5 of the Best Staycations in Saudi Arabia

02 September 2024

Nothing says vacation like a serene spot where you can put your feet up, fully relax, and soak in the peaceful vibes around you. We all deserve to take a break from our busy lives, whether it’s to bond with friends and family or to recharge on our own. Saudi Arabia offers a wide variety of resorts and hotels that are perfect for unwinding. We’ve curated the top five staycations to help you rejuvenate and boost your energy levels.

OUR HABITAS – ALULA

Our Habitas AlUla

Image courtesy of ourhabitas.com

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of AlUla, OUR HABITAS resort offers an unparalleled staycation experience that harmoniously blends luxury with sustainability. This immersive retreat invites guests to reconnect with nature, creativity, and adventure. At Tama, the resort’s regionally inspired restaurant, indulge in flavors crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Thuraya Wellness center provides a sanctuary where modern techniques meet ancestral practices, offering therapies designed to restore balance and enhance well-being. Guests can participate in activities like sunrise yoga on the Ashar Deck or enjoy live music by local artists, all curated to ground you in the present moment. With a variety of villas, including the Arabian Villa, Celestial Villa, Canyon Villa, and more, OUR HABITAS ensures a serene and rejuvenating stay amidst AlUla’s majestic scenery.

For more information visit ourhabitas.com

BANYAN TREE – ALULA

banyan tree resort AlUla

Image courtesy of banyantree.com

Discover the epitome of luxury at Banyan Tree Resort AlUla, a serene desert sanctuary suspended in time and space. Located in the mesmerizing Ashar Valley, this 5-star retreat sets the gold standard for opulent stays in one of the world’s most captivating travel destinations. Guests at Banyan Tree AlUla can indulge in a variety of world-class amenities, from the award-winning Saffron restaurant to the tranquil Banyan Tree Spa.

Each villa provides a private oasis, with options including the Dune One Bedroom Villa, which features a king-size bed and an external fire pit, to the expansive Dune Three Bedroom Pool Villa, complete with a secluded terrace and stunning views of the Ashar Valley’s iconic sandstone cliffs.

The resort offers a range of exclusive activities designed to immerse guests in the beauty and culture of AlUla. Enjoy a floating breakfast in your private pool, dine amidst the majestic sandstone mountains at Dove Canyon, or unwind with a personalized spa treatment. With accolades like “Middle East’s Leading Luxury Desert Resort” and “World’s Most Beautiful Hotel Exteriors,” Banyan Tree AlUla promises an unforgettable experience where luxury and nature converge in perfect harmony.

For more information visit banyantree.com

SHANGRI-LA – JEDDAH

Shangri la jeddah

Image courtesy of shangri-la.com

Situated along the stunning Jeddah Waterfront on the shores of the Red Sea, Shangri-La Jeddah redefines luxury in the city with its breathtaking design and unparalleled service. The hotel’s 203 stylish rooms, suites, and 17 luxury serviced apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the endless blue of the sea and sandy beaches, seamlessly blending the indoors with the vibrant outdoors. Guests can indulge in world-class dining at four exceptional restaurants and lounges, including the iconic Shang Palace, or relax at the serene spa. With a dedicated Kids Club, comprehensive business facilities, and proximity to Jeddah’s popular landmarks and the Red Sea Mall, Shangri-La Jeddah is the ultimate destination for both leisure and business travelers seeking a luxurious escape.

For more information visit Shangri-la.com

THE ST. REGIS RED SEA RESORT – THE RED SEA

The st. regis resort red sea

Image courtesy of marriott.com

Nestled on a pristine private island in the Ummahat archipelago, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort offers an unparalleled vision of luxury living within the groundbreaking Red Sea project. Accessible by chartered boat or seaplane from the Saudi Arabian coast, this secluded sanctuary combines avant-garde design and bespoke service with a commitment to sustainability. The resort features 90 overwater and beachfront villas, each with a spacious layout, private pool, and stunning views of the Red Sea. Architectural design by Kengo Kuma reflects the island’s natural beauty, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces with sustainable materials that honor the local environment. Guests can indulge in a range of immersive experiences, from relaxing at The St. Regis Spa and lounging by the outdoor pools to staying active at the high-tech fitness center. The resort also offers exceptional dining options, with three restaurants—Nesma, Gishiki 45, and Tilina—that merge indoor and outdoor spaces to provide breathtaking views. Additionally, the iconic St. Regis Butler service and tailored in-villa dining experiences elevate each stay, ensuring every moment is infused with timeless glamour and unmatched luxury.

For more information visit marriott.com

SIX SENSES SOUTHERN DUNES – UMLUJ

Six senses souther dunes resort

Image courtesy of sixsenses.com

Situated along the historic incense trade route with the breathtaking Hijaz Mountains as a backdrop, Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, offers an unparalleled desert resort escape in Saudi Arabia. This luxury resort pays tribute to the Nabataean architectural heritage while setting new benchmarks for sustainability and desert hospitality. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the seldom-experienced nature, wildlife, and culture of the region, all while enjoying Six Senses’ signature wellness approach. The resort features 36 guest rooms and suites, along with 40 strategically placed pool villas that blend seamlessly with the desert landscape, drawing inspiration from traditional Bedouin designs. Culinary experiences are a highlight, with diverse dining options inspired by the historic incense route. From the all-day dining at Bariya to the plant-based Arabic tapas at Merkaz, each location offers unique, well-being-focused cuisine. For those seeking adventure, the resort provides year-round attractions that promise to leave guests with unforgettable memories of the Saudi Arabian desert. This exceptional destination is part of The Red Sea Development Project, a pioneering initiative that places Saudi Arabia firmly on the global tourism map.

For more information visit sixsenses.com

As the golden sands of Saudi Arabia beckon, these extraordinary resorts offer more than just a stay—they promise a journey into the heart of a land where ancient traditions meet modern luxury. Whether you seek adventure in the vast desert landscapes or serene moments of relaxation, each destination invites you to discover the magic of this enchanting country. Let your next getaway be more than a vacation—let it be an experience that redefines your understanding of beauty, culture, and hospitality. There’s no place like Saudi!