Six Senses, a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has signed a hotel management agreement with AUla Development Company, a unit of Public Investment Fund (PIF), to open its key development – Six Senses AlUla – in the ancient Saudi city over the next four years.
Home to the ancient Nabatean civilization, this once important trading destination, strategically placed along the historical spice route connecting east and west, pays homage to centuries of human history and culture.
Today, the immaculately preserved monumental tombs, replete with elaborately decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to 1st century AD, make AlUla the Kingdom’s first Unesco World Heritage site.
The agreement was signed by Fabien Toscano, Chief Executive Officer of AlUla Development Company, and Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses, in the presence of AlUla Development Company Managing Director Naif AlHamdan, at the Maraya Concert Hall.
As per the deal, Six Senses AlUla will open in a prime position within a spectacular natural oasis sprinkled with lush palm groves and framed by dramatic red-sandstone cliffs.
It aims to enhance this thrilling destination by preserving the cultural and architectural treasures on show within its 1,200,000 sq m landscape and providing guests a walk-on part amongst the swirl of ancient myths and stories.
“With surroundings this magnificent, the 100 guest villas and 25 residences will be built using architectural methods that blend stealthily into it, unadorned by unnecessary fuss yet radiant in their ability to create the ultimate wow factor,” stated Toscano.
Arabian Adventures
Once open, immersive guest experiences will include strolling freely among Arabian wonders, witnessing the echoes of history etched on tomb walls, and entering another realm of light and beauty as the stars begin to paint the sky.
“Handcrafted experiences will include sunrise yoga and meditation classes, moon bathing, evening singing bowl ceremonies, and moon and starlit dining,” he added.
Six Senses Spa will be a place of deep serenity, forming part of the guest journey towards self-expansion and expression with locally inspired treatments taking guests on a unique Arabian wellness adventure.
There will also be opportunities to help preserve the Arabian leopard – an important and symbolic creature in the Kingdom’s culture and ecosystem – as part of the brand’s track record as an environmental steward committed to preserving the precious wildlife that inhabits its communities.
Epicurean journeys
Enhancing the resort’s in-house culinary experiences will be dramatic destination dining possibilities among natural geological rock formations and caves. The walls of the restaurants transplant guests back in time, as they’re surrounded by rock drawings dating back thousands of years.
Through the brand’s Eat With Six Senses food and drink philosophy, the luxury development will bring out the best of the region’s cuisine and seasonal produce: from chef’s tables to exciting pop-ups, and one-off special moments to cultural cooking classes, there will be something for everyone.
“Bringing to life the drama and beauty of a site with unprecedented historical and cultural significance is a sensational opportunity,” said Jacobs.
“It inspires uncompromising sustainability, well-being, and hospitality that ignites the senses in a profoundly emotional way. It is exciting to be a new chapter to AlUla’s legacy,” he noted.
AlHamdan said the agreement represents the company’s commitment to increase luxury hospitality offerings in one of the most ancient archaeological sites.
“We are working to enrich the hospitality offerings and experiences in AlUla so that we can enable visitors to explore its rich history amidst its natural picturesque setting,” she noted.
Toscano said the opening of a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel in AlUla aligns with the group’s commitment to elevating the hospitality offering in AlUla.
“It marks another significant stride in our pursuit of sustainable development, contributing to the economic diversification and transformation of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030,” he added.
