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-metre 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.
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 tribes 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.
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.
4. St Regis Red Sea Resort, Ummahat Island
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.
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.
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.
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.
8. 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.
