Umluj, Saudi Arabia Six Senses Southern Dunes
A Desert Oasis Along the Historic Incense Trade Route
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea sits among the Alnesai dunes, with the Hijaz Mountains rising on the horizon. Designed by British architects Foster + Partners, the resort pays homage to Nabataean architectural heritage while setting new standards for sustainable desert hospitality. Between rolling dunes and rugged mountain ranges, this is a still largely undiscovered chapter of Saudi Arabian hospitality.
Location
Alnesai dunes, Umluj, Saudi Arabia Part of The Red Sea Development · along the historic incense trade route
Approx. 45-minute transfer from the new Red Sea International Airport (RSI)
Highlights
Architecture by Foster + Partners honouring Nabataean heritage 36 rooms and suites plus 40 pool villas with one to four bedrooms Two-storey Six Senses Spa with meditation dome and Holistic Anti-Aging Center
Amenities
36 rooms & suites · 40 pool villas 6 restaurants & bars · Six Senses Spa · Fitness centre · Outdoor pool
Impressions
Cuisine
The cuisine at Six Senses Southern Dunes draws on the centuries-old trading history of the incense route. At Bariya, the light-filled all-day dining restaurant, regional and international dishes meet the "Eat With Six Senses" philosophy of mindful indulgence. Merkaz serves plant-based Arabic tapas and freshly roasted coffee by day, while evenings bring changing themed menus paired with locally inspired non-alcoholic cocktails. At Al Sarab, the signature restaurant, discover authentic flavours from across Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Syria, Persia and Lebanon, while the Cooking School doubles as a private Chef's Table by night, revealing the secrets of the region's still relatively undiscovered gastronomy. The Pool Bar & Grill keeps things easy with international comfort food right by the water, and the Gelato Pod tempts with freshly baked treats alongside complimentary ice cream and sorbet. For truly special occasions, the team curates destination and in-villa dining at the resort's most striking locations.
Wellness
Six Senses Spa spans two floors, its honeycomb walls echoing the gentle patterns of the surrounding dunes. Three single and two double treatment rooms, a hammam and the Frankincense Suite with traditional rasul treatments invite holistic renewal, while the Holistic Anti-Aging Center and a sensory suite with meditation dome open up new paths to mindfulness. Upstairs, a fitness area with desert views offers yoga, aerial yoga and spin classes, followed by a refreshing stop at the Juice Bar. A salon and barber area plus a biohacking recovery lounge round out the offering.
Experiences
Around Six Senses Southern Dunes lies a largely unexplored stretch of Saudi Arabian desert: hiking and biking through the dunes, jeep excursions and overnight camel treks under the stars lead deep into Bedouin culture. On the Red Sea, diving, snorkelling and fishing trips await, while cooking classes and sustainability workshops offer insight into Saudi Arabia's cuisine and craftsmanship. At the Artisan Village, traditional sadu weaving as well as local art, music and dance come to life, and evenings close with cinema under the open desert sky. Younger guests are cared for through the Grow With Six Senses programme, offering playful wellness and sustainability experiences.
Room categories
36 rooms and suites surround the central Oasis complex, alongside 40 pool villas with one to four bedrooms – each accommodation designed in the warm tones of the dunes and the patterns of traditional Bedouin dress.
The Wadi King Room (60 sqm) is a hidden treasure, with a private terrace and day bed facing the endless desert of the Southern Dunes. The room is available with a king bed and features a spacious bathroom with bathtub, double vanities and a walk-in closet. Accessible and connecting rooms are available on request.
The Wadi Twin Room (60 sqm) is a hidden treasure, with a private terrace and day bed facing the endless desert of the Southern Dunes. The room is available with twin beds and features a spacious bathroom with bathtub, double vanities and a walk-in closet. Accessible and connecting rooms are available on request.
The Wadi Suite (90 sqm) sits near the Oasis, offering a modern, contemporary touch inspired by Bedouin and Saudi Arabian artisan crafts. A private terrace with a day bed faces the Southern Dunes; alongside the king bed, a rollaway bed can be added to the living room on request, subject to availability.
The One Bedroom Pool Villa (90 sqm) offers gorgeous mountain views, a king bedroom, a generously sized seating area and a beautifully designed bathroom with bathtub and indoor and outdoor shower. The pool terrace, with its temperature-controlled pool, is strategically positioned to enjoy an unlimited view of the landscape from the day bed and comfortable sun loungers.
The One Bedroom Sunset Pool Villa (90 sqm) offers all the same features as the One Bedroom Pool Villa, but is positioned to watch the sun blaze gold and orange as it sets over the Saudi Arabian dunes.
The Two Bedroom Pool Villa (140 sqm) offers the best of both worlds: seclusion within a resort setting. The supersized king bedroom features a seating area and a beautifully designed bathroom with bathtub and indoor and outdoor shower. The second bedroom is arranged with twin beds and has a separate area with a private bathroom and walk-in closet. The pool terrace, set with a day bed and loungers, invites you to collect precious al fresco moments against the backdrop of the majestic mountain peaks.
The Retreat (250 sqm) is a three-bedroom pool villa that comfortably sleeps up to six people. The master bedroom sits on the secluded side of the villa, with a king-size bed and a private bathroom with bathtub and indoor and outdoor shower. The second bedroom offers two twin beds with a private bathroom, bathtub and small terrace, while the third bedroom features a king-size bed with its own bathroom and small terrace. The pool and outdoor terrace offer plenty of space for everyone – perfect for yoga, breakfast, and admiring the magnificent view of desert dunes and mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. A private cinema room completes the villa.
The Sunset Retreat (250 sqm) offers the same features as the Retreat, with queen beds instead of twin beds in the second bedroom and an orientation toward the sunset over the dunes.
The Sunset Reserve (400 sqm) is the resort's crowning glory: with its own fully fitted kitchen, large pantry and outdoor entertaining space overlooking the infinite desert dunes, it is as self-sufficient as it is close to the resort's amenities. The four bedrooms comfortably sleep up to eight people. The master bedroom has a private bathroom with bathtub and indoor and outdoor shower, two twin bedrooms each come with their own bathroom and terrace, and the fourth bedroom features a king-size bed with its own bathroom and terrace. Around the pool, six loungers and a large table await al fresco dining, sunset watching and entertaining under a blanket of stars – complemented by a private cinema room and an office space.
Making Your Dream Journey a Reality
Six Senses Southern Dunes – Desert Luxury on the Red Sea
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea brings together Nabataean heritage, sustainable architecture and the quiet vastness of the Saudi Arabian desert for a stay that unites adventure and wellbeing in equal measure. Send us your no-obligation enquiry today, and we'll craft your very own desert escape in Saudi Arabia!
More hotels
