80 amazing hotels opening in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom is set to add some stunning hotels to its portfolio in the coming years…
The hotel scene in Saudi Arabia is arguably the most rapidly developing in the world. Saudi Arabia is set to add a whopping 315,000 hotel rooms by 2030, as the Kingdom works towards mass expansion of its tourism offering.
Whether it’s sleek city stays in Riyadh, or stunning coastal resorts off the Red Sea, we’ve rounded up 80 exciting hotel openings coming soon to Saudi Arabia.
New hotels opening in Riyadh
The St. Regis Riyadh
Envi Wadi Hanifah
From 2024, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy a glamping experience amongst nature if you’re in Riyadh, as Envi Lodges are set to open a boutique eco-retreat in Wadi Hanifah. Located in the middle of the Najd Plateau, it’s set to be the perfect spot for your next staycation, with guests able to check in to one of 50 pods each home to a large outdoor seating area, BBQ and its own private pool. At the resort’s heart, guests will be encouraged to meet and mingle at the experiential garden, complete with alfresco dining area, a fire pit for sharing stories, a swimming pool, and a creative space for an array of artsy activities. Relaxation programmes, a meditation facility, and treatments with locally sourced products will all form part of the offering.
Envi Al Nakheel
Envi Al Nakheel, the launch project from the GCC born luxury eco-lodge company, which will welcome guests to discover the breathtaking surrounds of UNESCO World Heritage listed Al Ahsa Oasis. The largest oasis in the world, Al Ahsa is found in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, roughly three and a half hours from Riyadh, and is home to 2.5 million date palms. So, it’s no surprise that Envi Al Nakheel will be landscaped around its own date palm farm. One of three luxury eco-lodges set to open in the Al Ahsa region, there will be just 25 one- and two-bedroom pods, making this a boutique stay for your next glamping getaway. All three eco-lodge offerings will be within driving distance of each other, making them a fun circuit for those looking to experience each of the different concepts.
Red Palace by Boutique Hotels
First announced in early 2022, Saudi Arabia has launched its own luxury hospitality brand called Boutique Group, that’s set to turn two historic palaces in Riyadh into ultra-luxury boutique hotels. The hotels will draw on the traditional hospitality and vibrant heritage and culture of the Kingdom and fuse it with modern amenities to create an exclusive guest experience experience. Once ready to welcome guests, Riyadh’s Red Palace will feature 44 luxury suites, one royal suite and 26 deluxe rooms.
Tuwaiq Palace by Boutique Hotels
The second of two luxury palaces being converted into dazzling boutique stays, Twaiq Palace will be home to 40 luxury palace suites and 56 elegant villas. Alongside lavish accommodations, Boutique Group will develop an array of fine-dining, wellness and cultural experiences in keeping with the ultra-luxury setting for each property.
Hotel Indigo Riyadh
Set to open in 2025, Hotel Indigo, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, signed a management agreement with Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City for the property, for a new hotel that will comprise of 234 guestrooms and suites, as well as 138 serviced apartments. You can also look forward to three dining options, which include a neighbourhood cafe, a speciality dining venue, and an exquisite lobby lounge. Hotel Indigo will be in the city’s Al Mishraq Zone. Guests at the hotel will also be able to check out the city’s multiple cultural experiences at Wadi Hanifah, Al Turaif and Bujairi Terrace.
Banyan Tree Tuwaiq
One of a dozen new properties in the pipeline for wellness-focused luxury operator, Banyan Tree, is a dreamy resort in Tuwaiq, set to open in 2025. Located just a short drive away from Riyadh, the new Banyan Tree Tuwaiq hotel is set to be focused on well-being and sustainability. The brand is known for its well-being sanctuaries that cater healthy meals, spa therapies and nature-based activities. Sounds oh-so-relaxing.
Mondrian Riyadh Al Malga
Mondrian Hotels are known for their dazzling design and local-first approach, and the brand’s first Saudi Arabian hotel is coming to Riyadh. Although we’ll have to wait until 2026 to check-in to Mondrian Riyadh Al Malga, it’s set to be worth the wait, with a design-centric collection of rooms and suites, and mouthwatering selection of restaurants. Parent company Ennismore has announced that the 200 key property will be made up of 130 standard rooms and a further 70 serviced apartments that will range in size from one to three bedrooms. The wellness area will be given a social edge to allow for Mondrian’s progressive programming, and there will be plenty of events spaces to cater to occasions of all sizes.
