SAUDI ARABIA THE PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY DESTINATION

travelogue

Mothers are the epitome of love and care, and they hold a special place in our hearts. Mother’s Day is a special occasion that gives us a chance to show our love and appreciation to our mothers. It is a time-honoured tradition of recognising the women in our lives who raised us, dried our tears, and well, mothered us. It is a celebration of motherhood and all the joys it brings into our lives.

However, a single day of celebration is not enough to show our appreciation for all that mothers do for us. It can be extended to a month-long celebration. Thoughtfulness goes a long way in how you show love and affection to your mother. Giving chocolates, flowers, or baking cakes or sending sentimental cards are some of the popular ways of expressing your admiration to your mothers. However, why not make this Mother’s Day extra special with a gift that is sure to be treasured - something that is fun and unique. How about taking your mom on a trip to Saudi Arabia? This exciting tourist destination, a hub of exotic and historical locations, has a lot to offer - from spa treatments and gourmet delights to exquisite boutiques and shopping arenas. Saudi promises to be a vibrant destination choice this Mother’s Day. After all, your intention is to spoil your mother on Mother’s Day, right? Here are some exciting places to explore in Saudi Arabia. Read on…

AlUla: Home to boundless ancient treasures

AlUla, located in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia, is transforming into a popular tourist destination that boasts significant historical and archaeological sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra’s tombs and the ancient city of Dadan. AlUla is a rich tapestry of wonder, from majestic hikes through beautiful natural landscapes to the modern-day mirrored marvels within its valley. An outdoor museum on its own curated by nature, AlUla showcases rock formations, canyons, and cliffs that rival the majestic wonders carved by its ancient settlers. Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) is an amazing geomorphological wonder located 11 km northeast of AlUla.

With the easing of visa process for international travelers, AlUla attracts more tourists from abroad. Travellers from around the world can also enjoy numerous activities such as hot air ballon ride, stargazing, desert dune bashing, desert campaign, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and others. Treat your Mother to a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience - a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscape of AlUla. Feel the thrill as every one of your senses gets activated - from the sun warming up your skin, and lighting up the landscapes, to the exhilarating sound of the burners, followed by the quietness you can only experience 1,200 metres up in the air - an experience that will surely satisfy your wanderlust.

Al Balad: A hub of culture and heritage

Al Balad is the historical centre of Jeddah, known as ‘Bride of the Red Sea’ and the second largest city in Saudi Arabia. Better known as ‘Historic Jeddah’ or the Old Town, the Al Balad district of Jeddah is a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting magnificent architecture. Founded in the early 7th century, Al Balad served as Jeddah’s commercial centre before the 1970s oil boom. It served as an ancient trading port and was the primary gateway to the Holy City of Makkah for pilgrims making their blessed journey for Hajj and Umrah. Today, the town is famous for its ancient architecture and traditional buildings that were constructed using coral stone and decorated with beautiful wooden lattice windows. Some of the old buildings in Al Balad are more than 500 years old and have been preserved by the Saudi Ministry of Culture to make them look as good as new.

The winding streets of Al Balad are a walk down memory lane and a gateway to the unique cultural legacy of Saudi Arabia. Bustling with street vendors, the souks of Al Balad are reminiscent of early Arabia. There is plenty to discover on the street for keen shoppers. From spices and jewellery to textiles and perfume, the area is a treasure trove of little souvenirs to take a little bit of Saudi home. While stalls line the narrow streets, there are a number of stand-out establishments worth a visit – head to the Al Balad Gold Market for something sparkly, or the wood panelled ‘Our Days of Bliss Bookshop’ where keen readers can pick up works of fiction by Arabic authors.

Retreat, rejuvenate and relax: Six Senses Southern Dunes, the Red Sea coast

With its white sandy beaches, transparent sea, superb coral reefs, desert and resorts, Saudi Arabia is full of treasures to discover. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, is one of two inland resorts. It is based around 100km northeast of the town of Umluj, a beach town on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The resort pays homage to Nabataean architectural heritage and majestic desert surroundings. Southern Dunes has 40 stunning villas and a 36-key hotel complex situated in a remote desert landscape, providing guests with the ultimate luxury retreat to forget about everyday life during their stay. Alongside the villas, the hotel resort contains reception buildings, a spa, a large pool and several high-quality restaurants.

For the ultimate dose of relaxation, head straight to Six Senses Southern Dunes Spa. Its interiors reflect the surrounding Arabian landscape: sweeping dunes and soothing sandy tones. While there, join an interactive workshop to learn how to make clean skincare products using rich spices and fragrances which the Nabateans traded centuries ago, the ultimate wellness souvenir.

VIA Riyadh: A shopping and entertainment arena

No trip is complete without some shopping, experiencing fine dine and going local cinema and VIA Riyadh offers you all. Located in the Al Hada district, it is a one-stop destination for shopping, luxury dining and entertainment. It is constructed in the beautiful Salmani style which combines modern architecture with the local heritage. It is a recent addition to the tourism sector of Saudi Arabia. VIA Riyadh is a haven for fashion enthusiasts, boasting an impressive collection of over 20 luxury boutiques. Resplendent designers’ brand stores such as Bellucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, and Brandon Maxwell, among others, are all housed here.

After a day of shopping, treat your mum to your choice of renowned restaurants offering cuisines from around the world - from Asian delights to Parisian cafes - there’s something for everyone here. You could also head to the Renaissance cinema which offers lavish levels of comfort and exclusivity. We are sure your mom will forever appreciate you for this wonderful trip and for introducing her to unique sites and cultural destinations.

The writer is based in Riyadh. To learn more and plan your trip, visit www.visitsaudi.com