Saudi Arabia’s AMAALA luxury project promoting nature, sustainability

 

Saudi Arabia’s AMAALA luxury project to offer luxury with sustainability 

From turtle-friendly lighting to solar-powered infrastructure, Melisa Pezuk, Head of Development for AMAALA at Red Sea Global, discusses how design decisions today are shaping a future that restores both the planet and its visitors.

The hospitality industry faces mounting pressure to evolve. Hotels and resorts globally contribute around 1% of global carbon emissions, producing an estimated 363 million tons of CO2 each year. These emissions have severe consequences: accelerating climate change, threatening biodiversity, and harming local communities. For years, de
velopers, architects, and hoteliers have taken small steps, like swapping materials, cutting plastic use, and offsetting emissions. But these incremental changes won’t be enough to meet the scale of what’s needed.

The future of tourism development must go beyond sustainability. We need a model that actively restores nature, promotes community well-being, and generates benefits for both people and the planet. This vision is embodied by regenerative tourism, which begins with how destinations are designed, built, and brought to life.

 

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AMAALA – Red Sea Global’s upcoming wellness destination on Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast – is set to open later this year. Stretching over 4,200 square kilometers of protected land and sea, AMAALA represents the future of tourism. In a world that constantly demands peak performance, AMAALA offers more than a simple getaway. It’s a place for profound renewal.

With a commitment to environmental stewardship, AMAALA will provide a curated ecosystem for regenerating both body and mind, while protecting the natural balance of the Red Sea. Our task as developers has been to transform these aspirations into reality—through intentional design choices and thoughtful execution on the ground.

 

A design spirit supported by nature and purpose

At AMAALA, our approach to design and construction is rooted in respect for both people and the planet. Located within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, the destination’s diverse landscapes—desert terrain, volcanic rock, and thriving coastlines—have greatly influenced our building decisions. These natural elements shape not only how we build, but also where and why we build.

Take, for example, the Corallium Marine Life Institute, designed by Foster + Partners. This groundbreaking space will serve as both an experiential destination and a cutting-edge marine research center. The design reflects the ecological journey of the Red Sea, guiding visitors from shallow coastal ecosystems to the deep, vibrant coral reefs. This design philosophy is evident across AMAALA’s resorts as well. At Nammos AMAALA, the design blends Greek and Saudi aesthetics, with exterior features inspired by traditional Hijazi architecture. We aim for our resorts to reflect the culture rather than contradict it.

 

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This context-driven approach to design supports AMAALA’s wellness mission. Every choice, from architecture to landscaping, is intentionally crafted to foster a deeper sense of presence, restoration, and renewal.

 

Regenerative design for real change

Many guests visiting AMAALA are not just seeking relaxation—they’re looking for renewal for both body and mind. Wellness is no longer a luxury add-on; it’s a foundational aspect of the experience. Even details like landscaping have been thoughtfully planned to enhance tranquility. At Clinique La Prairie AMAALA, for example, the gardens are designed to establish a deep sense of place and serenity, guiding guests through a connected wellness journey.

Our goal is to embed wellness into the very fabric of the built environment, ensuring that every part of the destination promotes a sense of restoration.

 

Practical innovation in every step

The world’s best wellness destinations share a common belief: personal wellness cannot be separated from environmental wellness. AMAALA embraces this philosophy by integrating sustainability into every phase of design and construction.

For instance, at Rosewood AMAALA, the nearby beaches host endangered Hawksbill and Green Turtles, whose nesting sites have been carefully protected during construction. No work is done around these areas, and lighting strategies ensure that the turtles’ natural behaviors aren’t disturbed. This is sustainable development in action—designing with care for the environment, ensuring that the local wildlife is safeguarded.

 

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AMAALA’s broader infrastructure has been built using some of the most advanced sustainable technologies in the region. A multi-utilities system, developed by a consortium led by EDF Group and Masdar, will power the site entirely with solar energy and battery storage. This includes a solar PV park, a desalination facility, large-scale battery storage, and smart transmission and distribution lines that enable fully off-grid operations.

These choices signal a shift away from retrofitting sustainability to designing it into the destination from the outset. Environmental responsibility is no longer a limitation—it’s a driver of innovation.

 

From vision to reality

When AMAALA opens its doors in the coming months, it will offer over 1,400 keys across eight luxury resorts. The destination will feature some of the world’s most respected health and wellness brands, including Six Senses, Equinox, Rosewood, Clinique La Prairie, and Jayasom (opening in 2026). Each resort will offer a unique approach to wellness, from high-performance training to integrative health treatments, inviting top experts from around the world to create a space focused on flourishing. The destination will also feature diagnostic labs, recovery spaces, private training facilities, and a vibrant cultural core.

But what sets AMAALA apart is that wellness isn’t a luxury addition—it’s the very foundation.

 

Designing the future of luxury hospitality

Today’s challenge for luxury developers is no longer awareness—wellness, sustainability, and meaningful guest experiences are already prioritized. The true challenge is integration—ensuring that these principles are embedded into the design from day one, rather than added later.

 

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That’s been AMAALA’s approach: applying wellness and regenerative thinking not as features, but as fundamental principles. When designers, sustainability experts, builders, hotel operators, and wellness consultants collaborate from the outset, the result is stronger, more cohesive, and ultimately more effective. Wellness and sustainability are inextricably linked, and designing with both in mind results in a more meaningful, impactful destination.

The future of luxury hospitality will favor destinations that are designed not just to be enjoyed, but to restore. It’s about working with the land, building for longevity, and creating spaces that deliver lasting value to both people and the planet.

Source:  https://hoteldesigns.net/