New hotels opening in Diriyah
Aman Wadi Safar
Located in the jaw-dropping beauty of Wadi Safar, the Aman Hotel at Diriyah will be designed with traditional mud-brick architecture within the wadis and plateaus of Wadi Safar. The hotel promises 78 rooms, 34 branded residences, a spa, and restaurants.
Janu Diriyah
Janu Diriyah will be located close to the UNESCO Heritage Site of At-Turaif, regarded as one of the country’s most important heritage sites and a symbol of Saudi identity. Just 15 minutes away from Riyadh’s centre, the hotel will feature 120 rooms, a Janu wellness offering, and restaurants.
Anantara Diriyah
Minor hotels will bring its Thai-born Anantara brand to the Diriyah complex. Few details have been revealed about the brand’s Saudi Arabian debut, so stay tuned.
Armani Hotel Diriyah
The world’s third Armani Hotel will fuse elements of the existing properties in Dubai and Milan with Diriyah’s rich heritage. It will be operated by Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group. The plans for Armani Hotel Diriyah, which will form part of the ultra-luxury hospitality and retail quarter, include a collection of 70 elegant rooms and suites, the latter of which will all feature their own spa and swimming pool. Two signature restaurants will delight foodies, while a luxurious spa will welcome guests into a haven of pampering and relaxation.
Taj Diriyah
Taj Hotels will present its signature Indian hospitality when it opens its debut Saudi hotel in Diriyah.
The Diriyah Edition
Alongside an Edition property at The Red Sea, Marriott plans to bring Ian Schrager’s design-centric brand to Diriyah in the coming years.
Waldorf Astoria Diriyah
Well versed in the world of classic hospitality excellence, Waldorf Astoria Diriyah will open in 2027.
The Langham Diriyah
The Langham, Diriyah will be located on Diriyah’s main boulevard, just five minutes’ drive from At-Turaif. The hotel will feature 200 ultra-luxe rooms and suites, The Langham Chuan Spa, an intimate Langham Club Lounge, and an art gallery experience. It will also offer two exciting new dining destinations, including the first Middle Eastern outpost of the three-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant T’ang Court, plus The Langham’s famed signature afternoon tea and the first international outpost of The Langham, London’s cooking school, Sauce.
Corinthia Riyadh
Corinthia Hotels, already established as the hospitality master behind some of Europe’s finest addresses, will make its Saudi Arabian debut in 2025. Bringing the brand’s world-class service and legacy hospitality to the destination, the property will be characterised by cutting-edge design and world-class amenities, Corinthia Riyadh will be a sought-after stop for travellers seeking sublime comfort and exceptional, warm service.
1 Hotel Diriyah
Currently dominant in the North American market, with a scattering of European and APAC hotels, Diriyah will be the debut Middle Eastern property or 1 Hotels. These sustainable sanctuaries are designed around a commitment to uplifting the planet, and people that sustain us.
Treehouse Diriyah
Also from the team behind 1 Hotels comes Treehouse, a creative address for comfort and expression. Their properties are currently only found in the UK, but the brand will debut in the US in 2023. In the coming years, Diriyah will also join the Treehouse Hotels portfolio.
Pendry Diriyah
Pendry Hotels & Resorts, which currently comprises of 11 luxury properties across North, Central and Southern America, makes its regional debut with a hotel in Diriyah. While we don’t know when the property will open, expect an artful environment, attentive service and a focus on the unique spirit of the locale.
The Chedi Wadi Safar
General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) teams up with Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) for The Chedi Wadi Safar, The property will draw upon Diriyah’s rich past and the centuries-old At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site for its design, heightened by the serenity and tranquility of the Wadi Safar landscape.
Montage Resort Wadi Safar
Refined epicurean experiences take centre stage at Montage Hotels & Resorts current collection of 8 properties, dotted across the Americas. While we don’t know what their hotel in Wadi Safar will be like, we can hope experiences reflective of the local culture form part of the impressive array of offerings.
Faena Wadi Safar
The celeb-loved brand born on Miami Beach is heading to the breathtaking surrounds of Wadi Safar. Plans for a Faena hotel in Saudi Arabia have already been announced for The Red Sea, making this the second property in the Kingdom from the iconic brand.
Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah
Fusing Four Seasons’ timeless luxury with Diriyah’s rich cultural history, this 150-room hotel is set to be a haven for the five-star traveller. Inside, there are plans for expansive meeting and event spaces, a wellness spa with seven treatment rooms and a fitness centre, as well as two outdoor pools with private cabanas. The hotel will also offer four restaurants, including a poolside restaurant and sunset lounge.
