Red Sea resorts: Six Senses Southern Dunes is now open
The first resort at The Red Sea megaproject is opening with an alluring desert escapes offer…
If you’ve been dreaming of journeying to the mesmerising surrounds of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, stop dreaming and start booking: the ultra-luxury Six Senses Southern Dunes is now open.
The first resort to open at The Red Sea, Six Senses Southern Dunes unrolls against the backdrop of the sandy landscapes of the Hijaz Mountains. A homage to the region’s history as a meeting point and essential route for Nabataean traders and pilgrims, the Nabataean heritage is a pivotal inspiration for the resort, where Six Senses’ crafted experiences and wellness-first approach fuse with a captivating display of the locale.
At the heart of the resort you’ll find the Oasis, designed to look like a desert flower. Surrounding the Oasis is a complex of 36 guest rooms and suites. A further 40 pool villas are dotted in strategic locations across the dunes, and all are given a majestic Bedouin touch with tones, textures and soft furnishings.
There’s plenty for guests to see, do and taste. Staying true to the Six Senses DNA, a two-floor spa features a salon and barbers, biohacking recovery lounge, hammam and five treatment rooms. Treatments such as anti-aging facials feature Biologique Recherche products, and additional facilities for men and women include infra-red salt saunas, cold plunge pools, steam rooms and relaxation areas.
The heart of the spa is where guests can enjoy the vitality pool and Juice Bar, which doubles as the Alchemy Bar. Cool and shady, this indeed features one of the best dune views in Saudi Arabia. Upstairs, a regular program of fitness classes will include aerial yoga and spinning.
Southern Dunes’ culinary credentials cover an array of dining locations, from private in-villa dining to bespoke chef’s tables. More casual offerings include the gelato pod, pool bar and grill, a lobby lounge called Merkaz and all-day dining restaurant, Bariya. A must-try restaurant will be Al Sarab, a signature restaurant serving up modern degustation menus using the flavours of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
A cooking school, Earth Lab, cinema under the stars and a roster of locally-inspired experiences ensure a full immersion into the majestic region.
Desert escapes opening offer
With the Desert Escape package, there’s 15 per cent off the best available rate (starting from SAR5,367) for bookings made by December 31, 2023. Alongside an overnight stay, the rate includes early check-in at 10am and late check-out at 4pm, a 30-minute biohacking experience and one Earth Lab experience, with a choice of beeswax wraps with a Sadu motif print or glass upcycling into jewellery.
Villa bookings can also enjoy one in-villa private BBQ experience during their stay.
More Red Sea resorts opening in 2023
Alongside Six Senses, two more resorts will welcome guests to enjoy the spoils of The Red Sea in 2023. Both part of the Marriott luxury portfolio and both will open on a single island, Ummahat Island. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve joins an ultra-exclusive collection of just five Ritz-Carlton Reserves around the world. Guests will have a choice of 63 one- to four-bedroom overwater and beach villas, and five-star amenities will range from a lavish spa and swimming pools, to an array of restaurants. Also opening later this year is The St Regis Red Sea Resort (pictured above), which 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.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, Southern Dunes Site 14, The Red Sea Development, Umluj, 48321. Rates from SAR5,367. sixsenses.com
Images: Six Senses