Located within a dramatic landscape in a hidden valley and nestled between the mountains, Desert Rock resort is a true architectural marvel – a staggering achievement which features all the facilities and services of a landmark world class luxury resort, conveying utmost comfort, serenity and privacy. The resort has been sensibly conceived to reflect Saudi Arabia’s immense heritage in a scenic location which is truly one-of-a-kind, making up for a most authentic luxury experience.
Desert Rock spans 30,000 square meters of unspoiled land, having been designed with seamless integration into the rugged terrain, featuring a variety of accommodations, including pool villas, luxury suites, and private retreats, each offering a unique way to experience the splendour of the surrounding landscape. The 54 villas and 10 suites are ingeniously integrated into the natural environment, some seeming to hang from rocky pinnacles, others built into the mountain with cliffside plunge pools.
Desert Rock is fully owned by the Red Sea Global, Saudi entity controlled by Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). The choice to develop and operate Desert Rock independently is a major statement for the potential of Saudi Arabia to execute outstanding luxury hospitality projects rivalling any other similar global luxury projects. The long term vision and the scale of the The Red Sea is undeniable and unprecedented!
The resort is located within a 30 minute drive from the brand new Red Sea International Airport which has an annual capacity of 1 million passengers. The architecture and facilities of the airport are world class, a testament for the scale and vision for The Red Sea project which is unprecedented! It also reflects the strategic planning of Red Sea Global for the entire infrastructure around the wealth of resorts which are in the planning, some already open and with many imminently scheduled for opening.
The generously sized accommodations which are ingeniously integrated into the natural environment offer undisrupted views out to the horizon, allowing guests to absorb the spectacular desert landscape below. Some units are seeming to hang from rocky pinnacles, others built into the mountain itself with cliffside plunge pools. The furnishings are finishes are impeccable, with no expense sparred – a truly exceptional sleep experience and smart rooms with full controls of all features.
The Cliff Hanging Villas are perched high above the resort conveying an extraordinary combination of serenity and adventure. The Wadi Villas are ideal for families, these spacious, desert-inspired one- and two-bedroom villas offer private pools and expansive living areas, designed for relaxation and play. The Mountain Cave Suites are built into the rock face, these one-bedroom suites providing ultimate privacy, cliffside plunge pools, perfect for romantic getaways or inspiring retreats.
Mountain Crevice Villas defy gravity hanging on the edge of the massif, with panoramic views and private pools that offer a one-of-a-kind perspective of the stunning desert landscape. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and seclusion, the Royal Villa boasts three-bedrooms private villa offering unparalleled space and service, ideal for family getaways or special celebrations. But regardless of the type of accommodation, you will be ensured utmost comfort.
Desert Rock’s six restaurants and bars take guests on a journey through culinary creativity and traditional techniques. At Nyra, led by chef Osman Sezener, renowned for his Michelin-starred restaurants in Turkey, the focus is on the primal artistry of wood-fire cooking in a celebration of the bounty of sea and land. With such a diverse culinary dining offering, with each venue boasting a very distinct aesthetic, the resort makes up for an experience not wanting guests to leave.
Mica offers soft mocktails and bites inspired by Nyra’s cuisine, modern Indian flavours are on the menu at Basalt, and chic poolside oasis Wadi is the place for Peruvian dishes. The Library is a calming spot for tea and coffee accompanied by breathtaking views, and perched at the highest point of the resort, The Observatory is a hidden sanctuary for post-dinner lounging beneath starry skies. The quality of the food, presentation and service throughout all the outlets is impeccable.
The resort provides a sanctuary of wellness including five treatment rooms, a private hammam, water therapy facilities, an outdoor treatment space, a yoga pavilion, and aerial yoga sessions. This holistic approach to well-being complements the resort’s breath-taking surroundings, offering guests the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature. I was genuinely impressed with the architecture, interior design and the facilities. The sheer size of the Spa provides ultimate privacy for guests.
Highly skilled and trained therapists provide exceptional treatments and rituals. I was glad to discover the UK based Amra cosmetics brand among the selection of premium brands of the Spa. Do not miss the Rhassoul and Vichy shower, the water therapy room being perfectly suited for both single and couple’s treatments, offering a most restorative and indulgent experience.
The yoga pavilion is the perfect spot to experience the tranquility and strength-building benefits of the practice. For something more challenging, the aerial yoga classes offer a, gravity-defying workout that enhances flexibility and core strength. I would also highly recommend The Cellular Gold Rejuvenation Hammam which includes skin exfoliation with cellular gold and vitamin C technology as well as Moroccan lava clay.
Desert Rock embodies Red Sea Global’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism which is yet another huge achievement especially considering the landscape and remoteness of the resort. Every aspect of the resort, from its architecture to its service, has been designed with a focus on preserving the unique environment and enhancing key terrestrial habitats, while offering guests an unforgettable experience powered entirely by sunlight.
Beyond the facilities and the product, Desert Rock provides exceptional service standards, with a highly trained, motivated and energised team who strive to extend the ultimate individualised and personalised experience. The team is extremely well bonded, service seemingly ‘flowing’. At every encounter, staff are genuinely warm and enthusiastic. Red Sea Global has made it a strategic priority to also nurture Saudi talent and the Saudi individuals I meet could not be more welcoming and energised.
Oliver Petcu at The Red Sea
Desert Rock. Saudi Arabia
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