Experience The Red Sea at Six Senses Southern Dunes

The Red Sea is the newest tourism destination in Saudi Arabia that inspires innovation, reimagines sustainability and showcases the region’s rich heritage. Located on Saudi Arabia’s wondrous West Coast, Six Senses Southern Dunes was the first luxury resort of several to open, offering divine desert adventures, traditional culinary experiences and an extraordinary window into ancient Nabataean cultures.

Even though the region has unveiled its new Red Sea International Airport (RSI), getting to The Red Sea from the UK involves quick and easy connections in Riyadh, Jeddah and where you’ll fly onward to The Red Sea, where your adventure to the alluring Alnesai desert begins. On arrival, a one-hour transfer through the scenic southwest coastal highway – with the most mesmerising mountain views, majestic desert, natural landscapes and narrow wadis – will awaken your senses as you travel to Saudi Arabia’s epic Red Sea resort.

Where modern luxury meets historical heritage, the spectacular Six Senses Southern Dunes pays homage to the ancient Nabataean cultures, while setting a new standard for sustainability and desert hospitality. From the Hijaz mountains to majestic desert and natural wildlife, the Red Sea resort is set against a breathtaking backdrop of awe-inspiring Arabian landscapes. At Six Senses Southern Dunes, every single part of the resort has been designed to purposefully preserve the Nabataean architectural legacy and echo timeless traditions of the past. Throughout the sandy desert destination, there are many architectural elements – such as arched doorways, intricate handcrafted designs and signature sadu weaving – that mirror the techniques of ancient Arabian artisans.

Surrounding the main oasis complex is a harmonious blend of tented suites and villas that exude the traditional aesthetic of Bedouin homes. For a truly unique and immersive experience, each space offers expansive outdoor views – to enjoy from sunrise to sunset – as a kaleidoscope of colours dance on the desert dunes. Inside, the interior has been carefully crafted with local fabrics in an array of earthy tones, textures and bright Bedouin prints that mimic the desert landscape, as well as giving a nostalgic nod to Nabataean customs.

Beyond its unrivalled luxury leisure experiences, The Red Sea development delivers world-class sustainability strategies that prioritise protecting the planet at every touch point. As Six Senses Southern Dunes opens, it will be the first resort on The Red Sea to demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental consciousness in real life. From solar energy harnessing to marine conservation and adopting eco-friendly materials, the regenerative resort promises to put sustainability first, without compromising on comfort or extravagance.

Accommodation seamlessly blend in with the natural and neutral surroundings, offering a minimalist yet lavish experience. Inspired by the shape of the desert dunes, the villas at Six Senses Southern Dunes boast double-layered undulating roofs for a futuristic feel, anchored by ancient Arabian architecture. What’s more, each modern villa has been cleverly positioned to give guests a panoramic view of unique desert peaks and also come complete with a private pool.

For an unforgettable Arabian adventure, desert sleeps at Six Senses Southern Dunes are quite literally a star attraction. Whether in a tented suite or a contemporary villa, the tranquil desert sleeps will provide an intimate connection to the Saudi Arabian landscape like no other. At night, the atmosphere is super serene with gentle gusts of the desert wind breaking up the silence. Sleeping under the stars not only aligns with the resorts’ wellness approach – by rejuvenating the mind, body and soul – but also actively helps preserve its natural ecosystem.

One of the highlights of The Red Sea is its diverse culinary choices – ranging from traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine to more modern dining experiences. Six Senses Southern Dunes invites you to indulge in delicious dishes that draw inspiration traditional recipes and local flavours from the historic incense route that once ran through this region. Embodying its Eat With Six Senses philosophy, enjoy Saudi’s rich culinary heritage at one of the following resort restaurants.

If you are looking for tapas, snacks or unique themed dinners inspired by global cuisine, then look no further than Merkaz. Far from your average restaurant and brew bar, Merkaz serves up everything from a light continental breakfast to small bites and snacks throughout the day, alongside Arabian coffees, teas and non-alcoholic cocktails.

To taste traditional Saudi cuisine in a fine dining environment, enter Al Sarab at Six Senses Southern Dunes for an authentic Arabian feast. From the a-la-carte fine dining menu to Arabic tapas and non-alcoholic cocktails at Sarab’s bar, enjoy a rich culinary experience in true Saudi style.

Six Senses Cooking School is a fusion restaurant that hosts cooking classes for all levels by day and private chef dinners by night. Enjoy authentic flavours from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Syria, Persia, and Lebanon or learn how to cook specific recipes on request. As the sun sets, Six Senses Cooking School can be booked for an exclusive Chef’s table featuring entertainment and an interactive dining experience to remember.

Six Senses Southern Dunes is ideal for getting lost in ancient Arabian customs through carefully crafted experiences with a wellness approach. Discover the local fishing towns of Al Wajh, Umluj, and Yanbu, which were once stopping points for Silk Route merchants over 2,500 years ago as you sail on the crystal-clear waters. Explore Earth Lab and take part in sustainability-themed workshops to learn more about conservation at the resort. Elsewhere, enjoy epic adventures underwater, such as scuba diving amongst the diverse coral reefs – wadi walks, historical hikes and many more marine experiences on The Red Sea.

Six Senses Southern Dunes is also footsteps away from several trails that stretch across the area’s beautiful and dramatic topography. Challenging different levels of hikers and bikers, the landscape boasts natural dunes and rugged rock formations found in the Alsukhour and the Jabal Raal nature reserves. For visitors interested in the local flora and fauna, guided nature walks can be arranged, incorporating bird monitoring activities where you can encounter the endemic sooty falcon and help plant native vegetation in line with the destination’s biodiversity enhancement goals. Additionally, stargazing storytelling sessions will offer guests the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the protected dark sky zones for the local wildlife and communities. These hypnotic skies once guided Bedouins across the dunes on the ancient silk routes, inspiring local storytelling culture.

To spark your creativity, visit Artisan Village, where you’ll learn all about the traditional art of sadu weaving, which is deeply rooted in the nomadic lifestyle of the Arabian Peninsula and represents an Arab tradition that has been passed down through generations. Or why not unwind on a sun lounger and embrace the cool breeze while you watch a movie under the stars. And for the ultimate wellness escape – head to the Six Senses Spa to access the resort’s state-of-the-art gym, book bespoke treatments and enjoy sensational views.