Saudi Arabia’s First Desert Retreat: A Genuine Escape or Just a Luxury Mirage?

Six Senses is a luxury hotel and resort brand focused on wellness, sustainability, and unique experiences in natural, culturally rich locations. With properties in over 20 destinations worldwide, it offers an immersive blend of luxury and environmental responsibility. Six Senses Southern Dunes has been open for about a year and was the first property launched by Red Sea.

This isn’t going to be a typical review with ratings out of 10—I find that approach too subjective for this context. Instead, I want to share my honest opinion based on my experience, both as a guest and as someone who worked on the project. I was fortunate enough to go location scouting in 2018 and later contribute to its design before leaving at 100% Schematic Design.

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Arrival at Red Sea International Airport

Our flight from Terminal 2, DXB with Fly Dubai took about 2.5 hours, landing at Red Sea International Airport (RSI) in Hanak, Saudi Arabia. Flying in, you can see the ongoing construction of the main airport, a striking wave-like structure designed by Foster + Partners, WSP, and later taken over by Jacobs and Pascall Watson. The new airport is set to open in 2025.

The tarmac was pristine, and as the aircraft taxied to the gate, you could see seaplanes, helicopters, and private jets lined up perfectly. They’re clearly well-equipped for any event and highly organised. And hey, I’m not just saying that because I worked with the airport planning team in the early days! 😄

While the main airport is under construction, Red Sea is using the private jet terminal temporarily. Red Sea International Airport sets an exclusive tone from the start, with a seamless arrival process and a dedicated concierge team (destination team) ready to welcome guests. Passport control and baggage claim were smooth and efficient.

Our ride to Southern Dunes came in style—a Red Sea-branded electric Mercedes EQ, perfectly aligned with Six Senses’ commitment to sustainability and experiential travel. The attention to detail and warm hospitality were unmistakable, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s welcoming culture. Our chauffeur was not only friendly but also shared insightful information about the region, making the drive itself part of the experience. I felt like a celebrity for a moment :D.

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The Scenic Journey to Southern Dunes

The journey from the airport to the hotel was a scenic adventure. The vast desert landscape, dotted with wild camels and herds of goats, painted a captivating picture of Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty. The drive at around 3 PM was great, but I can’t imagine the return trip in the dark—without street lights, it could be a bit daunting, especially given the local driving culture (no offence!).

Upon arrival at Southern Dunes, our personal concierge, Benousha, greeted us warmly, having already connected with us via WhatsApp before we left Dubai. She provided a detailed itinerary, complete with a spa guide, restaurant menus, and activities. Her insightful introduction to the Six Senses property and the surrounding desert set the stage for an exceptional stay, adding a personal touch that made us feel right at home.

Reflection: For me, the guest experience doesn't begin with arriving at the hotel; it starts with making a booking, various touch points throughout and the quality of service. Red Sea Global and its operators have truly excelled in this regard.

However, local municipalities need to enhance efforts to clear litter between the airport and the Southern Dunes. This cleanup is crucial for creating a positive first impression for arriving guests. A cleaner environment will not only improve the welcoming experience but also reflect the region's commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. I understand there’s a joint and ongoing effort from all sides, and I appreciate that it will take time.

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Arrival Experience: A Welcome Steeped in Heritage

One of the highlights of Six Senses, Southern Dunes is their unique rituals and Nabataean-inspired customs, which are integral to their identity as a luxury wellness operator. The peaceful ambiance and breathtaking desert views create a striking first impression, encouraging relaxation and rejuvenation from the moment you arrive.

The soothing sounds of a water fountain and gentle Arabian music enhance this wonderfully tranquil atmosphere. I usually find it hard to switch off, but Southern Dunes truly epitomises relaxation. The serene environment allows you to hear only the soft breeze and cheerful birds, making it easy to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday Dubai life.

I’ve visited several remarkable hotels—including the Fairmont Banff, Skylodge in Peru, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas at Iguassu Falls, and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman—and I can confidently say that the experience here ranks among these exceptional destinations.

A particularly thoughtful touch was the Saudi coffee ice cream served upon arrival, a subtle nod to local culture and a delightful introduction to the resort’s culinary offerings. This simple yet memorable gesture captured the essence of Saudi hospitality. The process was so efficient, I can’t even remember if they took my passport or not to check in! 😄

At the very end of our trip, we had the opportunity to write a message on a stone and leave it by the fountains. It’s small gestures like this that make the guest experience more memorable.

