In partnership with the Royal Commission for Al Ula (RCU), luxury hotel operator Aman will develop three resorts in Saudi Arabia, which are set to open in 2023.
Located in Northwest Saudi Arabia, the three distinct resorts will offer insight into the country’s natural unspoilt landscapes and archeological sites.
The development will include a tented camp, a resort close to Al Ula’s heritage areas, and a ranch-style desert resort in an “otherworldly setting”.
No details on the spa offering at the Saudi Arabia resorts is yet available, but one of Aman’s core concepts is that each location is different, with spa programming incorporating local culture into offerings and focusing on indigenous healing.
“We never repeat a concept; every property is individual, and we start with a blank canvas for each,” Nichola Roche, Aman’s group director of spa told
Spa Business in 2017.
The vast area of Al Ula covers 22,56sq km, and includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean Kingdoms reigned.
The most well-known and recognised site in Al Ula is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and comprises more than 100 well-preserved tombs with elaborate façades cut from the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement dating back to the 2nd Century BCE.
The move marks Aman’s first entry to Saudi Arabia and the region.
“Many of our existing Aman destinations are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty and rich history,” said Vladislav Doronin, chair and CEO of Aman. “With the addition of spectacular Al Ula, this takes us to 10 properties situated near or in UNESCO Heritage Sites, making it a fitting location for our first destination in the Middle East.”
He added, “Aman is committed to preserving this archaeological wonder with our resorts that will blend into the dramatic surroundings. As part of Aman’s pathfinder spirit, we have a continued mission not only to curate resorts of architectural distinction, but to seek out and introduce our guests to new destinations and experiences.”