Capella Diriyah
An 100-key hotel by Capella Hotels and Resorts, designed to immerse guests into the authenticity of the destination and its local culture, will further add to the luxury hotel scene at Diriyah.
Orient Express Diriyah
Although we’re not sure what Orient Express’ Middle Eastern debut will look like, we’re already excited. In the initial announcement in December 2021, Diriyah’s operators promised the brand would bring ‘the refined nomadic spirit and state-of-art detailing that characterise the artisan of travel.’
Raffles Diriyah
Renowned for their timeless hospitality and larger-than-life-grandeur, Raffles Hotels will make a suitably wow-worthy arrival in Diriyah. Raffles will reinterpret artistic and cultural tradition through an inspiring contemporary lens, with breath-taking views of Wadi Hanifah from its rooftop. Swoon.
Six Senses Diriyah
While Six Senses’ debut property will open at The Red Sea this year, we’ll have to wait a little while longer to see the wellness-focused brand arrive at Diriyah. When it does, the Six Senses property (which is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts) promises crafted experiences that encourage a reconnection to the region at the brand’s Wadi Safar site.
Fauchon Diriyah
In the Bujairi district of Diriyah, Fauchon, the purveyor of French contemporary gastronomy since 1886, will launch its first Fauchon Hotel in the Middle East. It promises the perfect Parisian art de vivre experience
Campbell Gray Hotel Diriyah
Located in the Bujairi district of Diriyah will be a Campbell Gray Hotels and Resorts property, combining sustainability and Najdi design with modern glamour.
LXR Diriyah
An 80-key retreat from LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s exclusive collection of legendary, independent properties, will represent the brand’s debut in Saudi Arabia.
Park Hyatt Diriyah
Expected to open in 2025, Park Hyatt Riyadh Diriyah Gate will be part of the much-anticipated Diriyah Gate Development overlooking Al-Turaif’s UNESCO world heritage site.
The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah
Bringing it’s luxurious modern design and impeccable service to Diriyah in 2025 is The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah, Riyadh. Inside, you’ll find 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and fitness center. Ritz Kids, the brand’s signature kids club and programming is part of the vision, as is a signature spa.
Rosewood Riyadh, Diriyah
Targeting a 2025 opening is Rosewood Riyadh, the brand’s debut in the capital. The hotel itself will occupy a standalone building boasting 250 ultra-luxury accommodations, including 202 guestrooms and suites and 48 Wadi Suites ranging from one to three bedrooms. The property will further feature four restaurants and bars; Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative well-being concept; and Rosewood Explorers, the brand’s culturally inspired children’s club.
A Luxury Collection Diriyah property
As Marriott continues to expand its luxury portfolio in the Kingdom, guests can expect in the coming years to check-in to a 141 key Luxury Collection property in Diriyah.
The Oberoi Wadi Safar
A brand synonymous with all-out luxury in India, Oberoi will bring their unremitting dedication to warm hospitality and perfection to a serene setting at Diriyah.
New hotels opening in Jeddah
S/O Jeddah
Saudi Arabia’s first SO/ hotel and residences will open later this year in Jeddah. Ideally located between Jeddah’s business district, the Corniche, and Tahlia Street, the new hotel is well suited all kinds of guests – from business to leisure. The newly-built property will be divided into 40 hotel rooms, 77 one-bedroom apartments, 19 two-bedroom apartments, and 11 three-bedroom apartments. There will be a choice of five restaurants including a boutique coffee shop, Italian/Mediterranean, Levantine, Asian, surf and turf, and breathtaking rooftop terrace with shisha.
The Jeddah Edition
Set to open later this year along the Jeddah corniche, next to the yacht club and marina, is The Jeddah Edition. This landmark property will tap the city’s vibrant culture and the social milieu of its location. As well as sumptuous accommodations – 63 guestrooms in total, there will incredible amenities that offer a sense of place, from a spa, a fitness centre, and a penthouse terrace. A welcoming place to gather with family or new friends, the indoor and outdoor pools will blend seamlessly into the beautiful landscape. The Jeddah Edition will also have interesting culinary experiences, from its signature restaurant to a lounge bar, while the rooftop bar will plate up sweeping views of the Red Sea. Head here for the chic décor and the views.
