More people than ever before are travelling in search of wellness. From Indonesia's serene holistic retreats and South Korea 's cutting-edge beauty treatments to France's countryside spa resorts, many countries have carved out their own wellness identities, continuously offering travellers new ways to unwind. While these wellness capitals continue to thrive and draw in visitors, there's a new contender for the next health haven: Saudi Arabia.
Emerging from the kingdom's glittering metropolises and vast desert mountains is an up-and-coming wellness scene that is fusing tradition with future, all in the comfort of unparalleled luxury. From Red Sea spa resorts to tranquil mountain retreats, these are the best wellness hotels in Saudi Arabia. The Banyan Tree ethos is rooted in luxury, and at its AlUla property, which sits at the heart of the Ashar Valley's otherworldly desert oasis, there's an added sense of wonder thanks to its ancient and mysterious surrounds.
The wellness offering here focuses on physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation, following a holistic approach that blends Asian rituals with Saudi Arabian traditions. Treatments are tailored to each guest's needs, and holistic experiences like in-cave sound baths are offered in tandem with cultural experiences such as stargazing and horseriding through the desert to help guests feel connected to their surroundings. An onsite health centre helps guests take care of their physical health, while the in-rock infinity pool is up there with the world's most scenic swimming pools.
At neighbouring Our Habitas AlUla, wellness plays an equally vital role. Built seamlessly into its private canyon in the Ashar Valley are 96 eco-lodges, a sprawling wellness centre, and several wellness villas designed to help guests to relax and rejuvenate. Named after a star constellation used for navigation by bedouin tribes, the Thuraya Wellness Centre is home to a peaceful lounge space where guests can enjoy healthy drinks made at an alchemy bar, before checking in for a relaxing spa treatment.
There's also a fitness centre and hot yoga studio, as well as an outdoor yoga agora where guests can meditate and practice with the valley unfurling around them. Our Habitas hosts regular wellness weekends with visiting practitioners from around the world, encompassing everything from breathwork and yoga to meditation.
