The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar is set to open in the first quarter of 2027, becoming the first hotel to welcome guests to one of Saudi Arabia’s most anticipated new destinations. Set atop a 70-metre escarpment near Diriyah, the resort will combine Najdi-inspired architecture, private villas, destination dining and an extensive wellness offering across more than 37 acres.
Just 30 minutes from Riyadh and close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, Wadi Safar is being developed as a destination centred on heritage, culture, sport, wellbeing, nature and luxury hospitality. The arrival of Oberoi will give the emerging destination its first hotel, with the property designed to place its dramatic desert surroundings at the centre of the guest experience.
The first hotel in Wadi Safar
The arrival of The Oberoi Sukoonvilas represents an important milestone for Wadi Safar, which is being developed close to Diriyah, the birthplace of the First Saudi State.
Mr. Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company, said: “The opening of The Oberoi Sukoonvilas will mark an important milestone for Wadi Safar as the first hotel to welcome guests to this extraordinary destination. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to exceptional hospitality, craftsmanship and a strong sense of place aligns closely with our vision for Wadi Safar. We are delighted to welcome The Oberoi Sukoonvilas and look forward to introducing guests from the Kingdom and around the world to a distinctive hospitality experience that celebrates the remarkable landscape, heritage and character of Diriyah.”
For Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, the project represents an opportunity to establish its hospitality philosophy within one of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing destinations.
Mr. Vikram Oberoi, Chief Executive Officer, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, said: “Wadi Safar presents a rare opportunity to create a resort experience that is deeply rooted in the history, culture and natural beauty of its surroundings. Building on Diriyah’s vision for a destination that celebrates Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, The Oberoi Sukoonvilas has been thoughtfully conceived as a sanctuary of understated luxury, where architecture, landscape and hospitality come together in harmony. Every aspect of the resort has been designed to foster a meaningful connection with the destination, while delivering the warm, sincere and intuitive service that defines Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience a distinctive expression of Arabian hospitality, inspired by the spirit of Wadi Safar and shaped by Oberoi’s enduring commitment to excellence.”
A new luxury address in Wadi Safar
The Oberoi Sukoonvilas will comprise 60 standalone villas alongside 10 branded residences, all set within landscaped grounds on the escarpment. The design takes its cues from the architectural heritage of the Najd region, with the resort conceived around shaded courtyards, water features and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Design
International architecture firm Aedas has designed the resort, while global design studio Blink is responsible for its interiors. The resulting aesthetic is intended to combine contemporary luxury with elements drawn from the region’s architectural traditions. The setting is central to the concept. Rather than simply overlooking Wadi Safar, the resort has been designed around its landscape, with views across the surrounding escarpments and desert valleys forming part of the experience.
Dining
Food and drink will form another significant part of the resort. The property will feature four distinct dining experiences, including Yatra, a contemporary Indian restaurant curated by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai. Linnet will focus on artisanal pastries and café culture, with acclaimed pastry chef Lily Vanilli behind the concept. Beyla will serve international cuisine, while a poolside restaurant will offer a more relaxed setting overlooking the escarpment. The culinary offering is also intended to reflect the resort’s broader cultural approach, creating a dialogue between Saudi Arabia and India through food, design and hospitality.
Wellness
Wellness is another major element of the property, with the resort’s ASMI by Oberoi programme set to offer signature wellness journeys alongside hammams, indoor wellness pools and fitness facilities. At the heart of the outdoor experience will be a 65-metre infinity pool overlooking Wadi Safar. The combination of wellness facilities and the secluded desert setting is designed to make relaxation and restoration a central part of a stay. The property’s approach to wellness also reflects Oberoi’s wider emphasis on personalised hospitality, with the resort intended to offer a quieter alternative to some of the larger-scale developments emerging across Saudi Arabia.
What guests can expect
The resort’s 60 villas will be surrounded by landscaped gardens and designed to draw on the architectural character of the Najdi region. Alongside the accommodation, guests will have access to the property’s restaurants, wellness facilities, pool and outdoor spaces.
Mr. Jeremy Canivet, General Manager, The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar, said: “At The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, every experience has been carefully curated to immerse guests in the beauty and spirit of Wadi Safar. From private villas inspired by Najdi heritage and surrounded by lush landscaped gardens, to distinctive dining experiences and restorative wellness journeys at ASMI by Oberoi, the resort has been designed to create moments of discovery, connection and renewal. We look forward to offering guests a deeply personal experience that reflects both the character of this extraordinary destination and the timeless hospitality of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.”
With its opening scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, The Oberoi Sukoonvilas will be among the first major hospitality addresses to establish a presence in Wadi Safar. Its combination of private villas, destination dining and wellness is intended to give the emerging destination a distinct luxury identity from its earliest stages.
As Wadi Safar develops, the resort will form part of a wider destination bringing together Saudi heritage, nature, wellbeing, sport and hospitality. For travellers looking beyond the established luxury addresses of Riyadh, the opening will introduce a new way to experience the landscape and history surrounding Diriyah.
The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar is slated to open in Q1, 2027
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