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| Staff Writer |
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For those with the heart of an explorer, one can find your own space in the Red Sands southwest of Riyadh near Al Awsat, lay out a large rug beneath the starry sky. Listen to the silence of the desert, with the beautifully sculpted red sand dunes as your backdrop.
For others, we shine a spotlight on four of Riyadh's most lauded hotels.
The tourism industry in Saudi Arabia experienced a post-pandemic recovery in the first three months of 2022, welcoming 15 million visitors.
The government of Saudi Arabia has set aside SAR 413 billion (approximately USD 110 billion) to fund the growth of the hospitality industry as part of its efforts to diversify the economy away from its reliance on energy. The industry is moving forward with 310,000 hotel rooms scheduled, which is in line with Vision 2030.
In order to meet the needs of the growing number of tourists, ancillary businesses will benefit from the sector's expansion. There will be restaurants and cafes, as well as museums, shopping centres, amusement parks, music festivals, sporting events, and other types of activities.
At the same time, the uber-luxurious and well-liked restaurants will entice travellers with their use of traditional Saudi spices and cooking methods.
The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre is a shining modern landmark, perched on the top floors of the iconic 99-story Kingdom Centre tower.
Newly renovated to provide guests with a luxurious stay, the hotel pays homage to Saudi history while also capturing the spirit of the country's promising future.
Incorporating historical motifs into its new design, the hotel creates an exquisite atmosphere in which locals and international guests equally feel at home right away.
Guests can enjoy meat and seafood cooked to perfection at The Grill which features a semi-open kitchen, at the Asian and Middle Eastern fusion Elements; and in the Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, two indoor squash courts, a basketball court and a TRX room, and there are two spas (one for men and the other catering to women).
The Hotel is unparalleled for both domestic and foreign visitors due to its grand lobby, breathtaking views, and signature Four Seasons brand of gracious, highly personalised service.
A hideout for people who wanted to be treated like royalty
The uber-indulgent Ritz Carlton, Riyadh is one of the finest hotels in Saudi Arabia, and its lush grounds, which include olive trees that are 600 years old (older than the city of Riyadh itself), landscaped gardens, and swaying palms, serve to envelop its guests in a sense of royal splendour while they enjoy the hotel's discrete, attentive service.
Find yourself in a haven of sophistication, complete with luxurious rooms, a luxury spa to soothe away the aches and pains of a day of exploring, a swimming pool, event halls fit for a king, and restaurants that will leave you speechless including a classically European café for a coffee nightcap, brewed with beans sourced from the country’s leading roastery, the Roasting House.
Dine at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh to partake in the Saudi custom of getting together with loved ones over a meal with dishes inspired by Italy, China, and the Middle East.
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Small touches go a long way at Shaza Riyadh. Listen to beautiful bird songs in sunlit sanctuaries while enjoying the Shalimar tea selection in your room and glide around the property inspired by the Andalusian architecture combined with the modern luxury and art of comfort within the city of Riyadh.
Guests retiring from a long race day can enjoy the pleasures of a traditional Moroccan Hammam & Spa and dine in one of the hotel’s two restaurants, MeNa and Midan, which offer a Middle Eastern menu. The Garden View cafe is the perfect spot for a late-night coffee and sweet treat.
Set in Durrat Al Riyadh, the Kingdom’s first gated residential neighbourhood in Riyadh, the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa, characterized by architectural grandeur, resides on 154,000 sqm of a green oasis enhanced by climate-forward water features.
Featuring 162 abodes, including 121 extensive guestrooms, 31 suites and 10 private villas each with an outdoor swimming pool.
Located in sprawling stretches of impeccably landscaped lawns and oases, the hotel features several restaurants with varied themes and cuisines to tickle the palate.