Saudi Arabia's futuristic capital, Riyadh, is a major commercial and financial hub set on a desert plateau in the centre of the country.
27.02.2024 - 12:52 / breakingtravelnews.com
Escape the winter chill and whisk mothers and mother-figures to warmer climes. From spa treatments and gourmet delights, to bonding over a new skill, not only does a trip to Saudi promise much-welcomed boost of vitamin D to mark the end of winter, but an opportunity to enjoy some truly special experiences in the world’s newest and most exciting tourist destination.
A New Perspective: Take to the skies in AlUla
Treat your Mother to a truly once-in-a lifetime experience – a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscape of Saudi. Setting off from AlUla, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, marvel at breathtaking vistas of sand-blasted rocky outcrops and russet valleys. From Hegra to Elephant Rock, explore this open-air museum from the air and discover a place of extraordinary human and natural heritage that holds over 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history.
Book into Spa Bliss: Six Senses Southern Dunes, the Red Sea coast
For the ultimate dose of R&R, head straight to Six Senses Southern Dunes Spa. Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring dunes of Saudi’s Red Sea coast, interiors reflect the surrounding Arabian landscape: sweeping dunes and soothing sandy tones. Design is not the only reminder of where you are – notes of frankincense drift throughout the spa, and are reminiscent of the region’s incense heritage.
The traditions of Arabian wellness feature heavily throughout treatments and experiences. Join an interactive workshop to learn how to make clean skincare products using rich spices and fragrances the Nabateans traded centuries ago, the ultimate wellness souvenir! Or indulge in a Desert Bliss package, which will see skilled therapists clear and balance connective tissue using gentle cranio-sacral techniques, from the comfort of a quartz sand treatment bed.
Retail therapy: Browse the boutiques of Al Balad
For Mums who like total control over their Mother’s Day gift, or those who simply enjoy leisurely strolling round the shops, look no further than beautiful Al Balad. Better known as ‘Historic Jeddah’ or the Old Town, the Al Balad district of Jeddah is a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting buildings that date back to 7thcentury. The magnificent architecture could fool you into thinking you have stepped back in time. When not gazing up, there is plenty to discover on the street for keen shoppers. From spices and jewellery to textiles and perfume, the area is a treasure trove of little souvenirs to take a little bit of Saudi home. While stalls line the narrow streets, there are a number of stand-out establishments worth a visit – head to the Al Balad Gold Market for something sparkly, or the wood panelled Our Days of Bliss bookshop where keen readers can pick up works of fiction or
Saudi Arabia's futuristic capital, Riyadh, is a major commercial and financial hub set on a desert plateau in the centre of the country.
$3,431: That’s how much it will cost to stay at the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel in Saudi Arabia for a night. The super-exclusive, small key-count resort opens for bookings on May 26, hitting the market with the highest rates in the region.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Karen Edwards, who blogs about her family's life abroad. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, March 12. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
In Saudi Arabia’s latest tourism campaign, Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi aims to bust the stereotypes global travelers may have about the kingdom. The campaign emphasizes that Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer and is a welcoming destination, said Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority.
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LXR is a Hilton brand with 14 luxury hotels and resorts. Last week, Hilton announced a deal for an LXR resort in Saudi Arabia, and it has seven other properties in its pipeline worldwide.
The Saudi government has released its plans for the “Qiddiya Speed Track,” a Formula One-ready course being created at the Qiddiya development. The 21-turn track will go past the Six Flags amusement park and water park, similar to how the Las Vegas course wraps around the mighty Sphere.
Earth Day, celebrated each year on April 22, has evolved into the largest civic event on the planet since its origins in 1970, activating billions across 192 countries to safeguard the planet and fight for a brighter future. Its impact thus far has resulted in hundreds of millions of trees being planted, $7 billion in school grants, 2.7 billion Acts of Green and 36 million cleanup volunteers. This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” calls to advocate for widespread awareness on the overall concerns associated with plastics.
Partly-owned by one of the richest Saudi royals in the world, Four Seasons is on its way to becoming one of the most dominant luxury hotel chains in the country.
The last day to apply is today, February 26, 2024.