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NATURE & OUTDOORS

The best wellness experiences in Saudi

From ancient Arabian treatments to diving into The Red Sea, Saudi blissfully blends the old with the new for a luxury wellness escape like no other...

Words by Sue Omar

Historically, Saudi has focused on wellness through ancient spa rituals and the religious pilgrimage to Mecca or Medina.

From the super serene Moon Valley to the therapeutic natural springs in Al-Ahsa, step into an alluring wellness world – in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula – to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Whether it’s taking a hike on the exhilarating Sarawat mountains, stargazing at night, rolling on the desert dunes or discovering the vibrant marine life underwater through snorkelling, the Kingdom’s wellness offering is undoubtedly unrivalled. Ultimately, Saudi offers an extensive choice of culturally-driven wellness experiences for self-care, relaxation and leisure to match every mantra.

Hiking in the mountains

The Sarawat mountains is a part of Hijaz Mountain range running parallel to the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula and one of Saudi’s highest and most prominent geographical features. Hiking in the Sarawat mountains of Saudi is a breathtaking adventure offering scenic trails with diverse landscapes, from sandy valleys to rocky peaks. And since Saudi encourages ecotourism, mountain hiking not only offers physical health benefits, but also a chance to appreciate the natural landscapes, soak up the scenic views and cultural richness of the Kingdom. You can also enjoy hiking experiences in Taif, Al Baha or Abha.

Ancient spa treatments at Habitas, AlUla

Located in the northwest of Saudi, Habitas AlUla is found in the Ashar Valley, where travellers can experience extraordinary wellness rituals. At Habitas AlUla, you will find yourself surrounded by expansive canyons, rock formations and sandy valleys as you embark on an intimate wellness journey in the heart of the Saudi desert. The luxury accommodation at Habitas AlUla is inspired by ancient Arabian architecture and features a large infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym, a beautiful wide-open space for outdoor yoga sessions and a sensational spa. At the Thuraya Wellness Spa – inspired by Bedouin culture – you can indulge in ancient Arabian treatments that combine global and Middle Eastern techniques to cleanse your mind, body and soul.

Snorkelling in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is an ideal retreat for water and wellness enthusiasts who would like to experience epic adventures underwater along the coast of Saudi. Snorkelling is one of many water activities on offer at The Red Sea and is a great way to immerse yourself in the wonderful world under the sea. From colourful coral reefs to tropical fish, you are bound to be mesmerised by the magical marine life and sea creatures as you embark on your snorkelling adventure. Plus, you can enjoy The Red Sea’s renowned natural skin healing benefits as you dive into the warm, crystal-clear, bright blue water. Jeddah and Yanbu are the main Red Sea locations where you can enjoy snorkelling along with scuba diving.

Try a yoga class in Jeddah

As Saudi pivots towards modernisation, the Kingdom is now embracing diverse wellness practices including yoga. In 2010, Nouf Marwaai founded the Arab Yoga Foundation, a Yoga Teacher Training Organisation that promotes yoga in the Gulf region. Since then, the exercise has become more popular in Saudi due to many experiencing the holistic health benefits of yoga techniques. Founded by fitness instructor Lana Nazer, Karama Yoga is an award-winning studio in Jeddah that teaches eight traditional yoga styles including Restorative, Prenatal, Aerial, Yin, Vinyasa, Meditation, Ashtanga and Kundalini. Whether you’d like to try a class or yoga package, pencil in Karama Yoga for the ultimate wellness experience.

Contemplate sand dunes and sea at Six Senses

As the first luxury resort to open on the Red Sea, near UmLuj, Six Senses Southern Dunes is set to take wellness to new heights, while paying homage to the ancient Nabataean cultures. From rolling on the desert dunes to sailing across crystal-clear waters, you can enjoy a wide range of wellness experiences on Saudi’s wondrous West Coast. Start your day with a session at the resort’s state-of-the-art gym, followed by a bespoke beauty treatment at the spa with spectacular views. Next, after enjoying some traditional Saudi cuisine at Al Sarab, prepare to sleep under the stars in the tranquil Middle Eastern desert for an evening of pure bliss.

Stargazing in the desert

Gharameel, near AlUla, is one of Saudi’s most awe-inspiring sites to visit for a serene camping and stargazing experience. Gharameel is known for its distinctive lunar-like landscape, featuring formations of eroded rocks, rumble on the mountains and sand dunes that mirror the moon. Light pollution is minimal which provides an unobstructed view of the night sky with panoramic views. Take a seat in the wide-open space under the crystal-clear skies and watch the moon’s glow bounce beams onto the unique rock formations for a surreal stargazing night to remember.

Relaxing at the natural springs, Al Ahsa

Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Al-Ahsa is a historical agricultural oasis located in the Eastern Province of Saudi. Within the region, there are over 150 natural springs of which Al-Ahsa, Al-Jawhariah, Um Sabaa and Al-Khodoud are the most popular for their rich history of ancient travellers. What’s more, these warm, hot and cold springs are best known for their natural healing properties, which many tourists travel far to experience or take home in a bottle. Elsewhere in Al-Ahsa, you can find over a million palm trees, waterfalls and desert landscapes. Men and boys swim in a couple of the springs, but not ladies or girls.

Practical information

Visas

It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).

Getting there & around

With plenty of direct flight links from the UK to Saudi, it’s really easy to get to the country. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and daily flights from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

Local customs

To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.

Weather

You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit Riyadh is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime and rarely exceed 30°C. Summer months in Riyadh can get extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C between June and September.

FAQ

Is English spoken in Saudi?

Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.

What is the currency of Saudi?

The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.

What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?

We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.

What’s the time difference in Saudi?

Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.