From active mountain hikes and serene oases to peaceful nights under the desert stars, the vast landscapes of Saudi Arabia are fast becoming the ultimate destination to retreat, restore, and rejuvenate in the region
Picture this: you start your day with a soothing yoga class, before enjoying a healthy and wholesome breakfast. You then spend the rest of your morning relaxing, perhaps by the pool, before going for a hike in a lush mountain terrain, rife with palm trees and ancient villages to explore. After soaking in some adventure, your energy revitalised, you return to a blissful massage before a delectable dinner and a great night’s sleep in a luxurious hotel bed.
All of this and more can be enjoyed across Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re looking to ground yourself in nature, relax and unwind with a healing treatment, or simply fill your cup with a spot of self-care and unforgettable memories, the kingdom has it all. Here are three must-try wellness experiences in Saudi Arabia – where it has never been easier to visit, thanks to the country’s revolutionary eVisa programme and the increasing number of flights available from across the region and the rest of the world.
1. Yoga, Meditation, and Star-Gazing at AlUla
Saudi’s up-and-coming wellness capital, AlUla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a living museum holding 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history. For the last four years, it’s been host to the country’s renowned Wellness Festival, attended by locals and travellers from across the world alike. Here, you can enjoy a full range of yoga classes, fitness sessions, and stunning spa treatments at two of its most exceptional hotels, Our Habitas AlUla and the Banyan Tree (which also has a mountain-nestled rock pool), anytime you wish. The former is also well-known for its meditation offerings, including sound healing sessions under the stars.
If nature is what you’re after, there’s plenty of forms of “meditation through movement” to enjoy. You can take a hot air balloon ride offering spectacular views of the unique landscape, go horse riding across the plains, explore the verdant botanical gardens of Daimumah, or hike through Hegra with its iconic rock formations such as Fish Rock and Face Rock. To enjoy breathtaking sunsets of orange, pink, and gold, you can camp at Elephant Rock, before stargazing amidst the stillness of the desert sands under the Dancing Rocks (Al Gharameel).
2. Diving and Watersports at The Red Sea
If you’re looking to plunge yourself into a thriving underwater world, there’s nowhere better than The Red Sea. The coastal area offers a plethora of thrilling watersports, from paddleboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, wing foiling, e-boarding, and kitesurfing to snorkelling and diving, all of which is located alongside awe-inspiring dunes. Not only are these waters surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system that’s teeming with marine life, the archipelago is also surrounded by 90 untouched, white-sand islands. It’s been described as one of the last true hidden treasures across the globe.
When you’re ready to relax your sea legs with a land-based activity, there’s plenty to do on the surface, with hotels such as the Six Senses Southern Dunes and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort already open for guests. At the former, you can enjoy yoga and meditation surrounded by majestic volcanic craters and vast mountain ranges, with the chance to take workshops on fun topics like making your own clean skincare products. At the latter, sustainability enthusiasts can take a conservation tour around the rare ecosystem – before discovering the aquatic landscape through Galaxeca diving school, or the overwater world through AKUN’s exploration activities.
If you want to continue your adventures with some time in Jeddah, you can head to Sharm Obhur for diving, Bayada Island for boating and snorkelling, or Mastourah for dune bashing.
3. Hot Springs and Hiking at Al-Ahsa
The world’s largest desert oasis, this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Province has more than 2.5 million palm trees and archaeological sites against a backdrop of stunning craggy mountains. Adrenaline-seekers can enjoy a spot of desert equestrianism, alongside climbs, hikes, and the chance to explore hidden caves and secret grottos at Al-Qarah Mountain, while those looking for lush foliage can head to King Abdullah Environmental Park to explore its lush gardens while picnicking, bird watching, or going on long scenic walks.
Al-Ahsa is also home to several hot springs that are known for their healing properties, with mineral-rich thermal waters that can reach temperatures of up to 32°C. If it’s creative rest you’re in need of, you can liberate your artistic side with a handicraft workshop on pottery or weaving – or simply soothe yourself in one of its five-star properties, such as the Al Ahsa InterContinental, which boasts the first L’OCCITANE-inspired spa in the Eastern Province with exclusive treatments and therapies.
Discover more at visitsaudi.com