Six Senses, Southern Dunes is not just a destination; it’s an experience that intertwines luxury, wellness, and the natural beauty of the Saudi desert. I’ve visited several Six Senses hotels globally, and this one definitely feels familiar.

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Architectural and Design Excellence

The first thing that captured my attention was the canopy structure—tall, post-tensioned nylon ropes that create both an aesthetic and practical shade. Designed by Foster + Partners, the canopy’s unique, pod-like details provide a bespoke feel across the resort’s central spaces, from dining areas to guest entertainment and reception (This is common at Ritz Carlton to).

It would be fascinating to understand the maintenance efforts needed to keep these ropes aligned and the canopies clean, especially given its desert location, where sandstorms are frequent. Additionally, it would be interesting to learn about measures in place—such as dune anchoring and fencing—to keep out wild animals and any unexpected visitors as the resort is open! 😀

The resort features ample plantings sourced from Red Sea's in-house nursery, giving it a natural and harmonious feel within the desert landscape. In the desert, plants require irrigation, and they’ve managed to do this in a remarkably discreet way.

The back-of-house areas are tucked discreetly away, allowing for a seamless experience between guest services and the surroundings. Each element is thoughtfully integrated, enhancing an immersive experience where everything flows naturally.

The interiors and FF&E by Muza Lab blend seamlessly into the architecture, elevating the design and creating harmony throughout the structure. In true Six Senses fashion, each element is carefully selected to complement the architectural features, balancing aesthetics with functionality and reinforcing a strong sense of place.

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The Rooms: A Haven of Sustainable Luxury and Comfort

Six Senses Southern Dunes offers a total of 76 keys, including 36 guest rooms and suites along with 40 pool villas. The rooms at Six Senses Southern Dunes are spacious and offer stunning views of the desert plains.

We stayed in the Wadi Twin Room, a generous 60 sqm space that felt both luxurious and comfortable. Our room featured a spacious balcony with a suspended swing—a perfect spot to take in the desert landscape.

In our room we were greeted with a fruit platter, cakes, and a handwritten card—a thoughtful touch that added a personal element to the stay. The room included everything needed for comfort, from eco-friendly bathroom amenities and a complimentary minibar (tons of snacks) to electric fat bikes for exploring the resort grounds. (I loved that every detail was connected to sustainability.)

The terrace is spacious, featuring a large floating hammock, almost the size of a king bed, along with comfortable outdoor seating. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for reading or, in my case, blogging.

I love the full-length glass windows, which flood the space with natural light and offer stunning vistas the moment you enter. The spatial orientation of the villas is thoughtfully designed, providing perfect views from room level and setting the scene beautifully for your stay.

Reflection: With a background in construction, I noticed small details—things like socket placement, switch finishes, and practical locations. I shouldn’t have to play hide and seek when I want to iron or charge my phone! These details can be a bit of a pet peeve for me, but that’s just my perfectionist side. Overall, the room was beautifully designed, balancing luxury with functionality. Like at Nujuma, I would have preferred a bracelet room key over a keycard. And despite being a fully qualified professional, I couldn’t figure out the coffee machine! 😂

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Dining and Entertainment

Six Senses goes the extra mile to keep guests entertained, offering a full itinerary of activities like trekking, facial yoga, breath work, smoothie making, and even mocktail crafting. The gym, compared to others I’ve visited, is well-equipped with a great range of free weights and premium machines. They also offer 1:1 training sessions and even a spin class. Whatever your preference, there’s likely something for everyone.

For lunch, I dined at Bariya, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. The food was excellent, with high-quality (possibly organic), locally sourced ingredients and a diverse menu. However, I found the prices a bit steep, considering that much of the produce is locally farmed with only a few imported items. Still, quality doesn’t come cheap, and you’re in a five-star setting, so it’s all relative.

Breakfast was also served at Bariya, offering à la carte in line with Six Senses' commitment to reducing food waste, as buffets can often lead to excess. I truly appreciated this approach. They had a variety of fresh juices, an extensive à la carte menu, and some fruit options. The service was impeccable, and our guests also complimented the quality and attentive service (working breakfast).

