The luxury resort brand is developing three properties including a tented camp concept, a resort close to AlUla’s heritage areas and a third, ranch-style desert resort
Aman has announced it will be debuting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023 following a partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The luxury resort brand will develop three distinct, architecturally-focused resorts in AlUla – a heritage-rich destination in North West Saudi Arabia – offering guests insight into the Kingdom and its unspoilt natural landscapes and archaeological sites, which have long remained undiscovered.
The first resort will encompass a tented camp concept to immerse its guests in the natural environment; the second, a sublime resort close to AlUla’s spectacular heritage areas; and a third, ranch-style development nestled in an otherworldly desert setting.
The vast area of AlUla covers 22,561sq km, and includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean Kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and comprises more than 100 well-preserved tombs with elaborate façades cut from the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement dating back to the 2nd Century BCE.
“Aman is committed to preserving this archaeological wonder with our resorts that will blend into the dramatic surroundings,” said Chairman and CEO of Aman Mr Vladislav Doronin. He added the addition of AlUla will take Aman to 10 properties situated near or in UNESCO Heritage Sites, with many of Aman’s destinations located in areas of outstanding natural beauty and rich history. “As part of Aman’s pathfinder spirit, we have a continued mission not only to curate resorts of architectural distinction, but to seek out and introduce our guests to new destinations and experiences.”
His Highness Prince Badr of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stated the new resorts show the Kingdom’s commitment to delivering an extraordinary visitor experience in AlUla: “The decision by Aman to open its first resorts in the Middle East in AlUla shows the promise and progress of the vision for AlUla to become a worldwide destination for those seeking unique experiences. I believe this partnership will be the next step in the development of the yet-to-be discovered masterpiece that is AlUla.”
All three projects represent an authentic move for the brand and will embrace eco-tourism standards in line with RCU’s commitment to sensitive development, and with Aman’s aim to ensure its destinations are pervaded by a tranquil simplicity offering unmatched opportunities for exploration and discovery.