Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of the Red Sea Project, Six Senses Southern Dunes stands as the ultimate wellness destination in Saudi Arabia, offering an unparalleled experience for luxury travelers. This newly opened luxury wellness resort combines stunning desert views with world-class wellness programs, making it an irresistible oasis for those seeking rejuvenation in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Set amidst the idyllic beauty of the golden dunes, this resort promises an unforgettable escape. Read on to learn more about the magic of Six Senses Southern Dunes and how Altha contributed to the resort’s expansive wellness offerings in late October.

A Dreamy Sound Bath in the Desert

We were thrilled to bring a revolutionary luxury wellness retreats experience to Saudi Arabia, where Altha founder Letizia Silvestri led a signature Hypno-Sound Baths at Six Senses Southern Dunes. Using her unique blend of sound healing and therapeutic hypnosis, Letizia guided immersive group sessions aimed at fostering personal growth and deep relaxation. These one-of-a-kind sound baths, set against the majestic Red Sea desert landscape, utilized a variety of instruments to create a meditative atmosphere that helped align the body’s natural frequencies and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a relaxing state of homeostasis. One sound bath was held by the pool of the main villa, overlooking the dunes, and another took place at The Oasis, a stunning architectural installation at the core of the hotel. Additionally, Letizia offered a series of one-on-one sound baths for hotel guests, among whom was Dubai-based content creator Maya Ahmad.

Under the vast, blue desert sky, the landscape set the stage for deep relaxation and healing. As the gentle sounds of the instruments washed over the guests, a meaningful connection with nature was formed. While sound healing provides a powerful experience anywhere, sound healing in nature—especially somewhere as stunning as the Saudi Arabian desert—allowed for an even deeper stress release and reconnection with our inner selves, creating a private sound healing session experience like no other.

Following the sound baths, guests enjoyed the simple yet meaningful tradition of tea and dates—a symbol of hospitality in Arab culture—adding a mindful end to each unforgettable session.

Wellness-Focused Culinary Experiences

At Six Senses Southern Dunes, wellness cuisine took center stage, offering a nourishing and unique dining experience that complemented each individual’s wellness journey. The retreat's curated menus were inspired by Saudi Arabia’s rich culinary heritage, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients that align with the Six Senses “Eat With Six Senses” philosophy. With a focus on plant-based retreat meals, we enjoyed a variety of vegan and plant-based options designed to support our holistic well-being. The chef was incredibly attentive to food allergies and intolerances, surprising us each morning with something special tailored to our specific needs. From Bariya's regional Arabic cuisine to the fine-dining degustation menu at Al Sarab, every meal was thoughtfully crafted to enhance our wellness experience. Whether indulging in a private Chef’s Dinner or enjoying a sweet treat at Gelato Pod, each bite supported balance and vitality. The retreat’s blend of culinary wellness and local flavors made for a memorable health-focused culinary adventure.

Vegan Cooking Class

Our amazing vegan cooking class during our stay was all about simplicity and intention, creating meals that reflect the balance between wellness and flavor. One of the things we loved the most was that we went to pick herbs directly from the Six Senses garden, adding an extra layer of freshness and a special touch to our dishes.

We made a delicious four-course vegan Arabic meal that truly exceed my expectations. For our first appetizer we made Muhammara, a rich and smoky Syrian dip made with roasted bell peppers, crunchy walnuts, and tangy pomegranate molasses—it was perfect for dipping with warm gluten-free pita bread. The second appetizer was Fattoush, a vibrant Lebanese salad tossed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and crispy bread, all dressed in olive oil, lemon, molasses, and sumac for a zesty, refreshing bite. Our lovely main dish was Dawood Basha (vegetable balls simmered in a spiced tomato sauce) with fluffy steamed rice—a comforting Middle Eastern favorite. Although we were filling up at this point, we could not say no to our dessert option, Qatayef. This beloved Middle Eastern dessert, commonly enjoyed during Ramadan, featured delicate gluten-free pancakes filled with sweet pistachio nuts and coconut cream and drizzled with delectable syrup.  It was a deeply mindful culinary experience.

Six Senses Activities: Beyond Sound Healing

Our adventure-infused wellness retreat at Six Senses Southern Dunes was a blend of cultural immersion, sustainability, and exciting activities, allowing us to explore the Red Sea landscape with eco-friendly travel options at every turn. I had the pleasure of a private aerial yoga session with Bijender, the local instructor, which offered a unique, refreshing workout above the sandy desert floor. The resort’s state-of-the-art gym, fully equipped with Technogym equipment, provided a perfect place to keep active, while the magnificent spa invited calming relaxation. I indulged in two treatments: an all-natural hair mask made with honey, cottage cheese, rose oil, and aloe vera that left my hair incredibly soft and nourished after days of desert travel, and a signature Myrrh and Oud Hammam treatment, where my body was luxuriously covered in bubbles—an experience that was truly incredible and unlike anything I had experienced before.

For adventure lovers, the resort’s dune boarding experience brought high-energy fun on the rolling dunes, while archery provided another joyful, active experience. In the evenings, stargazing under the desert’s vast, dark sky was surreal, with Jupiter, Saturn, and the Cassiopeia constellation clearly visible, creating the perfect endings to the magical desert evenings.

Wellness activities embraced the latest in biohacking, including red light masks, a PEMF mat by Higher Dose, Normatec recovery boots, and three different sauna options—infrared, Swedish, and Hammam—plus a cold plunge. This beautiful wellness area was rejuvenation heaven.

Our villa was a secluded sanctuary, complete with a private pool and even a pillow menu to ensure optimal sleep. Electric bikes were also provided to explore the resort, which added a sustainable, fun way to get around and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Overall, Six Senses Southern Dunes blended adventure, wellness, and culture in ways that made every day extraordinary.

Why Six Senses is the Ultimate Retreat

Six Senses Southern Dunes stands as the ultimate luxury wellness retreat in Saudi Arabia, offering an unparalleled luxury experience for wellness seekers. Surrounded by majestic volcanic craters and vast mountain ranges, this calming sanctuary seamlessly blends the wisdom of the past with modern wellness innovation. Guests are treated to a holistic approach to health, featuring personalized Six Senses wellness programs, wellness screenings, and nutrition plans, all within a setting enriched by the region’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable design. Whether you’re indulging in the plant-based cuisine, participating in immersive wellness experiences, or exploring the resort’s breathtaking surroundings, every aspect is designed to nurture your well-being.

Ready to embark on a wellness adventure? 

Book your next relaxation getaway at Six Senses Southern Dunes and experience the ultimate luxury wellness destination.

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