Riyadh: Habitas, a hospitality company known for its Burning Man-style tents, is set to build three extraordinary hotels in northwest Saudi Arabia. These hotels, resembling structures from a Dune movie, will be located within the Neom district in a new destination called Leyja. As part of Saudi Arabia’s trillion-dollar initiative to boost tourism and open up its economy, these 40-room properties will focus on adventure, wellness, and nature.
The funding for these projects, which are in addition to other planned Habitas hotels in Saudi Arabia, comes from the Saudi Tourism Development Fund, totaling $400 million. Habitas aims to create a circuit of interconnected hotels throughout the country, allowing guests to explore different parts of the kingdom while staying at Habitas properties.
Images of the Leyja hotels have been circulating for the past two weeks, grabbing attention with their realistic renderings. Only recently has it been revealed that the brand behind these hotels is Habitas. Construction is expected to begin early next year, with the hotels projected to open around 2028.
Habitas was approached by Neom, the developer of the project, with designs already in hand. However, Habitas has expanded its offerings since its inception, now venturing beyond luxury camping to places like the newly opened Habitas on Hudson in upstate New York, situated in a former manor house.
According to Habitas CEO Oliver Ripley, the focus of Habitas is to create unique experiences for guests rather than just providing accommodation. In Leyja, this begins at the welcome center, where guests are encouraged to pause, set their intentions, and learn about the history and culture of the region.
However, guests should be prepared for a hike to reach the hotels. The first hotel is located 3.5 kilometers away from the welcome center, taking about 45 minutes to an hour to reach on foot. Alternative transportation options such as horses are being considered to make the journey more immersive.
Habitas’s first hotel in Saudi Arabia, located in the ancient city of Al Ula, has been attracting both domestic and international guests. It is often fully booked, with room rates starting at around 2,600 Saudi riyal ($693). The aim is to replicate the success of this property with the Leyja hotels.
Saudi Arabia, once closed off to international tourists, is now targeting 70 million visitors per year by 2030. This week, luxury hotel brand Six Senses also announced plans to add a property in Al-Ula to its Saudi portfolio.
With its unique and immersive hotel concepts, Habitas aims to capture the attention of tourists and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism industry.
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