Regent Jeddah
The Middle Eastern debut of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Regent Hotels will see Regent Jeddah open in mid-2024, bringing next-level hospitality to the Saudi coastal city. Regent Jeddah will be set on the picturesque corniche, and offer wow-worthy views of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. A collection of 182 elegant rooms will offer unrivalled beachfront splendour, inviting guests to unwind in stunning surrounds and soak up scenic sea views. For sumptuous wellness, an expansive Raison d’Etre spa will welcome guests to enjoy the latest therapies and wellness treatments, and will be complemented by a health club and both indoor and outdoor pools. Catering to the discerning gourmand, three concept eateries and lounges promise unforgettable epicurean experiences.
Al Hamra Palace in Jeddah
One of three dazzling Saudi Arabian palaces that are currently being transformed into luxury hotels is Al Hamra Palace. This ultra-luxury address will add 47 palace suites, a grand royal suite, and 44 opulent villas to Jeddah’s haute hotel scene. Alongside lavish accommodations, operators Boutique Group will develop an array of fine-dining, wellness and cultural experiences in keeping with the ultra-luxury setting for the property.
Raffles Jeddah
The ultra-luxury Raffles brand will land in Jeddah on the corniche next year. A mix of hotel rooms, branded residents, elevated dining and luxury shopping, the modern building will home 182 guest rooms, which will begin at a generously sized 67 square metres. The aesthetic promises to be stylish and contemporary, with rich Hejazi heritage and tradition.
Earth Jeddah Waterfront
On the city’s sun-drenched coast, the jaw-dropping Earth Jeddah Waterfront is a visual masterpiece of modern design. A futuristic amalgam of blocky squares and glass panels, this modern iteration of urban living will welcome guests from the third quarter of 2025. Inside, guests will check-in to one of 140 rooms, and be able to enjoy a vibrant mix of social, dining and workspaces. At the heart, an Earth co-working and digital content zone will be the perfect space for digital nomads to get creative. There will also be an impressive array of wellness facilities, that will extend beyond the regular weights and fitness machines. To cater to the wellness-conscious traveler, there will also be an outdoor activity zone, cryotherapy and float therapy.
Four Seasons Hotel Jeddah
Set to open in 2024, the Four Seasons Hotel Jeddah, located in Jeddah corniche, will comprise of both hotel rooms and private residences. Overlooking the idyllic Red Sea, the hotel will feature 269 luxurious guest rooms and suites, 21 serviced apartments for short and long-term stays, and 64 private residences including two penthouses. Guests and residents can expect a number of high-end amenities including restaurants with outdoor terraces, swimming pools, gym, spa, kids’ club, event space, and more.
New hotels opening in AlUla
The Chedi Hegra
The legendary Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first official UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a collection of 110 tombs set in the middle of the desert. It’s here that guests will be able to check in to The Chedi Hegra: a new boutique luxury hotel opening in Q4 2023. The Chedi Hegra will be built directly into already existing structures including an old railway station, Hegra Fort, and surrounding buildings. Each of the 35 guest rooms are designed to evoke the “art of travel” with minimal interiors to bring the focus to the surrounding environment as well as custom lanterns and leather furniture honouring the heritage.
Dar Tantora
Named after AlUla’s famous sundial, Dar Tantora is set to open in AlUla’s Old Town. Slated to open in 2024, the boutique 30 hotel rooms are made from sensitively restored mudbrick buildings bringing back a touch of ancient living with just a hint of luxury. The eco-hotel will give guests a wonderful sense of history for an authentic AlUla experience. There are up to five rooms with traditional decor and minimal modern technology to ensure you can fully relax and go off the grid for a little bit. Other amenities include a pool, spa, restaurant, and café.
Sharaan Resort by Jean Nouvel
Built into the Sharaan Nature Reserve mountain, Sharaan Resort is designed by legendary French architect Jean Nouvel. The luxurious 53-key resort will be split into suites and villas, with a fine-dining restaurant that will sit up a glass elevator and atop the mountain, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Working in harmony with its environment, the resort’s construction is inspired by the Nabataean inhabitants who crafted their monuments as integral to the local landscape more than 2,000 years ago. The resort will also be home to an international summit centre which will host events and leaders from around the world, with a total of 13 hospitality pavilions.
Aman Hegra, Aman AlUla and Janu AlUla
First announced in 2019, Aman Resorts will open three properties in AlUla in the coming years. The first to open will be Aman Hegra in 2025, which will see an ultra-luxury Aman property built to offer sweeping views of the UNESCO-listed site. This will be followed by a second Aman property in 2027, and a resort from the brand’s new lifestyle arm, Janu. A tented camp and a desert resort style ranch are among the destinctive feels planned for the properties.
