From the vibrant, coastal charm of Jeddah to the serene desert landscapes of AlUla, Saudi Arabia invites travellers to a world where tradition and modernity meet in dazzling harmony. In Jeddah, the city’s dynamic dining scene and bustling shopping districts reflect its role as a cosmopolitan gateway, while AlUla offers a contrasting escape into wellness retreats, ancient heritage, and breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you’re drawn by the excitement of Riyadh Season’s cultural festivities, the allure of world-class golf and racing, or the promise of luxurious hotels and restorative experiences, Saudi Arabia is a destination rich in discovery.
Story and Photos by
VISIT SAUDI
STAY
Dar Tantora The House Hotel – AlUla Old Town
Tucked within AlUla’s 800-year-old mudbrick village, Dar Tantora is more than a hotel, it’s a living museum. The 30 guest rooms are restored from traditional homes, lit with soft lamps that echo to the sounds of ancient times with activities such as breadmaking, local storytelling, or wellness rituals. Often called Saudi’s open-air museum, AlUla is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra, with monumental tombs carved into rock formations similar to Petra. The dramatic desert landscapes, star-filled skies, and contemporary art installations like Desert X AlUla make it a must-visit for history lovers, culture seekers, and adventurers.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Red Sea
If you’re looking for ultra-exclusive island luxury, Nujuma delivers. Part of the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection, the resort offers private, over-water or beach villas, untouched coral reefs, and curated experiences for guests seeking a balance of privacy and indulgence. This cluster of islands is rich in biodiversity with guests able to kayak through mangroves, dive with sea turtles, or simply enjoy beaches untouched by mass tourism. For Indonesians who love pristine nature paired with world-class service, this is a paradise waiting to be discovered.
The Jeddah EDITION – Jeddah Corniche
EDITION’s arrival in Jeddah signals a new era of modern luxury on the Red Sea. Designed by award-winning studio Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel blends contemporary interiors with sweeping sea views. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool overlooking the Corniche, fine dining that fuses global flavors, and access to a lively marina lifestyle. Known as the “Gateway to Makkah,” Jeddah is a must-see historical city on the Red Sea, with UNESCO-listed streets of Al Balad a living museum of coral-stone houses and intricately carved wooden balconies, each façade whispering tales of merchants, pilgrims, and centuries of cultural exchange.
Four Seasons Hotel Madinah – Madinah
Opening soon, the Four Seasons Hotel Madinah will offer refined luxury in one of the world’s most spiritual cities. Combining modern comfort with cultural and religious significance, it will offer a meaningful choice for pilgrims who want a premium stay. For Muslim travellers, Madinah holds deep spiritual significance as the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Beyond its religious role, the city also offers peaceful gardens, bustling souks, and a warm sense of community. Staying at a luxury hotel here allows pilgrims to balance devotion with rest and comfort.
DO
Saudi Sport Season
The start of the year has become one of the most active travel periods. From signing up for fun runs and marathons to planning holidays around major live events, movement is increasingly shaping how people travel, recharge and reconnect. Sport is no longer just something to watch, it is something to travel for. On the Red Sea coast, adrenaline takes center stage with the Formula 1 STC Saudi Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from 17 to 19 April 2026. One of the fastest street circuits in the world, the race transforms Jeddah into a city-wide celebration, with night racing set against a dramatic coastal backdrop. Alternatively, the Yanbu Flowers and Gardens Festival offers a refreshing contrast to high-energy events, where floral landscapes, open gardens, and fresh coastal air create the perfect setting for relaxed walks and mindful moments.
Wellness Odyssey
In AlUla, wellness is woven into moments where art and nature come together. Sunrise hikes through Elephant Rock or mindful walks along the scenic Dadan Trail offer grounding movement amid grand, echoing silence. Maraya and its surrounding desert installations serve as creative sanctuaries for reflection and inspiration, while art therapy workshops, guided photography walks, sound-healing and stargazing sessions under expansive skies open new pathways for reflection and expression. After a day of exploration, visitors can relax in thoughtfully designed accommodations in the serene desert-camp embrace of Together, these adventures, with creativity and restorative hospitality, make AlUla not just a destination, but a complete journey for the body, mind, and soul.
