Experiencing Saudi Arabia: A Curated Journey Through Jeddah, The Red Sea & AlUla
Saudi Arabia is a spectacular destination that rewards curiosity, openness, and thoughtful pacing. I travelled there over the festive period to experience it firsthand—not as a tourist rushing between highlights, but as a luxury travel advisor assessing how it truly feels to move through the country, where it shines, and who it’s best suited for.
Traditional historic house in the Al-Balad district in Jeddah, which is a Unesco heritage site.
My itinerary featured 1 day in Jeddah, 4 nights at The Red Sea, and 2 nights in AlUla. It felt intentional and well-balanced; a perfect mix of culture, privacy, and extraordinary landscapes in a single journey.
Jeddah: A Cultural Introduction
Jeddah was my introduction to Saudi Arabia, and I’m glad it was. Even with just one day, the city provided valuable context.
Exploring Al-Balad, the historic district, felt grounding. The beautifully weathered buildings, quiet streets, and strong sense of history immediately challenged the idea that Saudi is only about what’s new. Strolling along the sea-front corniche in the afternoon placed me firmly in ‘holiday mode’, with its gentle sea breeze, cafes and palm trees lining the wide walkways.
One day here felt sufficient, but meaningful. Jeddah works best as a gateway: enough time to understand the cultural rhythm before transitioning into more remote, immersive environments.
The Red Sea: Where the Trip Slowed Down
The Red Sea was the portion of the journey where things shifted. After the urban energy of Jeddah, arriving here felt like an exhale.
The other-worldly Shebara Resort and its water villas.
I stayed at The Red Sea EDITION, and it immediately stood out for its effortless polish and ease. The generous beach frontage ensured a feeling of spaciousness and privacy, whilst still being connected to the beautifully landscaped gardens and hotel grounds. The design is refined but never formal, and there’s a relaxed rhythm to the days that encourages you to slow down without feeling disconnected. It’s the kind of place where nothing feels overdone—exactly the sort of luxury I personally gravitate toward and often recommend to clients.
That said, the Red Sea offers distinct personalities depending on where you stay. For clients who are passionate about diving and marine life, The Ritz-Carlton Nujuma is an exceptional choice, with direct access to some of the region’s most beautiful reefs. For travellers looking for something truly unforgettable, Shebara Resort delivers a dramatic, almost cinematic experience—arriving feels straight out of a Bond film, and there’s nothing else quite like it.
Ultimately, a relaxing stay at the Red Sea is about choosing a hotel that aligns most closely with your personal travel style. That’s where thoughtful planning makes all the difference.
The mesmerising Unesco heritage site of Hegra, home to over 111 rock-cut Nabatean tombs.
AlUla: Ancient Wonders & Timeless Landscapes (2 Nights)
AlUla was the kind of place that makes you pause. Driving here from the Red Sea, the desert feels immense, quiet, and alive all at once. Walking through the oasis, surrounded by date palms and the soft rustle of desert air, I felt immediately grounded—a striking contrast to the vast openness around it.
I spent time at Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring the perfectly carved tombs and imagining life here thousands of years ago - a perfectly complementary experience to Petra, which I visited last year.
Nearby, Dadan, Saudi’s second-largest archaeological site, offered a fascinating glimpse into a civilization that predates much of the region’s modern history. Both sites are extraordinary in scale and detail, and having a private guide made each moment feel intimate rather than rushed.
Then there’s the contrast: Maraya Concert Hall, a mirrored architectural masterpiece that reflects the surrounding mountains so completely it almost disappears. And Elephant Rock, best experienced at sunset, when the desert light turns everything warm and cinematic.
I stayed at Our Habitas AlUla, a beautiful tented desert retreat that feels deeply connected to its surroundings. The design is understated and organic, blending seamlessly into the landscape rather than competing with it. I was in one of the Celestial Villas, each equipped with a telescope — a thoughtful touch in a designated dark sky zone where the night sky feels vast and uninterrupted. Stepping outside after dinner to explore the constellations became one of the most memorable moments of the trip. The property enhanced AlUla’s sense of stillness rather than interrupting it, suiting travelers who appreciate atmosphere and intention over excess.
The natural rock formation known as Elephant Rock at sunset.
Two nights in AlUla felt just right: long enough to absorb the history, wander the oasis paths, and take in the dramatic landscapes without ever feeling hurried. It’s a destination that rewards a slower pace, and the memories linger long after you leave.
What Surprised Me Most
What stood out most was how dramatically different each destination was, but how seamless everything felt. The warmth of the welcome, the quality of service, and the sense of safety and ease all exceeded expectations. Saudi Arabia feels calm, intentional, and quietly confident—especially when experienced with the right planning.
Who This Itinerary Is Best For
Well-traveled clients looking for something new
Travelers curious about culture, design, and landscape
Those who value pacing and intention over volume
How I’d Personalize This for Clients
A view of the cave suites at Desert Rock Resort, near the Red Sea.
This itinerary is highly adaptable. Some clients may want to extend their time at The Red Sea, others may add private experiences in AlUla or additional cultural depth in Jeddah or Riyadh. As with all journeys I design, the focus is on aligning the destination with one’s interests, energy, and travel style.
Saudi Arabia is a destination that benefits from thoughtful, informed planning—and it’s one I now recommend with confidence.