AZULIK AlUla
This stunning eco-luxury property is set to open by 2027 in the Nabatean Horizon District of the JTT master plan. The venue will be located near the AlMutadil Equestrian Village development and Wadi AlFann, which is a permanent desert art venue scheduled to launch by 2024. The property will feature 76 luxury villas of six different kinds, a spa, a VIP club, welcome lounges, all-day dining, and an SFER IK museum. AZULIK AlUla also aims to promote the guests’ connection to AlUla’s heritage and history by incorporating ancient rock art inscriptions in its design. No private vehicles will be allowed on the property, in their place, an all-electric mobility system along with horse and camel routes, and hiking trails for guests to enjoy the surroundings too.
Sharaan Resort 3
Plans have been unveiled for a property, dubbed Sharaan Resort 3, that will be built into the craggy peaks of Sharaan, making for a one-of-a-kind getaway. According to a statement shared with What’s On from the RCU, the resort will be “a very unique project following the form of Sharaan’s unique rock formations.” While we don’t know much more than that, we are promised that the new resort will provide guests with “dramatic distant vistas of the surrounding nature.” We can’t wait to find out more.
New hotels opening in The Red Sea
Six Senses Southern Dunes
Opening in the final months of 2023 is Six Senses Southern Dunes, the first hotel to welcome guests to The Red Sea. One of only two hotels opening on an inland site at The Red Sea, this landmark resort is nestled within desert mountains and narrow wadis. The 76-room resort is split between 36 guest rooms in the main building, and a collection of 40 villas ranging in size from one to four bedrooms are dotted strategically across the peaks to offer panoramic views of the breathtaking natural landscape. Everything will centre around the Oasis, where the hotel reception, lobby, community lounges, and meeting spaces are located. It will also house the hotel’s signature Earth Lab is, an ecology area showcasing their sustainability efforts to reduce consumption, produce locally, and support communities and ecosystems.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The St Regis Red Sea Resort
Situated on a private island within the Ummahat Islands archipelago, this St Regis property is one of three properties opening in 2023. Slated to open alongside the Ritz-Carlton Reserve later this year, The St Regis Red Sea Resort promises a collection of 90 villas – some overwater – a duo of signature restaurants, plus an outdoor pool, spa and kids’ club that oozes Maldives-style appeal.
Desert Rock
First announced in September 2021, Desert Rock is one of two inland resorts coming to the first phase of The Red Sea. The 60-key, hyper-luxury resort is dramatically situated within the craggy rocks of The Red Sea, and is designed to blend modern architecture into the natural landscape. Desert Rock will feature 48 luxury villas and 12 hotel rooms that offer uninterrupted spectacular views of the surrounding desert. A range of accommodation will be available, from ground level dwellings to crevice hotel suites midway up the mountain. A select number of excavated rooms will be located within the rock massif itself. State-of-the-art resort amenities will include a spa and fitness centre, remote destination dining areas, and a feature lagoon oasis. Guests will also be able to hike, use dune buggies, and stargaze as part of the site-wide activities program.
Four Seasons Resort at The Red Sea
Shura Island – the hub of The Red Sea development – will be home to a slew of luxury hotels, including the just-announced Four Seasons. And with all Four Seasons brand, the Four Seasons Resort at The Red Sea will have the best of everything: luxury, a great location, and family friendly. Designed by Foster + Partners, the Four Seasons Resort at The Red Sea will have 149 rooms and suites, all of which will include unobstructed coastline views and crystal-clear waters. There will also be six restaurants and lounges, an on-site marine discovery centre, and meeting and event spaces.Guests will also enjoy the exceptional resort facilities, including tennis courts, three outdoor pools with cabanas, and two beaches for families and adults-only, respectively – perfect for soaking in the sun or diving down to explore the coral reefs. Or treat yourself to a full-service spa treatment with a hammam, among other relaxation-driven offerings. The kids will also be kept entertained at the dedicated ‘Kids For All Seasons’ space, which will be packed with activities so you can relax in peace.
The Red Sea Edition
On the main hub island of Shura, lifestyle-driven Edition Hotels will open their second property in Saudi. Joining The Jeddah EDITION, opening in the summer of 2023, The Red Sea EDITION will open next year, inviting guests to check in to one of 240 guest rooms and suites that range in size from one- to three-bedroom. Elsewhere, there will be two signature restaurants, a destination bar, beach bar, fitness centre, swimming pools and spa. As is customary for the brand, everything from the design to the culinary offering will reflect the location’s cultural influence.
