Lesser-Known Luxury Destinations in Saudi Arabia

The cosmopolitan splendor of Riyadh and the coastal elegance of Jeddah have long been associated with Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourist scene. But for travelers who want real experiences in five-star comfort, the Kingdom’s lesser-known treasures offer something much deeper: the chance to see landscapes that are beyond what you would expect and enjoy hospitality that feels modern and traditional.

As Saudi Arabia becomes a top luxury destination, these quaint places are coming out of the shadows and offering experiences that are on par with the best resorts in the world. This is your insider’s guide to the Kingdom’s most treasured mysteries.

●    AlUla

Imagine waking up to find huge sandstone structures drenched in golden morning light. The winds of the desert have etched their surfaces into beautiful sculptures. This is AlUla, a place that changes what luxury travel means in the modern world.

AlUla is home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra. It is an archeological wonderland where 131 huge Nabatean tombs rise from the desert floor like silent guardians. Hegra is a quiet place that luxury travelers would love, unlike Petra in Jordan, which gets over a million visitors a year.

The places to stay here are just amazing. Banyan Tree AlUla built residences that look like they grew right out of the cliffs. Each villa has its own infinity pool with views of the desert that go on forever. At the same time, Habitas AlUla provides sustainable luxury to Ashar Valley. Guests can go stargazing with local astronomers, ride horses through ancient wadis, and take part in wellness activities based on desert traditions.

Caravan by Habitas offers a glamping experience that takes the idea to a whole new level. Sleek Airstream trailers are set up against stunning rock formations and come with luxury amenities.

●    The Red Sea Riviera

While most people go to well-known tropical paradises, smart luxury tourists are finding that Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea shoreline provides similar, if not better, experiences without the crowds. There are more than 1,200 kinds of fish and 300 kinds of coral in these waters, making them four times as diverse as Caribbean reefs.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is the best place to stay in this new location. It has overwater villas with private pools and butler service. Each villa looks like it’s floating above clear waters, and the floors have special glass panels that let you glimpse marine life below without any obstructions.

Sheybarah Island’s villas reflect the colorful marine life below them, and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers the kind of barefoot luxury that usually demands a long journey to the Indian Ocean. The white-sand beaches and turquoise waters here are so clean that they look like they haven’t been affected by time.

Six Senses Southern Dunes is the perfect place for anyone who wants to experience the best of both worlds: desert and sea. The property has dune landscapes that flow down to the shoreline, making a stunning and unique geographical feature.

●    Ha’il

Ha’il, which was once the capital of the Arabian Desert and is today a living example of the Kingdom’s rich cultural legacy, is one of the few places that really captures the spirit of Saudi Arabia. This UNESCO-listed area may not be on most luxury travel itineraries, but it has something that is becoming harder to find in modern travel: comfort and authenticity.

There are old rock carvings all across Ha’il’s sandstone formations that narrate stories that go back thousands of years. These engravings are part of the landscape itself. Some of these petroglyphs represent hunting scenes, while others reveal early forms of Arabic script. They provide us a glimpse into life, long before the modern era.

The Millennium Hail Hotel is a great place to stay as you explore this ancient area. It has world-class amenities and is close to Ha’il’s archaeological attractions. After days of exploring the desert and learning about local legends, the hotel’s luxurious setting is the perfect balance.

●    Diriyah

Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi kingdom, is only a short drive from Riyadh. There, history doesn’t simply exist in museums; it lives in every mud-brick wall and palm-lined street. The UNESCO-listed At-Turaif region has spectacular Najdi architecture, with winding lanes that lead to wonderfully renovated palaces that now contain interactive museums.

The Diriyah Gate Development, which is still going on, will turn this location into one of the best heritage-luxury destinations in the world. Bab Samhan already has boutique hotels that are steeped in local history. For those who want to fly from Jeddah to Riyadh and utilize the city as their base for discovering this ancient treasure, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is just a few minutes away and offers royal comfort.

●    The Edge of the World

Some places get their names because of marketing, while others get them because of the drama of their surroundings. The Edge of the World is definitely in the second category. This huge escarpment rises from what used to be the bottom of an ocean, making a natural amphitheater that goes on forever

To get to this amazing place, you have to drive across the desert in a four-wheel drive vehicle. The landscape, however, is truly historic. Wild camels still use these old caravan routes, and the silence here is so deep that it becomes an experience in itself. Visits around sunset are especially fascinating since the striated sandstone walls change hues like a painting.

Planning Your Journey

The best time to go is between October and April, when the weather is best for exploring the desert. Flights inside the country connect major cities quickly, so you can see more than one region on a single trip. Many of the new luxury resorts include concierge services that can set up everything from personal archaeological tours to private dinners in the desert beneath the stars.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia becoming a luxury travel destination is one of the most exciting things to happen in travel in the past few years. These lesser-known places provide something that is becoming harder to find in our hyperconnected world: the real excitement of discovery. The infrastructure is top-notch, the hospitality is warm and real, and the scenery is beyond beautiful.

Saudi Arabia has everything you’ve been looking for and more. It has cultural depth, five-star comfort, exclusivity, and accessibility, and ancient wonders and elite amenities.