Al-Hijr Archaeological Site
Once a key stop on ancient trade routes, Al-Hijr, or Hegra, reveals the sophistication of the Nabataean Kingdom and is Saudi’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This breathtaking necropolis in the desert of AlUla contains more than 100 monumental tombs carved directly into sandstone cliffs, decorated with intricate Nabataean facades that rival Petra in Jordan.
Within Al-Hijr, you can find the Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza. Standing at nearly 72 feet tall, it is Hegra’s largest and most iconic tomb. Left unfinished, its lower third still shows visible chisel marks, a human fingerprint on a monumental structure.
In the Footsteps of the Prophet
The Hijrah Trail is a journey back in time, a walk in the footsteps of history. Officially launched in November 2025, it isn’t just a path, it’s an epic 470 km expedition from the Cave of Thawr in Makkah to the Quba Mosque in Madinah that traces one of the most transformative journeys in world history, blending physical challenge with cultural immersion. This journey is about paying homage to a story of resilience and faith, and finding your own sense of purpose along the way. From golden dunes to rocky escarpments, the Hijrah Trail offers varied terrain for hikers seeking challenge and solitude. Much of the route avoids main caravan roads, echoing its original path through remote valleys and rugged landscapes.
DINE
Carbone
After a long wait, Carbone Restaurant opened its second branch in the Middle East, in Riyadh (after Doha). The restaurant joins establishments in New York City, Hong Kong, Miami and Las Vegas, which have welcomed celebrity diners including Kylie Jenner, Rihanna, Michael Jordan, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Margot Robbie and many others. The Italian-American restaurant, founded by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick, is distinguished by its upscale Italian fare featuring dishes such as linguini vongole, spicy rigatoni, lobster fra diavolo and veal parmesan. You’ll find Carbone in the Mansard Riyadh Hotel, near the King Abdullah Financial Center.
+966 011 829 0919.
Beefbar
For lovers of steak and burgers, there may be no better recommendation in Riyadh right now than Beefbar, which opened a new branch on Tahlia Street that quickly won Best Steakhouse of the Year. The well-known steakhouse, which hails from Monte Carlo, combines French sophistication with traditional meat dishes and gives them a popular twist. With meat sourced from Australia, Japan and the U.S., Beefbar offers a wonderful selection of distinctive dishes, including miso black beef steak with truffle fries. And don’t skip the dessert menu, which features a marbled chocolate bar. On Thursdays and Fridays, the restaurant is open past midnight.
+966 9200 04146.
SHOP
Bab Makkah Souq, Jeddah
Take a captivating step back in time and explore the vibrant Bab Makkah Souq, a bustling marketplace nestled in the heart of Historic Jeddah. This sprawling open-air market, with its history stretching back hundreds of years, offers a sensory experience unlike any other. Wander through the maze-like alleys lined with stalls overflowing with a dazzling array of goods. Find everything you need for daily life, from fragrant spices and fresh nuts to traditional cosmetics like henna and captivating perfumes. Foodies will delight in the vibrant displays of dried fruits, aromatic herbs, and an enticing selection of local delicacies.
Al Jadidah Arts District, AlUla
In the lively heart of AlUla, the AlJadidah Arts District offers a warm and creative atmosphere where heritage meets modern life. Visitors are greeted by the gentle sound of the oud, the smell of freshly baked pastries, and murals filled with colour and stories inspired by the district itself. The cafés carry the scent of freshly roasted coffee, and the galleries decorate the walkways with art that invites visitors to slow down, explore, and enjoy a blend of beauty, hospitality, and culture. Visitors can explore the world’s largest hand-painted carpet stretching along the pedestrian paths, while colorful murals bring AlUla’s nature and heritage to life through expressive storytelling.