Oberoi enters Wadi Safar with new Saudi resort Sukoonvilas

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia with The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, Wadi Safar, a 70-metre-high luxury resort scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027. The property will be the first hotel to open in Wadi Safar, a new destination being developed around 30 minutes from Riyadh and close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif in Diriyah.

Spread across more than 37 acres, the resort will comprise 60 standalone villas and 10 branded residences. Its design will draw on Najdi architecture, with Aedas handling the architecture and global design studio Blink working on the interiors. Shaded courtyards, waterbodies and indoor-outdoor spaces will form key elements of the design, while the villas will be set within landscaped gardens.

The project comes as Saudi Arabia continues to develop new destinations aimed at attracting international leisure travellers while highlighting the kingdom’s cultural heritage. Wadi Safar is being positioned as a mixed-use destination combining hospitality with heritage, sport, wellness, and nature.

For Oberoi, the project also marks an opportunity to take its hospitality model into a market where luxury tourism is undergoing rapid expansion. “Wadi Safar presents a rare opportunity to create a resort experience that is deeply rooted in the history, culture, and natural beauty of its surroundings,” says Vikram Oberoi, Chief Executive Officer, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. “The Oberoi Sukoonvilas has been thoughtfully conceived as a sanctuary of understated luxury, where architecture, landscape and hospitality come together in harmony.”

Four principal dining experiences, from Indian cuisine to artisanal pastries

The resort will have four principal dining experiences. Yatra will serve contemporary Indian cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, while Linnet will focus on artisanal pastries and café culture under pastry chef Lily Vanilli. Beyla will offer international cuisine, alongside a poolside dining venue.

Indian influences will also extend beyond the culinary programme. Oberoi plans to establish a cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and India through the resort’s architecture, food and approach to hospitality, bringing together two traditions with strong links to craftsmanship and service.

Wellness will be another major component. ASMI by Oberoi will offer signature wellness programmes, with facilities including hammams, indoor wellness pools and a fitness centre. The resort will also feature a 65-metre infinity pool overlooking Wadi Safar.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company, says the hotel will be an important milestone for the development. “The opening of The Oberoi Sukoonvilas will mark an important milestone for Wadi Safar as the first hotel to welcome guests to this extraordinary destination,” he says. “Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to exceptional hospitality, craftsmanship and a strong sense of place aligns closely with our vision for Wadi Safar.”

The resort is located close to Diriyah, the birthplace of the First Saudi State, giving the development a direct link to one of the kingdom’s most important historical sites. Wadi Safar is expected to become a significant addition to the country’s growing portfolio of tourism destinations as Saudi Arabia invests in hospitality infrastructure and seeks to diversify its visitor economy.

Jeremy Canivet, General Manager of The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, says the focus will be on creating a personalised experience for guests. “At The Oberoi Sukoonvilas, every experience has been carefully curated to immerse guests in the beauty and spirit of Wadi Safar,” he says. “From private villas inspired by Najdi heritage and surrounded by lush landscaped gardens, to distinctive dining experiences and restorative wellness journeys at ASMI by Oberoi, the resort has been designed to create moments of discovery, connection and renewal.”

With its opening in 2027, The Oberoi Sukoonvilas will give the group a new foothold in one of Saudi Arabia’s emerging tourism hubs. For Wadi Safar, meanwhile, the project will establish its first hotel as the destination develops its proposition around heritage, hospitality, wellness and leisure.