If there’s a destination just at that fulcrum point where infrastructure and the unspoiled are optimized, it may be Saudi. This week, it’s the epicenter of the Davos of the Middle East. This is your guide to the literal hottest destination now. Here’s all you need to know about where to stay in Saudi Arabia.
Central Region (Riyadh)
The Central Region of Saudi Arabia, anchored by Riyadh, is where tradition meets towering ambition. This is the Kingdom’s political and economic heart. It’s home to gleaming skyscrapers, sprawling date markets, and a fast-growing arts scene. Luxury hotels like the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Ritz-Carlton offer opulent escapes amid the city’s buzz. And, each one has its own take on Saudi hospitality.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Center
Perched high in the iconic Kingdom Tower, the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is a masterclass in modern luxury with unmistakable Saudi flair. You’ll find the rooms spread across floors 30 to 50. They offer some of the best sweeping views of the capital (it’s all about sleek interiors and warm regional touches). You can (and should) indulge in Michelin-inspired dining at Café Boulud, unwind with royal hammam treatments at the spa, or shop with direct access to Kingdom Centre Mall. Regardless of whether you’re in town for business or leisure, this hotel delivers elegance, comfort, and a front-row seat to Riyadh’s transformation.
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
Mandarin Oriental Riyadh brings sleek sophistication to the heart of the capital, in signature Mandarin Oriental style. Think elegance and calm. Housed in a striking modern tower, the hotel features serene rooms with panoramic city views, a world-class spa, and dining that fuses global flavors with Saudi ingredients. It’s a favorite for discerning travelers seeking refined service and a peaceful retreat from Riyadh’s fast pace.
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh isn’t just a hotel. It’s actually a palace in disguise. Set on 52 acres of manicured gardens, this neoclassical estate was originally built to host visiting heads of state. Inside, you’ll find sweeping marble staircases, chandeliers the size of cars, and a bowling alley tucked beneath the grandeur. Fun fact: the lobby’s date display showcases over a dozen varieties, which is a nod to Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted hospitality tradition.
Northwestern Region (AlUla)
The Northwestern Region of Saudi Arabia, anchored by AlUla, feels like stepping into a living museum carved by time and wind. It’s all about towering sandstone cliffs, ancient tombs, and surreal rock formations. AlUla was once a crossroads of civilizations. Now, it’s home to cutting-edge hotels like Habitas and Six Senses. It’s where luxury meets landscape. Whether you’re exploring 2,000-year-old Nabatean ruins or sipping Arabic coffee under the stars, AlUla has a place to stay for that.
Six Senses AlUla
The Six Senses AlUla isn’t actually open yet, but we needed to put it to the top of the list. It’s set to open in 2027, but make sure it’s on your radar now. It will feature villas, residences, wellness experiences, and sustainability-focused design. This desert sanctuary will sprawl across 1.2 million square meters of oasis, nestled among red-sandstone cliffs and ancient Nabataean tombs. The resort will even offer experiences tied to preserving the endangered Arabian leopard. But, until it opens, a very solid alternative is the Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea is located in Saudi Arabia’s Western Region, near the Red Sea coast.
Our Habitas AlUla
Habitas AlUla is basically what happens when Burning Man grows up and moves to the desert with a wellness budget. The villas are modular, minimalist, and designed to vanish into the landscape. There’s no front desk—check-in happens via WhatsApp. The resort sits in a canyon that used to be a caravan route, and now hosts sound baths and stargazing sessions instead of camels. And, the restaurant’s menu changes based on what’s growing in the nearby oasis. They literally serve camel milk lattes.
Caravan by Habitas
Caravan by Habitas is the more casual, adventure-driven glamping experience in AlUla. Think of it as Habitas’s younger sibling. It’s glamping with a pulse: retro Airstreams, fire pits, and hammocks strung between date palms. The vibe is communal, not curated—guests swap stories over mezze platters and join impromptu jam sessions under the stars. There’s a vintage truck turned juice bar, and the whole place runs on solar power. Fun fact: the site used to be a stop for ancient trade caravans, so technically, it’s been hosting travelers for a few thousand years.
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FAQs
Q: What restaurants are there in Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh?
A: Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh features La Brasserie for international cuisine, the elegant Mandarin Lounge for coffee and light bites, Asir Lounge for cocktails and cigars with city views, and La Brasserie Terrace for outdoor dining and desserts.
Q: When will Six Senses AlUla open?
A: Six Senses AlUla is scheduled to open in 2027, according to the official announcement by Six Senses and the AlUla Development Company.
Q: Is Caravan by Habitas kid-friendly?
A: Caravan by Habitas AlUla is generally geared toward adventurous adults, but it does accommodate families. Children aged 13 and above are charged as adults, and the property offers amenities like air-conditioned Airstreams, private bathrooms, and communal spaces that can be family-friendly.
