 65m-long viewing platform, is on the 99th floor of the same building.
9. Miraval The Red Sea, Shura Island
The time has finally come – Miraval The Red Sea is now welcoming visitors to Shura Island. Get ready for a lesson in luxury from some of the best to do it. But be warned...you may never want to leave. Part of Hyatt’s luxury portfolio, the Miraval brand continues to redefine the future of wellbeing through immersive experiences that blends intentional living, mindfulness and personal transformation. And now, the world’s most renowned name in transformative, adults-only wellbeing has arrived in Saudi Arabia.
Central to the guest journey at Miraval is the Life in Balance Spa. The space spans a jaw-dropping 40,000 square feet, standing out as the largest dedicated wellness facility on Shura Island. Within the holistic sanctuary, guests can luxuriate in the 39 private treatment rooms, whilst experiencing signature therapies that are enriched by local traditions, including specialised Hammam rituals, desert-inspired scrubs and wellness treatments.