Faena The Red Sea
One of almost a dozen new hotels opening on Shura Island, also known as Coral Bloom, in 2024, is the dazzling US-born Faena. Focusing on experiential hospitality, healing and wellness, and innovative culinary concepts, the 150-key resort will be made up of suites and villas each with their own private pools and endless ocean views. Included within the imaginative destination: six restaurants by acclaimed chefs, a holistic healing house, South American inspired spa, a lavish nightlife experience called The Living Room, live entertainment, and art exhibitions.
Grand Hyatt
The largest of the 11 Shura Island hotels will be a 430-room Grand Hyatt property, slated to open in 2024. Arguably the most visually striking of Foster + Partners jaw-dropping hotel designs, the rainbow-hued “coral bloom” design is a unique concept that resembles a bloom of coral in the sea from above. Alongside an array of rooms and suites, guests will be able to dine at world-class restaurants, and enjoy access to the wider facilities on Shura Island, including a marina and an 18-hole championship golf course.
InterContinental Resort Red Sea
Shura Island will welcome a 210-room InterContinental Resort Red Sea in 2024. All with sea views and beach access, the strong culinary focus will see guests spoiled for choice with seven restaurants, several swimming pools, a spa and health club. For those travelling for business, events spaces of varying size will also form part of the offering.
Jumeirah The Red Sea
Dubai-born Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts will arrive in the Kingdom with a hotel opening in Makkah in 2023, and will follow it up with Jumeirah The Red Sea in early 2024. Although we don’t know much about this beachy resort, we do know it will feature 159 keys, and will add to the hotel offering at Shura Island.
Miraval The Red Sea
With a strong focus on wellness and mindfulness, Miraval Resorts and Spas have become an industry leader in the US – and for their first wellness escape outside of America, the brand is headed to Saudi Arabia. Welcoming guests to an 180-room luxury wellness escape, guest rooms range from one- to -four-bedroom villas, all spread across a sprawling 3 million square foot plot. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and unique topography of the Red Sea, Miraval The Red Sea promises to promote moments of ‘mindfulness, relaxation, and introspection.’ Sounds blissful. The star attraction will be the Life in Balance Spa, set to be the Red Sea’s largest, complete with 39 treatment rooms, a mangrove boardwalk, walking trails and workshop spaces. In addition to offering a selection of Miraval’s most coveted signature spa treatments and experiences, the spa will offer groundbreaking new treatments, destination-inspired experiences, and a series of innovative wellness programs that pay homage to the rich local culture and heritage of the Middle East.
Fairmont The Red Sea
Situated next to an 18-hole championship golf course, reflecting the close association between the Fairmont brand and world-class golf offerings, is Fairmont The Red Sea. As well as 200 guest rooms, 2,000 square metres of meeting space, a greenhouse and a spa centre, the resort will feature a collection of seven restaurants. Perhaps most interestingly, the culinary portfolio will include overwater restaurants that take advantage of the sweeping sea views.
Raffles Red Sea
Another architectural marvel from the visionary minds of Foster + Partners is Raffles Red Sea, opening on Shura Island in 2024. As with every Raffles in the world, Raffles Red Sea will present bespoke luxurious and personal hospitality. In addition to an array of room and suite options, the resort will offer six restaurants, alongside a fully-fledged spa and extensive 565 square metres of meeting space.
Rosewood Red Sea
As Rosewood Hotels continue to expand across Saudi Arabia, Rosewood Red Sea will open in 2024, welcoming guests into 149 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Elevated food and beverage offerings will include three restaurants, two lounges, a signature Manor Club and a central hub. Additional recreational spaces will include event pavilions and Asaya, Rosewood’s integrative well-being concept consisting of seven treatment rooms, a gym, two movement studios and a yoga pavilion.
SLS Red Sea
SLS will continue its Middle Eastern expansion in 2024 with the opening of SLS The Red Sea. Across 800,000 square feet of single storey accommodation, guests will have the option to book one of 150 hotel rooms, which include 12 suites and 15 villas, the latter of which will range from one- to four-bedrooms. The group behind the brand, Ennismore, have already confirmed that signature culinary offerings Seabird, Fi’lia and Floating World will cater to guests, as will the brand’s Ciel Spa, a fitness centre, Altitude pool and a ballroom.
