A short journey inland from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, Six Senses Southern Dunes rises from the captivating desert landscape. Here, soft rolling dunes punctuated with arresting rock formations stretch as far as the eye can see, creating mesmerising natural sculptures and patterns that gently shift in the breeze, evoking a sense of mystery and awe.
Framing this majestic vista and the entrance to the resort is a distinctive flower-shaped canopy fashioned from rope-clad petals, revealing the warmest of welcomes. There is no formal reception here; instead, guests are invited to a transformative retreat where the outdoors blend seamlessly with the indoors. Cosy niches in earthy tones and textured fabrics sit alongside large sculptural tables on flagstone floors, where shadows play amongst the trees and light throws shapes on artisan-patterned walls stencilled with local designs. In this place, people can convene and gatherings take on new meaning, from the oasis to private meeting rooms. It has a rustic and serene ambiance, where the colours of the sky and the sun are highlighted by oversized pendant lighting and collections of local crafts that tell stories of the desert and explorers past.
The 36-key hotel and 40 villas, inspired by rolling dunes and Bedouin tents, mimic the organic contours of the desert, providing a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment, its ever-changing colours and textures, and infinite vast skies. These exquisite retreats, crafted from carved wood, stone, marble, and leather, enveloped in a neutral base palette accentuated by touches of terracotta, amber, blue, and sage, create an ambiance that inspires introspection, connecting guests to the natural beauty of the desert.
Sculptural, sumptuous furniture offers an inviting embrace. Surrounding statement beds featuring hand-worked canopies crafted with locally inspired designs and soft drapery create a tranquil haven. Three-dimensional art adorns the cooling earth-toned plaster walls, while handcrafted accessories and statement Arabic bronze ironmongery showcase cultural craftsmanship. Feature baths and floor-to-ceiling windowed showers connect panoramic views with vast terraces, drawing the living space to the horizon, where hanging daybeds and fringed swings gently sway with the desert breeze. Glamorous yet wonderfully unstuffy, the villas come with private pools for when the sun beckons, and as night falls, the enchanting ambiance adorned with travellers’ lanterns casts wonder at the starry sky above. Secluded and spectacular, these are places to simply “be.”
Imbued with a philosophy of “emotional hospitality”, the restaurants at Six Senses Southern Dunes celebrate local crafts and cuisines and the rich cultural heritage of the region by incorporating traditional arts, crafts, and design elements into their decor and ambiance. Here, dining is not only about nourishing the body but also about engaging the senses, creating lasting memories long after the meal has ended.
Dusk-till-dawn dining encompasses a range of culinary experiences, including a Show Kitchen, Feature oven, Herb display, Bakery, Mezze Bar, and Coffee and Juice Bar. These spaces combine textures of natural wood, woven leather, marble, and stone elements, creating a visually captivating and tactile setting with decorative textiles in green, mustard, and saffron, adding kaleidoscopic accents. The result is a light and bright atmosphere, elegant and casual, welcoming guests with a sense of openness and comfort, using natural materials and incorporating greenery from the vertical garden to connect to the surrounding environment, enhancing the overall dining experience.
At the heart of Six Senses Southern Dunes, lies the destination pool and grill, a halcyon hideaway for leisurely days. Softly tiered platforms create a sirenic setting where sunlight dances playfully on the sparkling pool. Shady cabanas and generous loungers provide respite, while fire pits add a whimsical touch. The terrace restaurant perfectly harmonises with the colours of the desert sunset, pool, and exotic planting. Mosaic-tiled tabletops and textiles adorned with stripes, patterns, and textures in shades of citrus, balanced by blue and green, infuse the space with energy and zest, creating a visual feast that complements the natural surroundings.
The Bedouin specialty restaurant and signature bar are situated at the resort’s highest point. This spectacular destination comes alive as day touches night under silver chandeliers inspired by local jewellery, their intricate designs and shimmering reflections adding a touch of glamour and elegance. Millwork, hammered metal accents, and flagstone floors contrast a rustic yet luxurious ambiance. Rich woods, woven textiles, and carved timber panels in earthy firecracker colors contribute to an intoxicating, seductive aura. Beyond, the infinity terrace invites sunset dining, surrounded by the changing hues of the sky. As the sun dips, it becomes a haven for storytelling, where tales are woven into the fabric of the starlit night.
The gym offers a comfortable and residential-like atmosphere catering to various fitness needs. The space includes a lifestyle studio and dedicated areas for cardio exercises, free weights, and stretching. Washed woods and green marble exude a sense of calm and focus. Sustainable Bolon flooring adds style and eco-consciousness, and tones of toffee, charcoal, and sage further enhance the soothing design characteristics that promote physical and mental well-being.
A sanctuary for reconnecting and reawakening, the spa, with its remarkable views of the valley and majestic mountains beyond, is an extraordinary place. Descend to the cocoon-like cavern crafted from curved plaster and stone, this architectural marvel is adorned with a magical stairway, connecting the sky above to the waters of the pool below, creating a mesmerising visual transition and metaphorical bridge uniting the ethereal sky and the grounding waters.
Design elements by Muza Lab seamlessly incorporate natural materials, utilising patterns that continue the captivating interplay of light and shade, fostering an atmosphere of deep relaxation throughout the treatment rooms, Hammam, sensory thermal suite, relaxation areas, vitality pool, and specialist clinic. Each area is carefully curated to strike a harmonious balance between innovation and the natural environment, with modern comforts seamlessly integrated to create an ambiance that is both contemporary and serene.
A snug fire-lit community lounge, exploratory earth lab, art gallery, retail space, and kids club offer distinct areas that foster conviviality, each carefully curated to awaken a sense of curiosity and exploration—places to simply be. Meticulous attention is given to the selection of materials, colours, and artistic touches; every detail reflects thoughtful consideration. The result is a coherent union of elements that perfectly complements the allure of the desert.
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