The TIME magazine unveiled its 2025 World’s Greatest Places list earlier this week, featuring two Saudi destinations as top global travel icons. Discover which Kingdom locations captivated the world’s attention.
Al-Balad’s Historic Boutique Havens
In Al-Balad’s historic core, three restored 19th-century homes—Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess, and Beit Kedwan—now offer boutique stays brimming with cultural charm. Local historians, artists, and carpenters meticulously preserved each property’s Hijazi architecture while blending modern elegance.
At Beit Jokhdar, guests select deluxe rooms or opulent suites adorned with jewel-toned fabrics, private steam rooms, and L’Occitane amenities. Beit Al Rayess invites travelers to six minimalist-chic rooms featuring high ceilings and plush furnishings. For exclusivity, Beit Kedwan’s two guest rooms include private terraces and rooftop lounges ideal for secluded escapes.
Reviving a UNESCO Jewel
Al-Balad, once a hub for Makkah pilgrims, saw its coral-stone buildings decay before UNESCO’s 2014 designation spurred renewal. Today, 17 rooms across three hotels blend stained-glass windows, bone-inlaid furniture, and modern art, merging heritage with contemporary design.
While Saudi skylines boast futuristic towers, Al-Balad’s boutique stays reveal the Kingdom’s history through artisanal craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Intricate details animate spaces where luxury and tradition coexist, offering guests immersive, layered experiences rooted in the past and present.
Shebara Resort: A Futuristic Island Luxury
Owned by Red Sea Global, Shebara Resort debuted in November 2024 on Shaybara Island, a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland. Accessible via direct flights to Red Sea International Airport, this eco-luxury haven merges innovation with untouched natural beauty.
Architect Shaun Killa, designer of Dubai’s Museum of the Future, envisioned Shebara’s 73 villas as sleek, mirrored structures reflecting Al Wajh Lagoon’s hues. Furthermore, the 38 overwater and 35 beachfront villas prioritize privacy while offering diving, snorkeling, and electric boat excursions.
Prefabricated in the UAE to protect Shaybara’s mangroves and corals, the resort operates entirely on solar energy. A sprawling 1-million-square-foot solar park powers the island, inviting guests to bike through its cutting-edge infrastructure.
“Our villas adapt to the environment’s changing colors,” says Killa. “Shebara proves futuristic design can harmonize with sustainability, offering unmatched experiences under the Arabian sun.”
Saudi’s Tourism Vision: Honoring History, Embracing Innovation
As the Kingdom accelerates its tourism ambitions, Al Balad and Shebara Resort exemplify Saudi Arabia’s dual commitment to preserving heritage and pioneering eco-conscious luxury. TIME’s recognition underscores their role in redefining global travel.
