DESERT SANDS & MONUMENTS OF SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, Jeddah, welcomes us at the beginning of our remarkable journey. This historic port city lies at the midpoint of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline. The country’s wealth has allowed the city to experience rapid modernisation, though it retains its long-held prestige as the gateway to Mecca. We make our way to the Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, an opulent residence whose twin restaurants specialise in the distinct flavours of Mediterranean, Moroccan and Saudi Arabian cuisine.

To begin our exploration of the city, we head to the Al-Tayebat Museum. Spread across 12 buildings that recreate traditional Hijazi architecture, the historical artefacts within the museum are extraordinary, and include antiquities from Saudi Arabia, Persia, Morocco and China. An exhaustive study in the region’s development, exhibits also include Islamic manuscripts, tribal costumes, coins and ancient pottery. There’s even a city in miniature proudly displayed within one of the courtyards.

Today’s lunch is staggered, in order to give us the chance to appreciate the wide variety of cuisine on offer in Jeddah. Discover local favourites courtesy of our guide, who will take us into the city’s various culinary hotspots. Jeddah’s proximity to the Red Sea makes this the perfect opportunity to sample its diverse range of fresh seafood dishes. 

Relax back at our palatial residence this afternoon, before we head out to experience Al-Balad, Jeddah’s Old Town. Al-Balad’s architecture is vast and varied in its style. The UNESCO World Heritage site transports us back in time, such is the degree to which its exquisite and historic buildings have been preserved. We wander narrow laneways, gazing skyward to admire the succession of colourful, geometric roshan window coverings adorning many of the city’s buildings. 

Upon our return, we stretch our legs, taking in the atmosphere along Jeddah’s waterfront. Here we look upon the surprising sight of King Fahd’s Fountain, whose water gushes skyward, to a height of around 300 metres.

This morning, we head to the station and board a high-speed train for our journey to Medina. On arrival, we make our way to Uhud Mountain, where the Battle of Uhud was fought between Muslims and Meccans in the year 625 AD. The site includes the graves of soldiers whose lives were lost in the battle. After a brief visit to the nearby Hejaz Railway, we undertake a shopping expedition at Medina’s central market. Our day concludes with spectacular views of the Al Masjid an-Nabawi mosque, the city’s centre of devotion and an architectural marvel. The vast complex is able to accommodate up to a million worshippers. Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s local restaurants before we check into Le Meridien Hotel, Medina.

Our journey continues north to Khaybar Dam. This prodigious piece of engineering seems all the more impressive when considering it is believed to have been erected in the third century BC. Following lunch here, we continue our northward drive across the desert to AlUla. A sense of awe pervades as we are welcomed to Habitas AlUla. Our luxurious residence is encircled by titanic mountains and built upon a vast carpet of sand. Absorb incomparable vistas from your villa, relax on your private patio, or swim before a backdrop of sheer cliffs. Early this evening, we adjourn to the spectacular natural phenomenon of Elephant Rock and propose a toast to our awe-inspiring surroundings.

One could be forgiven for feeling more than a little perplexed at the sight of the colossal artistic treasures occupying the otherwise desolate landscape here. Before getting up close to these desert wonders, we take an overview of our surroundings while standing atop the Harrat Viewpoint. Peering down, we spy the small city of AlUla, being swallowed up by a vast chasm, surrounded by gigantic sandstone cliffs. Aboard 4x4 vehicles, we then make our way to the Dedan Lion Tomb. Here we find the hollow tombs of this ancient kingdom’s rulers, carved into a mountain of rock. At nearby Jabal Ikmah, we see a vast collection of ancient inscriptions made directly upon the face of the great rock. These writings are considered an ‘open library’. 

After taking a short break for coffee at the Pink Camel Pastry Boutique, we stroll the Orange Path through a lush desert oasis. Date palms tower high above us as we tread a path between mudbrick houses and ancient city walls. 

Following lunch, we admire some of the works coming out of the area’s thriving art scene at Al Jadida. Also known as ‘Art Town’, Al Jadida features five different themed squares and offers a vibrant atmosphere at night. You may like to return later tonight to dine. During a visit to AlUla’s Old Town, we discover ancient alleyways and contemporary restaurants during a leisurely stroll.

A short drive this morning brings us to Hegra, one of the region’s greatest treasures. An extensive archaeological site, only recently opened to tourism, Hegra displays all the mysterious beauty and grandeur of Petra. Its extraordinary Nabataean ruins feature an array of tombs, most famous of which is Qasr al-Farid, ‘the lonely castle’. Taking shape in the first century AD, the soaring monument was meticulously cut into a single face of the rock which supports it. Its isolation in the midst of a boundless desert lends it an even greater sense of mystique. Over lunch, we reflect further on the incredible sights we have seen here. 

This afternoon, prepare to take off and enjoy unique perspectives of AlUla’s stunning landmarks. Aboard a helicopter, soar over Elephant Rock and Hegra, before hovering over the abandoned locomotives of the Hejaz Railway. Your pilot then turns in a westerly direction, and you will soon be presented with the slightly unsettling sight of the world’s largest mirrored building, the Maraya Concert Hall, gleaming in the desert. Pass back over Jabal Ikmah and Dedan Lion Tomb before touching down in the charming village of Al Fursan.

You may prefer to take your time to lap up more of the lavish amenities and unmatched panoramas back at our unique resort.

Our transport brings us to the Red Sea coast, where we encounter the Red Sea Project, Saudi Arabia’s all-encompassing tourism precinct. Comprising an array of luxury hotels dotted along 22 islands, and with sustainability as its cornerstone, the ambitious undertaking is slated for completion by 2030. From the terminal at Turtle Bay, we embark a yacht, which delivers us to nearby Ummahat Alshaikh Island. Along this narrow stretch of sand, we find The St Regis Red Sea Resort, our residence for the next two nights. Our exquisite waterfront property hosts us for this evening’s dinner. 

Enjoy a day at leisure to wander the island on your own schedule. The lavish amenities of our resort are at your disposal; relax in the pool or spa, or simply take in the magnificent views from this perfectly placed property. You may like to explore the waters off the island by kayak or catamaran. Or snorkel amid the pristine reefs of the Ayqah Pinnacles. Enjoy your choice of restaurants for lunch and dinner. Superb Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisine are on offer at Nesma and Gishiki 45 restaurants respectively. Or choose to dine along the water’s edge at The Beach Club.