The Shadow Canopy, known as Lamellae, by by Milan-based design and architecture studio Gio Forma at The Chedi Hegra.
Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Hegra
Hotel of the Week: AlUla Adds Spectacular New Hotel to UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Chedi Hegra opens just in time for the otherworldly destination to host to an immersive arts festival, running through February 22
It’s hard to fully comprehend the oasis that is AlUla, a cultural oasis in the otherworldly setting of the Saudi Arabian desert filled with historic landmarks, architectural marvels, unique shopping, and adventure tourism. However, one of the destination’s most powerful draws is its extensive art programming, including the current AlUla Arts Festival, taking place now through February 22.
Visitors traveling to the locale to experience the immersive event now have a new equally astounding hotel from which to take in all that AlUla has to offer. Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Chedi Hegra reimagines the former Hegra railways station as a refined 35-room boutique accommodation.
The Chedi Hegra, a new 35-key hotel at AlUla transforms a former train station and other heritage buildings. Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Hegra
“We are delighted to welcome guests to The Chedi Hegra, a landmark destination that celebrates AlUla’s incredible history while providing an unparalleled luxury experience,” says Mahmoud Sakr, General Manager at The Chedi Hegra. “Our vision is to create a retreat where visitors can explore the wonders of Hegra, immerse in the finest hospitality, and connect with the soul of this extraordinary region.”
Dating back to the first century, Hegra was a key location on the famed incense trading route between the Mediterranean and ports in Africa, India, and beyond. Here, Milan studio Gio Forma crafted the property’s most visually captivating structure, the 700-meter Lamellae as a space for contemplation and a scenic environment for art exhibitions and installations like Silent Witnesses of the Past by Monika Sosnowska, that’s formed using repurposed steel rails from the Hegra Railway.
Guest suite at The Chedi Hegra, a new 35-key hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Hegra
Overnight visitors can enjoy tranquil accommodations in one of the various rooms, suites, and villas, or sample gourmet meals in one of the three on-site restaurants. Located within the former train depot, all-day dining spot Prima Classe serves Mediterranean-style meals with locally sourced ingredients, then changes into the Golden Hour Lounge in the evening, where guests can take in breathtaking sunset views or get up close to a remarkably restored 1906 locomotive. Al Mahattah Lounge offers international cuisine and a decadent high-tea service as well as unique entertainment experiences by the in-house storyteller Rawi. Not to be missed is the Saudi Coffee House, giving guests a taste of the region’s coffee culture with hands-on workshops.
More culinary programing, including the romantic Al Mokhtasar, rooftop Al Qala’ah, and under-the-stars restaurant Al Mawrid, are in the works for 2025, as are expanded spa and wellness facilities and the largest outdoor pool in the region.
The Chedi Hegra includes a multitude of restaurants serving everything from Mediterranean cuisine to a taste of the regional coffee culture. Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Hegra
So while the site continues to develop, there’s plenty of reasons to prioritize a visit, most notably the art experiences happening at AlUla. Taking place predominantly at the Gathering Square in AlJadidah Arts District and radiating out, the AlUla Arts Festival includes the world premiere of Thikra: Night of Remembering, a site-specific commission by award-winning choreographer Akram Khan and artist Manal AlDowayan, who represented Saudi Arabia at the 60th International Venice Biennale, taking place January 25-27. The performance takes place at AlUla’s 65-square-kilometer Valley of the Arts, Wadi AlFann, which houses permanent installations by renowned talents from around the globe.
Another major happening will be the major new site-specific commission by James Turrell, whose ethereal new work inaugurates the site alongside pieces by Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater.
One of the many settings of the AlUla Arts Festival. Photo: Courtesy of The Royal Commission of AlUla
“The opening of The Chedi Hegra represents a significant moment in the ongoing development of AlUla as a must-visit heritage and cultural destination,” says Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla. “This unique property, conceived from the ruins and romance of one of history’s most significant rail routes, offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience the UNESCO site of Hegra at all the most magical hours. We are excited to see The Chedi Hegra become an integral part of AlUla’s journey.”
See more images below.
The Chedi Hegra offers spa and wellness facilities with expanding offerings in the works for 2025. Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Hegra
Landscape outside The Chedi Hegra hotel at AlUla. Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Hegra
Guests areas at The Chedi Hegra overlook the otherworldly landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Hegra
Wadi AlFann, the Valley of the Arts, at AlUla in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Courtesy of The Royal Commission of AlUla
Cover: The Shadow Canopy, known as Lamellae, by by Milan-based design and architecture studio Gio Forma at The Chedi Hegra.
Photo: Courtesy of The Chedi Hegra
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