Dinner at Al Sarab the resort’s speciality restaurant, an exquisite venue perched at the top of the resort, was memorable. A short buggy ride/or walk to the summit set the stage, and while the menu was limited, the food was superb. Our hosts, a Saudi waitress and an Indian waiter, were engaging and shared fascinating insights about the resort’s heritage and strong cultural values.

For meat-eaters, there’s a wide range of dishes to suit your palate. However, traveling with a vegetarian, I noticed that the options were limited, which could be challenging for those with specific dietary preferences.

Six Senses demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through impactful initiatives: reusing cooking oil, operating entirely on solar energy, minimising food waste, reusing water, and organizing beach clean-ups. These efforts highlight their dedication to eco-friendly practices.

Reflection: I was truly impressed by our Saudi host, a graduate of Red Sea’s in-house hospitality school in Saudi Arabia, which partners with the renowned Lausanne School of Hospitality in Switzerland. Her interpersonal skills, impeccable etiquette, and attentiveness were outstanding. If this is the standard being set, there’s a lot to look forward to in the future of the hospitality sector here.

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Unique Highlights and Room for Improvement

The stargazing at Southern Dunes is a must. (While it didn’t quite match my experience in New Zealand). The night sky here is mesmerising—you could easily spend hours taking it all in. The resort offers plenty of benches and seating areas where you can pause, relax, and take in the views.

I’ve visited other Six Senses spas before, but I skipped this one as 60-minute treatments ranged from $200–$250, quite expensive compared to similar high-end venues in Asia and the Middle East, where half-day treatments are often half the price. For some, the cost might be worth it, but is it really just for the ‘gong ritual’ and a fresh juice? (Call me a philistine).

I only stayed for one night, and with so many activities available (at an additional price), it wasn’t enough to do a thorough review. Ideally, a four-day stay would allow for a deeper experience. Based on my first impressions, however, this place is absolutely incredible.

I know people often ask about alcohol availability. While it’s a popular feature in many resorts, I don’t believe it fits the experience at Southern Dunes. This place is all about wellness and sustainability, designed to offer immersive, restorative experiences in harmony with nature. It might be a controversial opinion, but I feel alcohol would detract from that.

Reflection: I believe the villas could be better nestled within the landscape, especially from the arrival point overlooking the desert vistas. You don’t want to be greeted by rooftops when such breathtaking views are available. Careful retrofitting/green roofs could enhance the overall experience and connection to the stunning surroundings.

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Pricing and Accessibility

A stay at Six Senses Southern Dunes costs around AED 3,500 ($1,000) per night for a basic room with breakfast, which, in my opinion, is about right. Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman is priced around AED 7,000 ($1,900), while Anantara Jabal Akhdar is about AED 2,000 ($550). So, the price range seems fair. However, when you factor in the AED 4,500 ($1,200) flight from DXB to RSI, additional taxi costs of AED 350 ($100), and the tourist visa, it’s certainly not a budget-friendly experience—though others may feel differently.

For me, it’s all about unique experiences. While some may prefer Dubai, Oman, or other destinations, Six Senses Southern Dunes is perfect for those seeking something distinctive. If price is your main concern, then this type of experience might not be for you.

It would be interesting to see the long-term strategy for Southern Dunes, potentially operating as a seasonal hotel. With Saudi summers reaching over 50 degrees Celsius, it may not be ideal for guests, especially as most of the resort’s activities and offerings are outdoor.

This venue also seems ideal for weddings, corporate events, or weekend retreats, offering the option for guests to book the entire property. This would provide a private, exclusive setting, perfect for creating a tailored experience for memorable gatherings.

Six Senses appeals to a specific clientele—those who understand and appreciate its unique offering. These are the guests who will fully embrace everything Southern Dunes has to offer.

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Final Thoughts

Would I return to Southern Dunes? Absolutely, 100%.

Next time, I’d love to bring a partner or a group of friends looking to detox from Dubai and enjoy a break from the usual scene. Biking around, enjoying cool activities, and relaxing in the pool with views of the dunes—that’s my kind of vibe.

The price point feels right for the quality of the experience, and the offering is superb—I honestly can’t find any faults from my time there. Although there hasn’t been much marketing around this hotel, I’m excited to see how it takes off in the near future. Desert Rock, operated by Red Sea, promises to be another incredible experience, and I can’t wait to review it.

A huge thank you to Six Senses Southern Dunes, and Red Sea Global for their incredible hospitality. This was truly a memorable experience.

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