Where Innovation Meets Adventure and Heritage: Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea Officially Opens in Saudi Arabia
SAUDI ARABIA, November 2023 – Enveloped by the majestic Arabian desert, The Red Sea Destination blends visionary tourism with sustainability and heritage. This is where Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea has found its home, inviting guests on an out-of-the-ordinary journey of discovery and enrichment.
Inspired by the pillars of innovation, adventure, and heritage, the resort embodies the brand’s trademark wellness formula and respect for centuries past.
Fredrik Blomqvist, General Manager of Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea said: “Everything we’re doing here reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, while also pushing the boundaries of adventure and wellness. This part of the world holds much intrigue for visitors and immense potential for regenerative tourism. We aim to showcase the unique beauty and cultural richness of this region, while promoting sustainable tourism practices that contribute to economic growth and heritage conservation."
Innovation
The 36 guest rooms and 40 pool villas are dotted in strategic locations to maximize the expansive views of the dunes and wadi. Constructed using locally sourced materials, they were designed by British architectural firm Foster + Partners, renowned for its eco credentials. As beautiful on the inside as the outside, the soft furnishings draw from the rich colors and patterns of traditional Bedouin dress.
As with all Six Senses properties, sustainability is also at the forefront of the resort's operations. Aiming to be the first LEED Platinum resort in Saudi Arabia, its electricity is powered entirely by its own solar farm.
Still and sparkling water are bottled at the on-site water plant and follow a plastic-free policy. The Earth Lab offers workshops that bring conservation to life in playful and engaging ways. True to the Eat With Six Senses ethos, the essence of the gastronomy is to use ingredients grown in the Chef’s Garden or sourced locally and focus on health and well-being while celebrating the flavors and aromas of the region. With four restaurants, including a cooking school and private chef's table, plus a Gelato Pod, every day is a unique culinary adventure.
Adventure
Adventure-seekers will delight in the plethora of outdoor pursuits designed to satisfy even the most intrepid explorer. For the wellness-minded, meditation and yoga sessions in a desert or oasis setting are designed to help guests connect with inner peace and offer a unique and immersive way to connect with the natural world.
Heritage
For those interested in cultural heritage, a range of activities and experiences will showcase the rich history and traditions of Saudi Arabia, including artisan workshops. The resort’s architecture, design elements, and landscaping reflect the harmonious coexistence between Nabataean cultural roots and contemporary amenities. Guests can get involved in everything from sadu weaving to local fishing and cooking, and the on-site Artisan Village recounts the story of the region’s history by showcasing arts and crafts, dance, and music.
Wellness and Spa
The honeycomb walls of Six Senses Spa mirror the familiar undulating patterns of the dunes, guiding guests to a salon, barber, biohacking recovery lounge, and onwards to three single and two double treatment rooms (the Frankincense Suite offers Rasul treatments), and a hammam. There’s also an Alchemy Bar to handmake clean skincare products using the rich spices and fragrances once traded by the Nabateans and the Arabic influences continue on the Desert Bliss quartz sand treatment bed and during the anti-aging Deluxe Gold Hammam.
On the floor above, there’s a fully equipped gym, separate spin studio, and suite for yoga and aerial yoga, all with golden views. Each changing area offers various saunas as well as a cold plunge pool, steam room, and relaxation room.
How to get there
The 45-minute private car transfer from the new Red Sea International Airport takes guests southeast along the coastal highway before turning east inland through serene desert mountains and narrow wadis and on to the resort. Alternatively, guests can opt for a domestic flight from Yanbu Airport followed by a two-hour transfer to the resort. Transfers must be booked in advance and are subject to availability and an added charge. AlUla Airport can be reached within 4.5 hours and Jeddah Airport within 5 hours.
Opening Offer
The magic of the desert awaits for bookings before December 31, 2023 to enjoy a complimentary 30-minute biohacking experience, early check-in from 10:00 am and late check-out until 4:00 pm (subject to availability), Earth Lab experience, and in-villa private BBQ experience once during the stay for villa bookings.
For reservations: reservations-southerndunes@sixsenses.com
About Six Senses Southern Dunes
Inspired by the pillars of innovation, adventure, and heritage, Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea holds fast that it is the lessons of the past that serve as the bedrock for a brighter future. Surrounded by majestic volcanic craters and vast mountain ranges, this intriguing yet under-discovered gem showcases the region’s rich culinary culture, artistic expression, and symbolic connection to the Red Sea. As sustainable as it is spellbinding, now is the time to unveil the essence of Saudi hospitality, designed by nature and brought to life by its community.
About Six Senses
Six Senses operates 23 hotels and resorts in 18 countries and has signed a further 43 properties into the development pipeline. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses serves as a changemaker and maintains a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, emotional hospitality, wellness, and crafted experiences, infused with a touch of quirkiness. Whether an exquisite island resort, mountain retreat, or urban hotel, the vision remains the same: to reawaken people’s senses so they feel the purpose behind their travels and ultimately reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them.
Six Senses Residences offers all the unique amenities of a resort life community while retaining the privacy and personal touches of a beautifully appointed private villa or apartment. Each is an appreciating long-term investment to be cherished for generations to come with immediate benefits and exclusive status at other resorts worldwide.
Six Senses Spas guides guests on their personal path to well-being in all resorts, as well as a handful of standalone spas. The high-tech and high-touch approach goes beyond ordinary beauty treatments to offer holistic wellness, integrative medicine, and longevity.
Figures as at September 30, 2023