Saudi Arabia is brimming with untouched islands surrounded by crystal clear waters, huge rock formations and serene mountains, natural springs, pristine sandy deserts and soft sand dunes. These vast natural landscapes whisk visitors on a journey of serenity and inspiration, and in combination with the Kingdom’s many spas and wellbeing experiences, make it the ultimate destination for wellness travel.
A Wellness Experience… Natural Springs, Al Ahsa
In the east of Saudi Arabia lies the lush green landscape of Al Ahsa, just a two-hour train from Riyadh, and within it one of the world’s largest natural oases. For travellers seeking a natural wellness experience or restorative plunge that connects them to the earth, the region’s 150 natural springs are waiting to be explored. The springs vary from naturally occurring hot, warm and cold water and are known for their healing properties due to the higher concentration of minerals. Travellers are welcome at all popular spring sites, including Al Khodoud, Al Harah, Al Jawhariah and Um Sab’ah for a detoxifying bath under the shade of the palm groves.
A Wellness Retreat… Habitas, AlUla
Habitas, AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s many state of the art wellness retreats, offers guests a truly restorative experience. Located in the magical surrounds of AlUla and easily accessed from AlUla International Airport, this desert sanctuary suspended in time and space transports all who visit on a multisensory experience of stillness and serenity. Habitas superbly combines luxury guest houses with an astonishing array of unique treatments. Thuraya Wellness, Habitas’ spa, is named after a star constellation often used by the bedouin people to navigate. Thuraya features a restorative lounge space with an alchemy bar offering a variety of local essential oils, body scrubs and herbal teas, spa treatment rooms, a yoga studio and at its centre lies an outdoor wellness agora. Guests can choose from a huge range of treatments from outdoor massages, facials, stone massage therapy, reflexology and detox experiences, all using restorative wellness practices and all-natural local Saudi ingredients. For something completely unique, wellness seekers cannot miss the Habitas Moon & Star new or full moon massage, a rest and recharge like no other under the night sky. The city will also host its annual AlUla Wellness Festival from 26 September to 16 October 2023, bringing together a vast array of wellness practitioners and experts to create a restorative and holistic experience unlike any other.
A Wellness Destination… AMAALA, Red Sea
Saudi Arabia is set to elevate its already renowned reputation as a wellness destination with AMAALA, Red Sea opening in its first phase in 2024. Located along the untouched seascape on the northwestern Red Sea coast, the wellness resort will feature recreational activities, a sports academy and a wide variety of sporting club facilities, including equestrian, camel racing and golf. The first phase of this luxury development will include luxurious hotels and exquisite spa facilities with the opening of established wellness resorts such as Rosewood and Jayasom. Rosewood AMAALA’s focal point will be the Asaya Spa, which will be discreetly hidden amongst the rolling landscape, providing a natural sanctuary for mediation, wellbeing and tranquillity. The resort experience and all facilities will immerse guests on their journey of personal transformation, with approximately 7,000 square metres dedicated to covering holistic health, fitness, physiotherapy, nutrition, aesthetic beauty, and spa. Once complete, AMAALA, in its divine location on Saudi’s Red Sea, will be home to 25 hotels, all of which will be centred around wellness.