Sheybarah Resort
In the first phase of development, alongside 11 hotels on Shura Island, one inland hotel and a duo of luxury properties on Ummahat Island, Sheybarah Resort will open on its own private island, also called Sheybarah. Located a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, the operator for this hotel has yet to be announced, but the futuristic plans for its design, masterminded by Killa Design, have already commanded worldwide attention. Guests will check-in to one of 73 pod-like beach and overwater villas. Driverless buggies will take them to the inner lagoon, where a lobby and all-day dining restaurant will also be found. To get to their villa, guests will head either north or south. To the north, you’ll find the coral reef water villas, beach villas and signature restaurant. The southern boardwalk will take guests to the lagoon villas, and a unique spa experience.
New hotels opening at AMAALA
Rosewood AMAALA
If your idea of a dream vacation means sun, sea and restorative wellness, then listen up: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ upcoming AMAALA property is a name you need to know. The new resort will have 110 guest rooms and suites, and 25 branded Rosewood Residences. The property is also set to feature various culinary options, covering everything from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries and club lounges. The property has been crafted at every level to prioritize longevity, while also creating a physical structure that will foster an environment of wellness and tranquillity.
Clinique La Prairie
The first hotel to be announced for AMAALA was a first-of-its-kind health resort from Clinique La Prairie. Guests will have access to a state-of-the-art facility in Amaala, offering exclusive programmes and holistic wellness that are the foundations of Clinique La Prairie for 91 years. Occupying 36,115sqm, the exclusive resort will feature 52 guest rooms and suites and 13 villas, built around a core building – the central “Longevity Plaza” – that houses the facilities for Clinique La Prairie’s four pillars of longevity: medical care, nutrition, movement and well-being. It will have a diagnostics lab, museum, beach club, workshop and training rooms, private dining space, and even a cooking school, ensuring visitors can embark on a unique journey of rejuvenation and self-discovery.
Jayasom Wellness Resort
Wellness resort operator, Jayasom will deliver an integrative multi-generational health offering at AMAALA’s Triple Bay. It will include 153 tastefully furnished guest rooms and 24 branded residences available for sale to private owners. With a focus on immersing guests in a journey of personal transformation, the resort will be designed to meld with the entrancing landscape of the Red Sea coastline within a horseshoe-shaped natural land formation. Central to the project will be a 7,000-square-meters area dedicated to six Jayasom pillars of wellness wisdom – holistic health, fitness, physiotherapy, nutrition, aesthetic beauty, and spa – where guests can enjoy a comprehensive array of wellness treatments and facilities.
Six Senses Amaala
Pioneering wellness operator Six Senses is headed to Amaala. The luxurious eco-conscious brand is set to bring its second hotel to Saudi Arabia with a property that will form part of Triple Bay, one of the key developments within the Amaala masterplan. Six Senses Amaala will open in the first phase of the development. Six Senses are renowned for their intuitive, local-first approach with a holistic, sustainability-driven edge, which is exactly what you can expect at Six Senses Amaala. The collection of 64 rooms, six suites, 30 villas and 25 branded residences have been designed to look like a traditional coastal village, using the local topography and materials to inspire the aesthetic. The resort will unroll along one of the most dramatic landscapes at Amaala’s Triple Bay, with mesmerising views of the Hijaz Cove and the Red Sea. At its beating heart will be Mesa, that after centuries of wind and water erosion has seen the dramatic site fill with overhangs and caves.
Equinox Resort Amaala
Equinox Resort Amaala will form part of the exclusive Amaala Marina Village, which is within the wider Triple Bay development. The 128-key property will boast two luxury penthouses, as well as a suite of amenities such as several world-class culinary concepts, a magnesium salt rooftop pool, spa, Beach Club, and a signature Equinox Fitness Club, offering a full immersion into all things wholesome and holistic. The hotel will have four open courtyards, which take inspiration from traditional architectural styles. The shaded courtyards, complete with stunning landscape and water features, will naturally cool the air, allowing guests to enjoy the resort even during the warmest days. Guest rooms are positioned to capture either the panoramic views of the Hijaz Cove or the marina with its super yachts and the buzzing promenade.
