Luxury resort and wellness spa's Six Senses is set to launch a resort in Amaala, Saudi Arabia aimed at providing a holistic experience based on three pillars: wellness and sports, arts and culture, and sea, sun and lifestyle...
A landmark shift towards welcoming international visitors means Saudi Arabia is the fastest-growing tourism destination in the G20, thanks to its mix of history, heritage, culture, coral-fringed beaches, and sunshine. Deriving from the Arabic word for hope and the Sanskrit word for purity, Amaala embodies this transformation as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program to build a vibrant society, thriving economy, and ambitious nation. Spanning over 1,600 square miles (4,155 square kilometers) of an unspoiled nature reserve, this region is blessed with dramatic coastal scenery, majestic mountainous backdrops, pristine white-sand beaches, and untouched coastal reefs – all within easy reach from major regional destinations such as Riyadh, Dubai, and Istanbul, while Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Mumbai are all within six hours’ travel.
A place to reconnect
Six Senses Amaala will serve as a canvas on which to paint an experience of a lifetime. Integrated into the unique landforms, the beachfront residences, a hillside village, and villas that line the private mangrove bay offer varied accommodation options to suit all guest preferences. They blend the natural raw beauty of the site with the understated purity and elegance of the brand’s sustainable design standards. The 64 rooms, six suites, 30 villas, and 25 branded residences, designed by architects U+A and interiors by Studio Carter, are inspired by the region’s traditional coastal villages, which seamlessly integrate with the naturally occurring topography and use locally sourced materials. They will be located on one of the most dramatic landforms along Amaala’s Triple Bay area, offering panoramic views across the Hijaz Cove to the Red Sea. The meandering streets and paths that crisscross the site lead to enchanting plazas with glimpses of the Pura Cove and its iridescent blue lagoons. The central feature of the site is the dramatic Mesa, featuring spectacular overhangs and caves. Eons of wind and water erosion have scored the limestone to reveal fossilized corals and mollusks that stand testimony to the ancient history of this land. To the north, the village opens onto the long sweeping beaches of Hijaz Cove, home to a beach restaurant, family pool, and branded residences. To the south, the village leads around the point to natural rock pools, pocket beaches, and a mangrove boardwalk to access the spa, which will set up home in a private cove.
Six Senses Spa
Spa facilities will include a cryotherapy chamber, longevity clinic, and male and female thermal areas featuring Finnish and infrared saunas, herbal steam rooms, salt rooms, vitality pools, and ice baths. The Watsu pool, sound dome, yoga platform, and multi-sensory relaxation areas will all be used for taking time to restore and reconnect.
Crafted experiences
Layered onto the resort’s facilities will be a host of activities based on Amaala’s three pillars of ‘wellness and sports’, ‘arts and culture’, and ‘sea, sun, and lifestyle’. Guests will be immersed in the aromas and flavors of the region as they pass the coffee roastery, bakery, water bar, and shisha tea house. There will also be clubs for kids and teens, prayer rooms, and communal lounges. Incorporating the Eat With Six Senses philosophy of natural ingredients, local and sustainable, and less is more, all-day dining menus will feature Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. The juice bar, fermentation rooms, and ice cream will all be fresh and artisan, and the signature restaurant will offer Southeast Asian cuisine and barbecue foods.
Branded residences
The 25 Six Senses branded residences, from three to six bedrooms, have been carefully positioned to balance seclusion with moments of togetherness while opening to uninterrupted coastal vistas. The central courtyards function as a way to connect separate living pavilions while reflecting the vernacular architecture and lifestyles of the Arabian Peninsula. Sustainability is at the core of every facet of the resort’s building and operating practices. This includes a dedicated desalination plant that has zero impact on the pristine coral reefs and a ban on single-use plastics. All wastewater and organic waste will be used for agriculture and the organic farm. Energy requirements will be met using renewable sources in line with the development’s zero carbon footprint. With the ambition to become a top diving and yachting destination, emphasis has been placed on conserving the marine and coastal ecosystem. Six Senses Amaala is set to open as part of the first phase of the Triple Bay development.
