Six Senses swings into Saudi megadevelopment

Image © Six Senses
IHG’s ultra luxury brand Six Senses is the latest to sign up to Saudi Arabia’s mammoth Amaala project.

Six Senses Amaala is set to open as part of the first phase of the Triple Bay development.

Beachfront integration

Accommodation will comprise 64 rooms, six suites, 30 villas, and 25 branded residences, designed by architects U+A and interiors by Studio Carter.

The resort on the Saudi west coast will Integrate into the unique landforms, with the beachfront residences, a hillside village and villas that line a private mangrove bay offer varied accommodation options to suit all guest preferences. 

Designs will be inspired by the region’s traditional coastal villages, which seamlessly integrate with the naturally occurring topography and use locally sourced materials. They will be located in Amaala’s Triple Bay area, offering panoramic views across the Hijaz Cove to the Red Sea.

Natural seclusion

The central feature of the site is the dramatic Mesa, featuring spectacular overhangs and caves. To the north, the village opens onto the beaches of Hijaz Cove, home to a beach restaurant, family pool, and branded residences. To the south, the village leads around the point to natural rock pools, pocket beaches, and a mangrove boardwalk to access the spa, which will set up home in a private cove.

The 25 Six Senses branded residences, from three to six bedrooms, are being positioned to balance seclusion while opening to uninterrupted coastal vistas. The central courtyards function as a way to connect separate living pavilions while reflecting the vernacular architecture and lifestyles of the Arabian Peninsula.

Wellness and dining

Spa facilities will include a cryotherapy chamber, longevity clinic, and male and female thermal areas featuring Finnish and infrared saunas, herbal steam rooms, salt rooms, vitality pools, and ice baths. The Watsu pool, sound dome, yoga platform, and multi-sensory relaxation areas will all be used for taking time to restore and reconnect.

Guests can quench their thirst at a coffee roastery, bakery, water bar, and shisha tea house. Dining options will feature all-day menus with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. A juice bar, fermentation rooms, and ice cream will all be fresh and artisan, and the signature restaurant will offer Southeast Asian cuisine and barbecue foods.

There will also be clubs for kids and teens, prayer rooms, and communal lounges.

Green meaning

Sustainability is at the core of every facet of the resort’s building and operating practices. This includes a dedicated desalination plant that has zero impact on the pristine coral reefs and a ban on single-use plastics. All wastewater and organic waste will be used for agriculture and the organic farm.

Energy requirements will be met using renewable sources in line with the development’s zero carbon footprint. With the ambition to become a top diving and yachting destination, emphasis has been placed on conserving the marine and coastal ecosystem.

Holistic hub

Six Senses’ CEO Neil Jacobs commented: “We are connected by a shared commitment to the practice, appreciation, and advancement of arts and culture, wellness, and environmental preservation.

“Six Senses Amaala is part of a holistic hub for the arts, a leading diving destination, an extension of the Mediterranean yachting corridors, and an integrated wellness community, all of which we hope inspires guests to embark on transformative personal journeys.”

Growing relationship

John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global, the developer behind Amaala, added: “I am delighted to announce this partnership based on shared values with such an iconic brand. The resort is situated within one of the most dramatic landscapes along Triple Bay, with a stunning backdrop of the bay itself and panoramic views of the pristine Red Sea coast.

“This announcement also comes at an exciting time as we are close to welcoming the first guests to Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, which will open in the coming months. Our growing relationship with the Six Senses brand across our expanding portfolio reflects our belief in the quality of operations they bring to every property, and our shared commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment.”

Vibrant vision

Deriving from the Arabic word for hope and the Sanskrit word for purity, Amaala is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme to build a vibrant society, thriving economy, and ambitious nation. Spanning over 1,600 sq miles (4,155 sq km) of a nature reserve, this region houses coastal scenery, mountainous backdrops, white-sand beaches, and untouched coastal reefs – all within easy reach from major regional destinations such as Riyadh, Dubai, and Istanbul.

The Six Senses brand itself is also developing other sites in the region including Six Senses The Palm Dubai, bringing 60 keys to the Emirate in Q4 2024, and the 195-room Six Senses Tel Aviv, landing in Israel in Q4 2025 within a 42-storey skyscraper, with 10 floors dedicated to the hotel and a further 21 floors encompassing serviced residences.

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