Envi Laguna Bay, a sustainable project being developed by Al Rasim Hotels & Resorts, will occupy a prime beachfront destination in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), surrounded by mangroves.
Family focused
The ecolodge will comprise 40 beach pods with private pools, all designed by globally renowned architect firm Gensler. Facilities will be family- and wellbeing experience- focused and include a kids’ club, an activities centre, and a wellness hub featuring a yoga deck.
Local mango trees are inspiring the lodge’s architectural concept, according to Gensler.
Eco-friendly benchmark
Envi professes an eco-friendly approach to hospitality and tourism, with this project serving as a benchmark for coastal eco-friendly resorts on the Red Sea shores. The company intends to provide guests with an exceptional experience and allow them to witness and engage with the stunning landscapes and marine environment blended with the Kingdom’s heritage and culture.
Mangroves flourish in this area of KAEC and the ecolodge is committed to their regeneration as part of its holistic approach to luxury tourism. The calm and crystalline waters will also be protected, offering guests non-motorised sports to ensure the tranquillity of nature remains undisturbed.
Strategic location
Chris Nader, co-founder, Envi Lodges, commented: “The lodge is strategically located, just one-hour by road from Jeddah and connected to the city’s airport via the high-speed train. We envision the lodge as a preferred eco-conscious beach destination, not only for Jeddah residents, but for domestic and international travellers looking for a unique barefoot luxury escape near Saudi Arabia’s second largest city.”
Aiad Mushaikh, CEO of Al Rasim Hotels & Resorts, said: “King Abdullah Economic City will host the first eco-friendly coastal resort in the distinguished and captivating Laguna area. This collaboration introduces the Envi Lodges brand to the thriving tourism market in Saudi Arabia, with Al Rasim continually investing in unique hospitality projects that allow the discovery of the natural beauty of the Red Sea coastline.”
Fruitful collaboration
Cyril Piaia, CEO of KAEC, added: “We are delighted with our partnership with Al-Rasim and look forward to the fruitful collaboration that aligns with our strategic vision to enhance the tourism sector in KAEC. We aim to create attractive tourism and entertainment destinations, given KAEC’s location on the Red Sea coast.
“To achieve our strategic objectives, we are proud to collaborate with esteemed governmental partners such as the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, the Tourism Development Fund, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Saudi Tourism Authority. Working together with these organisations, as well as global and local investors and operators, we are dedicated to elevating the status of KAEC as a global tourism destination.”
Oasis project
Envi Laguna Bay’s reveal follows Envi Lodges offering a first design glance of Envi Al Nakheel, a luxury sustainable lodge in Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Al Ahsa Oasis.
Scheduled to open in Q3 2024, the 25-key lodge is being responsibly constructed within a traditional date palm farm. The property will feature eco-lodging pods, each offering one or two bedrooms, along with a range of amenities such as an arrival pavilion, farm-to-table dining concept, café, wellness sanctuary (spa), kids’ club, swimming pool, and immersive experiences unique to the location.
