The wellness resort trend may be fairly new to Saudi Arabia, but the Kingdom has lost no time in creating health and wellbeing experiences to rival any in the world.
It’s the incredible locations that really make the newer resorts stand out, especially the Red Sea Project’s pristine coastline and remote desert getaways. Expect spa treatments, yoga classes, watersports and stunning places to swim, along with extraordinary levels of luxury.
Elsewhere in the country, there’s the chance to combine dedicated you-time with historic and cultural experiences – think AlUla’s outdoorsy canyon-backdropped retreats, or fabulous spa hotels set amid the urban buzz of Saudi’s top cities.
Prices are high across the board and there are few budget options, but the cost reflects polished service and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These are some of the best wellness resorts in Saudi Arabia.
1. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
Deep in Saudi Arabia’s desert, Six Senses Southern Dunes is the kind of wellness resort you book if you want the chance to completely disconnect from everyday life. Six Senses’ 3,974 square-meter spa is designed to mirror the soft sands of the surrounding environment, and the upstairs fitness centre looks out over the incredible desert landscape. Treatment rooms are downstairs, along with refreshing cold pools, a holistic anti-aging centre and a sensory suite with a meditation dome. The resort uses smart technology to assess guests’ overall health, and offers personalised programs based around weight management, detoxing, yoga, sleep and overall fitness.
Prices per night start from approx SAR 3,547.
2. Our Habitas, AlUla
Our Habitas is a creative, artsy retreat in AlUla that puts an emphasis on connection with the local environment through many of their treatments and experiences. The on-site spa, Thuraya Wellness, is named after a constellation traditionally used by Bedouin to navigate the desert. From the spa’s menu you can choose an exfoliation session using desert sand and locally sourced prickly pear and date seed oil to smooth the skin. Or you can opt for an open-air massage (the Ashar Valley’s incredible sandstone canyons surround the resort) while therapists use locally grown Moringa Peregrina, Frankincense or Mastika and heated AlUla rocks to soothe your body.
For more active mind-and-body experiences, there are meditative dance sessions, yoga classes, canyon sound baths and stargazing experiences available, or you can take a swim in the scenic infinity pool.
Prices start from approx SAR 1,053 per night.
3. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Red Sea
Need to be beside the sea to feel really rejuvenated? Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a coastal getaway on the Red Sea, with a relaxed, outdoorsy approach to wellbeing. There are endless sports and activities available to make the most of the clear blue waters, including kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. And for a more chilled out afternoon, you can hit the fabulous Neyrah Spa, booking in for anything from a romantic couples massage to a body wrap or facial. Numerous beauty services, including lip treatments, manicures and haircare are also offered.
Prices start from approx SAR 8,250 per night.
4. Grand Hyatt Hotel, Al Khobar
Al Khobar has a fast-growing wellness scene and many of the region’s top hotels have state-of-the-art spas. Nirvana Spa in the Grand Hyatt hotel is one such haven. Softly lit, with elegant marble walls and glittering tiles, the spa is the last word in luxury, and comes complete with jacuzzi, sauna, steam rooms and separate swimming pools for men and women. Traditional hammams are among the signature treatments here, and their Moroccan bath rooms are the perfect place for a deep cleanse with steam, traditional black soap and a vigorous scrub down. Afterwards, head to the relaxation room for a well-deserved rest, along with complimentary tea and dates.
5. Shangri-La, Jeddah
There’s no need to choose between an action-packed city break and a relaxing wellness retreat – pick the right hotel and you can have both. At Jeddah’s Shangri-La, you’re based right in the heart of the action, with the buzzing Corniche, malls and cultural sights nearby. But it would be hard to check out without spending at least one day in the magnificent Spa At Shangri-La.
Asian tradition-inspired facials, massages and body treatments are all on offer, and for ultimate indulgence you can book a two-and-a-half hour Luxury Shangri-La Experience, which includes a body exfoliation and Diamond prebiotic facial. Bookings include access to the gym, sauna and steam room. After a day of TLC, you can retreat back to your room to relax and gaze out over the sparkling Red Sea.
Prices per night start from approx SAR 3,273.
6. Mandarin Oriental, Riyadh
Riyadh has no shortage of luxurious retreats to get pampered in, but the Mandarin Oriental’s spa is in a class of its own. Facilities include a gently-lit indoor swimming pool lined with waterfalls, cleansing steam baths and scented Finnish-style saunas. At the glittering ladies spa, signature treatments include a Royal Golden Hammam, Aromatherapy Massage and Ultimate Glow Facial.
And for extra indulgence, there’s a private Imperial Suite, which has its own hydrotherapy bath, steam room, treatment area, changing room and separate lounge – you can book it to share with friends or just for yourself. Regular wellness events are hosted at the spa too, including silent retreats, sound baths and yoga sessions – keep an eye on the hotel’s website for details and book in advance.
Prices per night start from approx SAR 1,360.
7. Banyan Tree, AlUla
AlUla’s Banyan Tree is one of the most beautiful wellness resorts in the country, with an infinity pool that has to be seen to be believed – nestled between two limestone rock faces and looking out onto the tremendous canyon scenery. If you can tear yourself away from the pool, there’s also an on-site spa offering treatments that bring together Saudi Arabian and Asian rituals and use natural, local ingredients. Mindfulness classes, beauty workshops and regular yoga retreats are also hosted at the resort’s health centre.
Price per night start from approx SAR 2,125 per night.
