SCULPTED INTO THE NATURAL FOLDS OF THE ANCIENT HEJAZ MOUNTAINS IN SAUDI ARABIA’S RED SEA REGION, THIS STUNNING ECO-RETREAT IS A FEAT OF MODERN EXCELLENCE MILLIONS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING

BY AMANDA McCOY

The raw, rugged coastline along the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia is spectacular. Stretching for more than 1,000 miles, the serrated stretch snakes around translucent, coral-rich waters in sparkling turquoise and deep sapphire blue. After the kingdom opened its borders to international tourism in 2019, a crop of ultra-luxury resorts planted roots in the region, many offering stunning overwater accommodations that rival not top the floating villas of Bora Bora or the Maldives.

But the sea isn’t the only jewel of Saudi Arabia’s northwestern edge. Travelers venturing inland from the Red Sea International Airport will be treated to a different kind of wonder, an ancient landscape rarely seen by the modern eye. Amid the time-kissed cliffs and volcanic valleys of the Hejaz mountains lies Desert Rock Resort, an enchanting new eco-retreat that opened its glass doors last December.

Oppenheim Architecture, the heavily awarded Miami-based firm with a library of high-profile projects under its belt (including legendary film director Michael Bay’s Bel-Air mega-mansion), steered the design, carving a concept that’s at-once neo-modern yet blends seamlessly into the crags and cliffs. Oppenheim’s guiding philosophy is to build with the land, not on it, and this ethos is evident throughout every corner of the 64-villa retreat. The designers culled inspiration from the Nabataean civilization, an ancient Arab culture that thrived between the 4th century BCE and the 2nd century CE. The Nabataeans are still lauded today for their rock-cut architecture, carving tombs, temples, and entire cities into sandstone cliffs.

Upon arrival at the Red Sea International Airport, guests are greeted by the resort’s airport team, who tuck them into an electric vehicle for the dramatic 20-minute journey through the caves and peaks of the feral landscape to Desert Rock. There are several room types on site, all boasting private pools and dedicated villa hosts. The family-oriented Wadi Villas feature cavernous living areas encased in glass for sweeping vistas of the prodigious rocks, while Cliff-Hanging Villas rest atop the peaks themselves.

Open-air pools cling to the mountaintops like barnacles to a ship, offering a front-row seat to the starry night sky.

Mountain Cave Suites mirror the ancient Nabataean’s dwellings, yet with all the modern-day luxuries of a five-star resort. Set high on the clifftops, each suite is carved directly into the rocks, resulting in walls and terraces millions of years in the making. Mountain Crevice Villas, on the other hand, float above natural curves in the mountains, secured in place by rock pinnacles to create the illusion that they are hanging in midair.

The flagship Royal Villa is tucked away in a private corner of the grounds. Washed with natural light, the three-bed room super-suite features a formal dining room, kitchen and pantry, media room, office space, and sprawling outdoor entertainment deck with an infinity pool, outdoor shower, and al fresco dining area. This is the most exclusive room in the estate, and a dedicated butler staff ensures every whim and fancy is immediately granted.

There are several dining options on the property, thus a five-night stay could yield a different flavor experience each night. Basalt welcomes the morning sun with a fresh, farm-to-table breakfast spread, then transitions to modern Indian fare as the day soldiers on, ending with nightly theatrical performances and fire dancers. Nyra serves a wood-fired menu rooted in traditional smoking and curing methods, courtesy of Michelin-starred Chef Osman Sezener.

Feast on sizzling cuts of dry-aged steaks and simmered beef cheeks alongside garden-for aged sides like mushrooms sautéed with thyme and pumpkin ravioli. Mica is a mocktail and herbal elixir powerhouse, slinging creative signatures with house smoked infusions and pickled garnishes. Be sure to grab a nightcap in the Observatory, where sophisticated mocktails and delicate pastries are served under the Arabian stars.

Beyond the borders of the seven-acre property, a mountain playground awaits. Experiences include desert hiking, rock scrambling, fat bike tours, climbing challenges, camel riding, ziplining, and cultural pursuits like palm weaving workshops, falcon shows, and archery lessons. After a thrilling day on the rocks, soak your bones in a private hammam in the spa. Treatments include warm rhas soul body masks, therapeutic massages with Moroccan lava clay, and cellular gold renewal facials. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym encased in glass that offers bespoke fitness training services.

Desert Rock Resort desertrock.sa