Sustainable adventures await in The Red Sea and Amaala 

Snorkel the coral reefs

The Red Sea is home to one of the world’s few thriving coral reefs, celebrated for its hundreds of coral sites which form the fourth-largest barrier reef system in the world. With relatively warm, shallow waters and excellent visibility, it’s ripe for snorkelling excursions where you’ll discover abundant marine life, from lionfish to clownfish, and intriguing sea fans. You may even cross paths with the endangered dugongs that graze on the native seagrass.

Dive the Waqadi Reef

While numbers will be kept to a minimum to protect the ecology of the Waqadi Reef, discovered by marine scientists last year, heritage and conservation dives to this ten-foot-high natural wonder, along with expert instructors, will be possible for small groups. While hunting osprey perch on the protruding reefs, below the surface you can look forward to one-of-a-kind encounters with bumphead parrotfish, endangered halavi guitarfish and intriguing reef sharks.

Sail to uninhabited and untouched islands

Only one per cent of The Red Sea's destination site has been developed, so much of the archipelago – including nine islands designated as conservation zones – remains beautifully untouched. Explore uninhabited lands like Waqadi Island on an eco-sailing tour and with a keen-eyed conservationist, you’ll discover nesting hawksbill turtles, rare seabirds – such as the crab plover and sooty falcon – and learn about pioneering mangrove restoration projects taking place.

 

Hike in the Jabal Raal Nature Reserve

Traverse the valleys and trails that are carved into Saudi’s undulating landscape and get a sense of the region’s fascinating heritage. An intrepid hike or scramble through Jabal Raal Nature Reserve - either solo, or part of a small group – is a great place to start. Track mesmerising birds of prey – from ospreys to eagles – and immerse yourself in unforgettable dining experiences inspired by Arabia’s nomadic tribes.

 Explore dormant volcanoes

Amid the rich topography of mountain canyons and sweeping desert dunes, Western Saudi’s volcanic landscape sets an exciting scene for intrepid travellers. Delight in the region’s remnants of dormant volcanoes with an organised expedition to sites such as the Harrat Lunayyir volcanic fields, located inland from Umluj. Photographers will be in their element in this lunar-like landscape, with its otherworldly cones, peaks and crevices.

Star gaze the beautiful night sky

Astronomy, of course, goes back millennia in Arabia, when ancient civilisations inspired generations of myths and legends via their studies of the stars and planets. Get a sense of this age-old celestial tradition with a stargazing experience, immersing yourself in the incredible stillness of the desert. With zero light pollution and knowledgeable astrologers for company, there’ll be no need for technology to enjoy these star-studded skies.

Go on a guided tour of the Doum Valley

Aside from its captivating rock faces and breathtakingly beautiful views, there is much to love about rambling through the Doum Valley and discovering the flora and fauna including mountain gazelles and wildcats who call this place home. Accompanied on your excursion by local guides, you can learn about the heritage of these arid lands and the folklore that surrounds it, while picking – and tasting - native fruits.

Enjoy the finest Saudi Hospitality

Empowering communities is at the heart of this destination, and the inimitable Saudi hospitality – characterised by its warmth and attention to detail – permeates into every aspect of your experience. Pick from a variety of immersive dining experiences where you can savour the local flavours and cooking styles and enjoy traditional tribal dances and Arabic performances that leave a lasting impression long after your visit.

Diving the flourishing reefs

Fronted by exclusive bays and staffed by experts in the local marine life, there are many opportunities to explore the flourishing reefs which until now, have been largely untouched by humans, and have inspired the various green initiatives across Amaala properties. Immerse yourself in the underwater treasures of these reefs – home to hundreds of fish species, vibrant corals and sea fans – and educate yourself on the coral reef restoration projects taking place here, in dedicated Red Sea conservation sites.

Maritime adventures

With the area’s ecology and marine habitats at the cornerstone of Amaala’s design, guests will have a whole host of maritime adventures available to them, with the Triple Bay development set to host a world-class yacht club. Take a breathtaking journey across the region’s azure waters by luxury yacht or catamaran and get insider knowledge on the ambitious regeneration goals to boost the region’s growth of mangroves, seagrasses and other native flora by 30% by 2040.

Adventures in the mountains

Amaala’s captivating mountain setting sets the scene for some incredible wellness adventures and with the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve on its doorstep, there are myriad opportunities to explore the private coves, ancient crevasses and vast mountain ranges that distinguish these ancient lands. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Arab merchants and allow yourself to truly connect with the landscape through a sustainably crafted day trip exploring local folklore and traditional dining experiences inspired by local tribes.

Relax and rejuvenate with wellness escapes

With the sparkling seas and mountainous topography as your backdrop, you can choose from a full quota of wellness escapes that will be refined and luxurious yet delightfully unhurried and, of course, grounded in environmentally thoughtful practices. Amaala’s wellness facilities are tailored to individual needs and include high-spec diagnostic medical facilities to inform your treatment. Spa and recreational facilities not only take inspiration from the local culture and native flora, they’re also sensitively designed so they discreetly blend into the environment.