9 One-of-a-Kind Stays Across the Kingdom
9 One-of-a-Kind Stays Across the Kingdom
From luxury desert glamping experiences to ultra-luxe resorts and skyhigh hotels, here are some interesting picks in Saudi
03 April 23
Welcome to Saudi Arabia, a land of rich history and breathtaking natural beauty.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or are embarking on your first adventure in the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia offers a wealth of unique, and luxury stays that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated and fill your Instagram timeline with memories to last a lifetime.
From opulent five-star hotels to private desert villas and luxury glamping, the Kingdom's hospitality scene is unrivaled. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through some of the most exclusive and indulgent accommodations in Saudi Arabia, guaranteed to make your stay unforgettable.
So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you to a world of unique luxury stays in Saudi Arabia.
AlUla
Banyan Tree AlUla
The Banyan Tree AlUla is an exclusive sanctuary in the middle of Saudi’s ancient AlUla desert region. Featuring forty-seven elegantly appointed, tented villas, this is a desert experience that is beyond camping. Each villa is lavishly decorated with handcrafted Arabian-inspired décor, and offers visitors unrivalled views of the expansive, sandy landscape.
With health and spirituality at its core, the Banyan Tree AlUla is a luxury spa hotel is nestled in Ashar Valley, priding itself on commitment to sustainability, wellness, and sharing the heritage of the AlUla region with visitors. The all-villa retreat also offers wellness options, a spa, restaurant dining, and a fitness center.
Caravan by Habitas
This is an immersive, off-the-beaten-path, glamping experience is for travelers seeking adventure and novelty, and for those who have the desire to explore AlUla — an area often described as Saudi’s living museum.
Just a short drive from the stunning Madain Saleh tombs, the site features 22 chrome Airstream caravans. Although modern in style, these caravans echo the tradition of local Bedouin people who once travelled throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
Equipped with a private outdoor deck, Wi-Fi (of course), air conditioning, these caravans are the definition of a luxury glamping experience. The Airstreams have a kitchenette, a bathroom, a large indoor lounge area and guests can opt for either a queen-size bed, or two single beds.
The enrapturing desert scene surrounding each caravan whisks guests back in time and immerses them in the breathtaking landscape. Most definitely one of the most unique stays in the Kingdom.
Habitas AlUla
Of course, it is impossible to mention Caravan by Habitas, without referencing the original Habitas AlUla location. This sustainable luxury hotel in AlUla offers dramatic landscapes, situated in the canyons of the Ashar Valley.
The luxury desert resort offers 96 guest rooms in traditional Middle Eastern style, tent-like suites in three categories: Celestial Villas, Alcove Villas, and Canyon Villas. These are designed with typical Arabian design motifs, traditional Sadu rugs, and wooden accents.
The desert escape also includes an open-air yoga deck, wellness and fitness centers, a restaurant, and a swimming pool — all made from ethically-sourced organic materials that complement AlUla’s natural surroundings. Rewind and reconnect.
Khaybar Volcano Camp
Inevitably, the words ‘volcano camp’ are bound to pique your interest. A luxurious and catered desert camp experience, positioned at the base of the now dormant Khaybar Volcano.
Harrat Khaybar is a nature reserve with an incredible and expansive volcanic landscape, the Khaybar Volcano Camp is a truly special and unique location that will capture the imagination and interests of both local and international tourists. Set to be a notable and unique experience available to visitors to the Kingdom, guests at Khaybar Volcano Camp will be able to explore one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. Visitors will be able to experience sunrise meditation, sound bath workshops, musical performances and traditional desert stargazing.
Officially opened in December of 2022, The Khaybar Volcano Camp provides a unique, luxurious and authentic experience of the Al Ula region and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the area's rich cultural heritage and appreciate the natural beauty.
Jeddah
Shangri-La Jeddah
Opened in 2022, the Shangri-La Jeddah is a luxury landmark.
Located in Burj Assila, a 64-storey architectural icon and currently Jeddah’s tallest building, this hotel seamlessly intertwines the Asian heritage of the Shangri-La brand with Arabian décor and warm local hospitality.
The building’s design elements are additionally inspired by the Jeddah Corniche, with the hotel’s interiors featuring shades of blue, white, and grey, with a particular emphasis on the presence of natural light infusing the public areas and 220 stylish guest rooms, suites, and 17 serviced apartments. This new Shangri-La provides a meeting point between East and West through its hospitality and aesthetic vision.
Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq
If you’re looking for unrivalled views across the Red Sea, the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq is a location you should consider.
This regal hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport and located along the northern edge of the Jeddah Corniche. The hotel — built in 1985 and brought to life by KCA International (the same designers of Dubai’s renowned sail-shaped Burj Al Arab) — is as opulent and palatial as they come. Amid its gold accents and the three-story Swarovski chandelier that greets guests upon arrival, is luxury Italian furnishings and an oasis of calm.
In addition, its lounge area is the perfect spot for quiet reflection and a hot beverage, and its two restaurants offer Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Riyadh
Al Faisaliah Hotel
Still one of Riyadh’s most sought-after luxury hotels, Al Faisaliah — previously a Rosewood Hotel that has been under the Mandarin Oriental brand since 2022 — is located in Al Olaya district.
Since opening in the landmark Al Faisaliah Tower, the hotel has earned countless awards for excellence. With the Mandarin Oriental takeover, guestroom and public area renovations were made, adding more luxury and class to the brand’s signature style and service, which includes a 24-hour butler service.
The hotel comprises 330 rooms and suites, each with plush furnishings, arabesque details, modern amenities, and food and beverage options that offer French, Italian, Greek, Modern Mediterranean, and Chinese cuisine. There’s also the Al Faisaliah Health Club, which features an indoor pool, fitness center, and relaxation space.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
The location of the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, inside the architecturally iconic Kingdom Tower, makes this hotel truly unique.
Guests can gaze over Saudi’s capital city from the landmark location of Kingdom Tower. Famed for its unique shape and keyhole design detail, this is most definitely a unique stay.
Following a recent 150-million-dollar refurbishment and expansion project, the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh has re-opened with new luxury accommodation options including the Kingdom Suite, with design elements paying homage to Saudi’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
With modern aesthetic features such as soft muted colour palettes and marble finishings, the hotel occupies 12 floors of the 100-floor Kingdom Tower building and boasts 237 luxury rooms and 39 suites.
fourseasons.com
Nobu Hotel Riyadh
Known for blending modern, cool luxury with minimal Japanese tradition, the Nobu Hotel Riyadh is the brainchild of actor Robert De Niro and Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.
Opened in 2022, the Riyadh location sports the Nobu brand’s signature clean, luxurious lines, combined with simple elegance. An urban oasis in the heart of downtown Riyadh, the hotel boasts 134 spacious guest rooms and suites conceived and designed by Rockwell Group.
The 23-story glass paneled skyscraper is styled in a manner representative of Nobu’s Japanese heritage, with superb attention to detail and inclusion of high-quality materials. And of course, guests can expect excellent and artistic Japanese cuisine.
nobu.sa-riyadh.info
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