Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort
Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort
Foster + Partners
ARCHITECTS
Foster + Partners
VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANT
Barker Mohandas
DESIGN TEAM
Norman Foster, Gerard Evenden, Stefan Behling, Marilu Sicoli, Ross Palmer, Maximilian Zielinski, Dimitris Themelis, Octavian Georghiou, Giorgina Di Gironimo, Corina Fodor, Emir Tigrel, Zak Lawson, Anis Abou Zaki, Roger Ridsdill Smith, Nathan Langdon
STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT
Stantec Consultants
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
Stantec Consultants
F&B CONSULTANTS
Humble Arnold Associates
LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT
Sks Studio
LIGHTING ENGINEERS
Light Touch
SPA POOL CONSULTANT
Barr + Wray
PLANNING CONSULTANT LOCAL ARCHITECT
Keoic
INTERIOR DESIGN
Muza Lab
COST CONSULTANTS
Red Sea Global
FIRE CONSULTANT
Xeluxe
CLIENT
Red Sea Global
PHOTOGRAPHS
Red Sea Global
AREA
2338 M²
YEAR
2023
LOCATION
Umluj, Saudi Arabia
CATEGORY
Hospitality Architecture, Hotels
Situated a short distance inland from the Red Sea coast, Southern Dunes is a new luxury resort that is set to become a new destination for global tourists.
The project is a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s amazing desert landscape and pursues the highest environmental standards of sustainability in an effort to preserve, protect and enhance the region’s stunning natural biodiversity for generations to come.
The larger masterplan for the special economic zone includes an international airport and several island developments, including Coral Bloom on Shura island – the hub island for coastal development.
Located in a spectacular setting, where the dunes meet the mountains, the entrance to the resort is marked by a distinctive flower-shaped canopy, sheltering a lush oasis.
Planted with local species of flora, it cools the space naturally and enhances its environmental qualities.
The lightweight, rope-clad petals accommodate the welcoming area and many other amenities surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains and desert beyond.
The luxurious hotel rooms are located towards the breathtaking valley and open up with spectacular views of the mountains.
The resort also features 40 mountain villas, carefully placed across the site, with lightweight roof forms that are inspired by undulating sand dunes and traditional tents.
The villas respect the site’s topography, their fluid roof structures blend with the sand and the colour of the soil.
The resort includes exclusive amenities such as the spa, pool area and speciality restaurants, which are all underpinned by a commitment to championing local crafts, cuisines and traditions.
The spa provides a wide array of traditional treatments, with serene views of a nearby valley and the mountains beyond.
The pool area creates an oasis for guests, sheltering them from strong sunlight and providing spectacular views of the sand dunes.
The resort’s speciality restaurants are situated at the site’s highest point, to facilitate sunset dining.
The structures have been carefully planned and sited to minimise environmental impact. The landscaping is also sensitively designed, to maintain and enhance the original character of the area.
