Ever expanding in the realm of tourism, Saudi Arabia redefines hospitality itself with seven new hotels hitting the scene this year. From exclusive beach resorts to remote desert getaways, these hotels should top your Saudi Arabia travel list in 2024.
Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan, Al Balad, Jeddah
Jeddah Historic District launched three luxurious boutique hotels this March in Al Balad, a UNESCO Heritage protected site. A hand-picked team of historians, local artists, carpenters and architects came together to craft each of these three hotels. Authentic fare is served at the centralized restaurant, and guests will marvel at bespoke touches, like chocolates on their airport transfer to in-room incense.
Coming this year, Bab Sahman will become the first ever hotel to open within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah. Blending contemporary luxury with signature Najdi architectural style, the hotel will feature 106 guestrooms. The hotel sits a short distance from Wadi Hanifah and At-Turaif, one of the country’s most important historical sites.
Opened this past March, this upscale eco-lodge from The House Hotel lies in the historic AlUla Old Town, fusing heritage with contemporary design. Guests are brought back to the 12th century throughout just 30 guestrooms. The hotel restored and repurposed historical mud-brick buildings using modern engineering in tandem with traditional materials and techniques. Dar Tantora also includes a lobby lounge, coffee bar, retail facilities, pool, spa and fitness facilities.
Situated in a hidden valley between mountains, Desert Rock brings guests into the beauty of Saudi’s natural landscape with its mountainside outlooks. Guests will have the chance to select rooms carved out of the room itself, but all rooms offer unparalleled views of the horizon and desert beyond.
Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve The Red Sea
Nujuma will be the first property from The Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand in the Middle East and one of only five in the world. Set on a pristine set of private islands, the resort is set to have 63 one- to four-bedroom water and beach villas. Beyond the villas, the property will include a lavish spa, several swimming pools, a range of restaurants and a retail area. There will also be a Conservation Centre and 18 The Ritz-Carlton Reserve-branded residences.
Marriott Autograph Collection, Sindalah Island, NEOM
Opening this spring, this property will feature 66 guestrooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas. Guests will enjoy access to multiple dining options, a kids’ club and spa. Sindalah is the first of a group of islands to be developed by NEOM and will soon boast exquisite facilities and offerings surrounded by an ocean environment home to more than 2,000 marine species, 600 of which are endemic to the Red Sea.
This past January, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort opened. Accessed from the coast via a chartered boat or seaplane, this property boasts 90 spacious overwater and beachfront villas, each with its own private pool. Guests can also enjoy access to an outdoor pool, high-tech fitness center, signature spa and kids club, as well as fine dining at three restaurants. Offshore, guests can sail, kayak, snorkel, dive or try their hand at wing foil.
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