Aman Group, among the most luxurious hotel brands in the world, will enter Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate with not one, but two hotels. Typically opting to position its hotels far away from others, such as atop mountains, on fortified islands, or etched into the side of a cliff, the Diriyah properties instead will be in close proximity to 36 other hotels.
Aman Wadi Safar will open, along with Janu Diriyah, the latter of which is Aman’s ‘trendier’ and slightly less expensive sister brand.
Located in the exceptional desert landscape near the city of Riyadh, Aman Wadi Safar will feature 78 keys, a collection of up to 34 fully-serviced Aman branded residences and expansive amenities including a Aman Spa and a variety of restaurants.
Like other Diriyah hotels, Aman Wadi Safar will “draw inspiration from its rich cultural heritage, traditional Najdi architecture and natural environment,” said the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.
Following the opening of Aman New York, Denniston Architects has been appointed to bring Jean-Michel Gathy’s experience combining Aman’s design language with the local culture, heritage, and landscape of a destination to the project.
The partnership also announced Janu Diriyah, an additional property for Aman’s sister-brand, Janu. Meaning ‘Soul’ in Sanskrit, Janu has been created and designed to “encourage connectedness, conviviality, and shared experiences to rekindle the soul.”
Janu Diriyah will be located within close proximity to the UNESCO Heritage Site of At-Turaif. Comprising 120 hotel rooms, a spa and restaurants.
Aman Diriyah respecting culture
Speaking about the two new projects, Vlad Doronin, chairman and CEO of Aman Group, said: “This announcement marks a continuation of Aman Group’s commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. When I first visited the country, it made an immediate and lasting impression upon me owing to its rich heritage and culture, as well as exceptional landscapes.
“Aman Wadi Safar and Janu Diriyah will build upon Aman Group’s existing pipeline of properties in Saudi Arabia and reinforce our strategic vision to offer our clients the opportunity to experience the breadth of this fascinating, previously undiscovered country with journeys that encompass city experiences, remote desert landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.”
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Company, added: “We are very proud to launch Diriyah’s partnership with Aman, delivering two outstanding projects in Wadi Safar and Diriyah. Diriyah, the City of Earth, will be the world’s largest cultural and heritage destination and these projects will enhance our luxury offerings to guests who come to explore our identity.
“Aman Group have developed these projects by harnessing our unique setting at the heart of 300 years of Saudi history, while embracing our shared future as a city and a community. We are delighted to celebrate the beginning of our journey together.”
Diriyah Gate will be Saudi Arabia’s luxury hospitality hub
Diriyah Gate is poised to be one of the most luxurious hospitality destinations in the world.
Diriyah Gate, which is located outside Riyadh, will have a total of 38 hotels upon completion. Speaking to Hotelier Middle East at this year’s Arabian Travel Market 2022 (ATM), Talal Kensara said the heritage site will stand as Riyadh’s luxury hospitality hub.
He explained: “When it comes to the hotel side, our focus is on luxury and upper-luxury side, we want that segment of the market to only be available in Diriyah. That’s part of our value proposition. That will always remain the plan
“If you’re going to Riyadh and you want to stay in an ultra-luxury hotel, the place to do that will be Diriyah.”
Luxury hotel flags at Diriyah Gate
Diriyah Gate properties include Address Hotels + Resorts and Baccarat Hotels & Resorts. Campbell Gray Hotels and Resorts will have a property in the Bujairi district, as will a 100-key Capella Hotels and Resorts property.
Legendary French F&B player Fauchon will open its first Fauchon Hotel in the Middle East and an 80-key retreat from Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts will make its debut in Saudi Arabia.
Orient Express, Raffles, Park Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and Marriott’s The Luxury Collection are the remaining brands in Diriyah Gate itself. To the west of Diriyah at Wadi Safar will be an Oberoi and a Six Senses. The first opening will be Marriott’s Luxury Collection property, opening in 2022 with 141 keys.
All hotels at Diriyah announced so far
The hotel brands we know of are:
- Anantara
- Corinthia
- EDITION
- Faena
- The Chedi
- Hyatt Place
- Montage Hotels & Resorts
- Moxy
- 1 Hotels
- Pendry Hotels & Resorts
- Radisson RED
- Taj
- The Langham
- treehouse Hotels
- Waldorf Astoria
- Well Health Retreat
- Fauchon Hotel
- Orient Express
- Raffles
- Park Hyatt
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Rosewood
- The Luxury Collection
- Oberoi
- Six Senses
- Armani
- Four Seasons
- LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Campbell Grey
- Address
- Baccarat