From Red Sea wellness retreats to a bold new W in the Saudi capital, these are the standout openings making the Kingdom the region’s most exciting new long-weekend destination
So you’ve ticked off Muscat, Doha and the Maldives, and you’re looking for a new destination to discover on a long weekend from Dubai. This is your cue to consider Saudi Arabia and plan your trip around one of the Kingdom’s coolest new hotel openings.
From the wellness-led shores of the Red Sea to a striking new address in Riyadh’s financial district and a heritage-rich corniche hotel in Jeddah, these five new arrivals are reason enough to book a few days off. Here’s where to check in next.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay
AMAALA is set to raise the stakes in the global wellness game, and its first resort is now open. Fresh from opening on the Red Sea’s Shura Island, Four Seasons adds a second serving of its signature luxury hospitality just along the coastline at AMAALA’S Triple Bay on the northwest coast, a wellness-focused enclave that will soon see arrivals from Equinox, Clinique La Prairie and Nammos Hotels and Resorts. The 202-key resort features five pools, a 900-metre private beach, six dining venues and a 2,095 square metre spa, with the option to book one of their curated one-to-three-day wellness journeys spanning sound healing, night hikes and stargazing.
Getting there: Flights from Dubai to the Red Sea International Airport are available with flydubai and take around 3 hours, with AMAALA located a two-hour drive away.
Rates: From Dhs2,448 per night
Book: fourseasons.com
Miraval The Red Sea
Miraval’s first international property and Hyatt’s adults-only, all-inclusive wellness brand has landed on Shura Island, where resorts from SLS, Edition and InterContinental are also found at Saudi Arabia’s idyllic Red Sea project. This is a destination that’s all about self-care, and those looking to check in and bliss out can expect to stay in one of 180 rooms, suites and villas, embark on a holistic journey across a 39-treatment-room spa and dine on the nourishing flavours of three restaurants, all built around digital detox and mindfulness. Your stay begins before you arrive, with Experience Planners reaching out to curate experiences that can range from energy work to ziplining, all crafted to help achieve your goals.
Getting there: Fly Dubai to Red Sea International Airport, around a 3-hour flight, with hotel transfers arranged on arrival.
Rates: from approximately Dhs2,885 per night, all inclusive
Book: miravalresorts.com
W Riyadh – KAFD
The W brand’s Saudi debut has opened in Riyadh’s ultra-modern King Abdullah Financial District, setting a new benchmark for design-led stays in this corner of the Saudi capital. The perfect base for discovering the culinary and cultural highlights of Riyadh, you’ll stay in one of 210 styled rooms and suites, get pampered at the AWAY Spa or chill out at Wet Deck, a stylish new outdoor pool. After a day of exploring, dinner at SIRA is a flavour-flight through Latin American flavours.
Getting there: Direct flights from Dubai to Riyadh take around 1 hour 40 minutes, with the hotel a short transfer from King Khalid International Airport.
Rates: From approximately Dhs1,675 per room, per night
Book: marriott.com
Raffles Jeddah
Set on Jeddah’s corniche with sweeping Red Sea views, Raffles’ second Saudi property makes a statement, making its debut on this coastal city’s five-star hotel scene. The newly opened resort pairs 182 opulent rooms and suites, all with Hejazi-inspired design and a terrace gazing out to the Red Sea. Plus, guests can look forward to the brand’s signature 24-hour butler service, separate male and female spas and signature dining, which comes in the form of La Marea, a culinary tribute to the South of France; Surl’o, a vibrant social hub for coffee and daytime dining.
Getting there: Direct flights from Dubai to Jeddah take roughly 2.5 hours, with the hotel around 25 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Rates: From Dhs2,290 per night
Book: raffles.com/jeddah
SLS The Red Sea
Set to become the name to know for idyllic island escapes in the Middle East, Shura Island is at the heart of the Red Sea on Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast. A three-hour flight from Dubai, by the end of the year, it’s going to be home to almost a dozen resorts from some of the biggest names in hospitality. One of the newest to know is SLS The Red Sea, bringing the brand’s playful luxury hospitality to Saudi Arabia for the first time. Spend your days soaking up the rays at one of three swimming pools, then head to The Perch for non-alcoholic sundowners before dinner at Seabird, the island-export of the London-loved Spanish restaurant, before bedding down in your beachfront pool villa. There’s 25% off stays this summer too, to sweeten the deal.
Getting there: Fly from Dubai to Red Sea International Airport direct with flydubai, around a 3-hour flight, with hotel transfers available on request.
Rates: From Dhs2,200 per night
Book: slshotels.com
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