New hotels opening at NEOM
Hampton by Hilton NEOM
Hampton by Hilton is an American chain of moderately priced budget hotels founded by Hilton Worldwide, and it’s heading to NEOM later this year. Construction is being undertaken by BEC Arabia on Hampton by Hilton NEOM and the hotel is expected to be up and running by the end of 2023. The hotel will be 201-key and is set to be built over an area of 8,200 square metres. Egypt-based Sabbour Consulting will be designing Hampton By Hilton NEOM. The hotel’s flexible design will be centred on sustainability by using energy-efficient systems.
NEOM OXAGON Hotel Indigo
IHG Hotels & Resorts will be moving into the coastal city of OXAGON with NEOM OXAGON Hotel Indigo. Located in the Northwest region of Saudi Arabia, OXAGON is one of NEOM’s most futuristic projects. Set to be the largest floating structure in the world, the city is set to be a hub for innovation and will run on 100 per cent clean energy. And the new 250-key Hotel Indigo fits right in. The hotel in OXAGON will be designed as a lifestyle destination, so it will be offering retail and dining concepts including cafés, a pool lounge, and a speciality restaurant. Guests can also look forward to relaxing at the in-house spa and working it out at the 24-hour fitness centre nestled inside the upcoming boutique hotel.
Four Seasons Sindalah
A new Four Seasons resort is set to open on the NEOM’s Red Sea master project, Sindalah Island. The Four Seasons Sindalah will be split into a stylish 225-room resort overlooking the crystal-clear ocean and a collection of 52 villas with plunge pools and private yacht docks. Within the resort, guests will be able to dine at four unique restaurants, relax in the expansive spa and vitality pool, workout in the fitness centre, or make the most of the great outdoors with a variety of water activities such as water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing, as well as an on-sight diving centre.
Autograph Collection Sindalah Island property
NEOM’s Sindalah Island will now be getting Saudi’s first Autograph Collection Hotels property, as well as two Luxury Collection properties. Saudi’s first Autograph Collection Hotel is slated to open next year. The property will feature 66 rooms and suites, including one and two-bedroom villas, multiple dining options, a kids club, and a spa.
The Luxury Collection Sindalah Island, two properties
Marriott’s additional two upscale hotels will open on Sindalah island in 2024. Both Luxury Collection properties, the first will offer a mix of 70 luxury rooms and suites. These will include one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas all featuring private pools. The second Luxury Collection property will be an all-suite property offering 115 one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury suites. This hotel will be situated in the heart of the retail and marina district of Sindalah Island.
The Chedi Trojena
The collaboration between NEOM Hotel Development and GHM Hotels, the operators of The Chedi Hotels, will see the sustainably-driven hospitality brand debut a unique mountain resort in 2026. The Chedi Trojena will be nestled within the Slope Residences, located atop the mountain peaks. The property will be developed within the Relax Cluster, one of six distinctive clusters for work and play that make up Trojena. The Chedi Trojena’s location within Relax is reflective of the brand’s wellness focus, and promises to be a ‘sanctuary for reflection, recreation, and rejuvenation.’
25hours hotel Trojena
The 25hours team are working alongside Berlin-based design agency Studio Aisslinger to create a tailored concept for Trojena to embrace its locality. The hotel is “inspired by the futuristic architecture of the building and will include nods to science-fiction movies as well as to the alpine heritage of the brand.” Its main features include an in-house cinema, a farm-to-table restaurant, a bike workshop with co-working, and a rooftop restaurant with a pool.
Anantara Trojena
An Anantara Trojena Resort is set to add to the accommodation offerings at this mountain destination. Bringing a sense of luxury to the lakeside shores of NEOM in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, Anantara Trojena will offer private pool villas, speciality restaurants, and a complete range of facilities. The resort is set to feature 270 rooms and pool villas, luxury bubble tents and two speciality restaurants too. The destination is set to be the ultimate getaway from it all complete with an Anantara Spa, a fitness centre and a sports pavilion, plus an infinity pool with mountain and lake views. That’s not all though. There will also be a high tea lounge and a rooftop café to chill out at, a stunning stargazing deck and outdoor cinema so you can soak up the rare air and weather and marvel and the night sky. The resort is set to be family-friendly too, complete with kids’ and teens’ clubs.
Morgans Originals NEOM
Trojena’s Morgans Originals hotel will feature four world-class restaurants, a 2,000-metre spa and bathhouse, an architecturally-significant ski slope roof, and a rooftop bar overlooking the dramatic Trojena mountains. The unique hotel will also have an eight-story vertical core with microclimates and immersive art experiences. The hotel will be “designed to transport guests from the surreal and natural landscapes of Trojena, into a world rooted in the iconic cultural legacy of the brand.”