Eco-Luxury Stays: Combining Sustainability with Comfort in the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia has adopted the Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve the goal of economic, cultural, and social sustainability in the country. The goal of achieving sustainability is in line with the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
With the country becoming a global hotspot for economic activities and travellers' favourite place to explore, eco-luxury stays have become very important. Saudi Arabia has been a closed kingdom for years, rich in natural treasures and cultural legacies. However, the country has been working hard to promote tourism to bring sustainability to its society.
Besides Vision 2030, the launch of eVisa is also important to attract tourists. The concept of eco-luxury stay also comes hand-in-hand.
Let’s take a look at some of the beautifully designed and maintained eco-luxury stays in the country for you to have a beautiful travelling experience in Saudi Arabia.
Our Criteria for Selection
The resorts have been chosen based on specific criteria such as sustainable practices, luxurious experiences, and overall experiences by tourists. Here are some of the top eco-luxury resorts in Saudi Arabia.
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
It is the first resort opened under the Red Sea Development Project. If you are looking to stay in a place that is fairly unexplored for the most parts, Six Senses Southern Dunes is the ideal place you would want to explore.
The entire resort is run by renewable energy which largely comes from the solar power farm nearby. Not only that, but the resort had been built using sustainable technologies. For example, it uses heat recovery technology, intelligent building management systems, and energy-efficient home appliances. Moreover, it has been built using lightweight materials to reduce heat absorption, so, you would not need much power to make the stays a comfortable one for the tourists.
The resort tops the list not just because it is the first resort under the Red Sea Project, but it has also achieved the:
- LEED Platinum
- GSTC certifications
It means the management of the resort has shown outstanding commitment to sustainability.
You might think that it is not worth visiting a resort that only focuses on sustainability and there is nothing unique to the place. Then you might be thinking wrong. The resort is designed to offer you authentic Saudi Arabian experiences through its offerings and let you experience a culture that dates back to more than 2,500 years. Discover Saudi Arabia's food, culture and art at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea.
Habitas AlUla
The best resort in the list is located in the heart of breath-taking AlUla’s sandstone canyons. While you get to experience the natural beauty of the place, you also become a part of the sustainable practices. Besides sustainable practices in the resort, you get to have a truly rich experience centred around.
- Art & Culture
- Wellness
- Adventure
- Learning
- Food & Beverage
- Music
Explore the Saudi Arabian culture, art, music and food to get a complete sense of the country and its culture.
When you visit the resort, you will not find any single-use plastic bottles that will have an impact on the environment and increase the overall waste generation. They are also a part of a reforestation program to offset carbon emission.
Banyan Tree AlUla
Experience hospitality only available in the 5 star-rated hotels in Saudi Arabia, but in the heart of Arabian Desert. Banyan Tree AlUla is like an escape from the busy and crowded neighbourhood. It is a tranquil place where you can enjoy the breath-taking view of the desert from the comfortable and luxurious rooms. The resort is nestled in the magical Ashar valley where you can see the moving sand dunes, large sandstone cliffs, and majestic rock formations.
You can also enjoy the true feeling of spending time in the desert by staying in canopy tents, which is also a way of paying tribute to the Arabian culture of the past. The name Banyan Tree is itself significant to convey the message that it wishes to create long term value for the people and the community. Like a Banyan tree offers several benefits to the people and community, the brand also promotes sustainability and relevant practices to promote a balance in the lives of people it touches.
It engages tourists to be a part of its sustainable practices. Starting with the room where they stay. All the rooms are made with materials that are sourced from local suppliers and all the materials and appliances used in the room are energy-efficient.
Besides, having a great experience in the resort, you start to be a part of its Sustainable initiatives.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Red Sea
The above mentioned resort is nestled in the heart of the desert but the one comes with a truly beautiful scenic view. Nujuma is situated in the pristine seascape of Ummahat Island. The resort is designed to help you experience care, connection and delightful luxurious experience. Built on sustainable values, the resort is powered by solar power and focuses on maintaining a natural flow of life in its offerings.
When you stay in Nujuma, you not only experience a beautiful stay but also become a part of the sustainable initiatives. It has taken the initiative of planting more than 50 million mangroves and is committed to marine conservation.
Have a truly memorable experience at Nujuma by spending time in the Neyrah Spa and diving under the sea to explore the natural marine beauty.
Desert Rock, The Red Sea
Staying in the heart of nature could not have been more real. When you stay in the resort you will feel like living in the mountains with modern facilities. The facility offers extraordinary features where you get to feel the tranquillity, serenity and experience privacy with private pools more.
Not only a truly luxurious experience, but you can feel the genuine warmth and Arabian hospitality when you visit the resort. Be a part of the resort's sustainable efforts. You will see that it has used energy-efficient appliances and lights to make the facility have less impact on the environment.
The mountainside resort is the perfect escape from the busy localities of modern society.
How to Choose the Right Eco-Luxury Stay in Saudi Arabia?
As all of the above options offer a truly luxurious experience rooted in Arabian culture, you won’t have to worry about getting an authentic Arabian experience. Just make sure that you get your chosen resort available on the days of your visit.
However, you can also choose resorts depending on your preference - desert, mountain or sea. No matter where you go, keep a copy of your Saudi eVisa in your handbag to easily access it and show it to the officials.
Apply for Saudi eVisa
Applying for Saudi eVisa is a must and you cannot visit the country without an approved visa. You will need to have a valid passport to apply for Saudi eVisa. Complete all the details and make the payment to get your visa application approved within a few days.
READ MORE:
Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of wellness tourism experiences. From luxury wellness resorts in the Red Sea coastal areas to natural hot springs. Read more at Wellness Escapes in Saudi Arabia.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA. Czech citizens, French citizens, Romanian citizens, Portuguese citizens and Turkish citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.