Desert Rock Resort

Desert Rock Resort in Umluj, Saudi Arabia, a distinguished Michelin Two-Key property, offers an unparalleled luxury experience seamlessly integrated into the breathtaking desert landscape. Opened in December 2024, the resort is a testament to architectural innovation and sustainable tourism, making it a unique destination within The Red Sea Project.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Desert Rock Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests often describing it as "another world" or "another planet" and an "extraordinary experience". It garners praise for its awe-inspiring design, unique integration with nature, and high-quality facilities, providing a sense of quiet luxury. While most reviews are glowing, there are some conflicting sentiments regarding hospitality and value, as detailed in the "Common Complaints" section.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Desert Rock Resort for several standout features:

• Design & Architecture: The resort's design is its most celebrated aspect, with villas and suites carved directly into the craggy cliffs and mountains or perched along ridgelines. This approach blurs the lines between indoors and out, making the dramatic desert landscape an integral part of the experience. The architecture is described as breathtaking, futuristic, and a masterpiece that honors its surroundings.
• Location & Immersion: Nestled in a hidden valley amidst the Hijaz mountains, the resort offers an immersive experience in one of the world's most stunning natural environments. The raw, remote setting, with undisrupted views out to the horizon, provides a tranquil oasis.
• Amenities: Desert Rock boasts state-of-the-art facilities including a world-class spa, wellness center, multiple outdoor swimming pools with views, a fitness center equipped with the latest technology, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. The property also features remote destination dining areas, a lagoon oasis, and offers adventure activities like hiking, dune buggies, rock climbing, via ferratas, and stargazing.
• Atmosphere: The resort cultivates an atmosphere of serene relaxation and adventure, offering a multisensory experience.

Room Quality

Desert Rock Resort offers 64 keys, comprising 54 villas and 10 suites. These luxurious accommodations are elegantly designed, with some carved directly into the ancient rock formations and others built over the rocks.

• Variety: Options include One Bedroom Wadi Villas, Two Bedroom Wadi Villas, One Bedroom Cliff Hanging Villas, Two Bedroom Cliff Hanging Villas, One Bedroom Mountain Cave Suites, One Bedroom Mountain Crevice Villas, Two Bedroom Mountain Crevice Skyline Villas, and Three Bedroom Royal Villas. The Mountain Cave Suites are particularly noted for representing the resort's unique integration into the rock.
• Comfort & Design: Rooms feature mountain views, air conditioning, private pools, balconies, and free WiFi. Interiors, by Studio Paolo Ferrari, complement the exteriors with elemental materials like stone and sand. Guests can expect high-quality linens and towels, premium toiletries, 24-hour room service, and well-appointed amenities like 65-inch LED TVs, electric kettles, and ample closet space. Some rooms even include multiple showers and luxurious baths.

Dining Experience

Dining at Desert Rock Resort is described as an adventure that tantalizes the senses, embracing the spectacular setting.

• Restaurants & Cuisine: The resort features three restaurants, two coffee shops/cafes, and two bars/lounges. The on-site restaurants offer a diverse menu of both local and international cuisine, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. One review specifically mentions traditional and modern restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisines.
• Breakfast: A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Western-style breakfast options are available.
• Unique Offerings: The dining experience includes options for romantic dinners under the stars, poolside lunches, and locally-sourced produce cooked over woodfire. Notably, the resort features Basalt (breakfast restaurant), Wadi Pool Bar and Grill (Peruvian flavors, live DJ sets), MICA (an avant-garde non-alcoholic bar with mixologists), and NYRA, a secret dining gem helmed by Michelin-starred chef Osman Sezener, focusing on wood-fired seasonal ingredients. The Library and The Observatory are also unique dining outlets.
• Room Service: Exceptional 24-hour room service is available, allowing guests to savor delectable meals in the privacy of their accommodation.

Service & Staff

Hospitality at Desert Rock Resort generally receives high praise for its attentiveness and professionalism, although there are isolated negative reports.

• Positive Feedback: Many guests highlight the attentive and friendly staff who "go above and beyond to provide a personalized experience". Visitors are consistently impressed by the level of hospitality, with warm welcomes at check-in and meticulous attention to detail throughout their stay. Guests have described the service as "unobtrusive and highly professional" and "on the highest level".
• Concierge Services: The resort provides a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and a tour desk to assist with inquiries, arrangements, and local attractions.
• Airport Greeting: An airport greeting service team meets guests at Red Sea International Airport (RSI), assists with customs, and provides transfers in eco-friendly electric vehicles for a seamless arrival experience.

Location & Accessibility

Desert Rock Resort is strategically located within The Red Sea Project, offering both seclusion and accessibility.

• Neighborhood: Tucked into the craggy cliffs of the Hijaz mountains in Umluj, the resort is set in a dramatic desert landscape. It is described as being 500 kilometers north of Jeddah, between the towns of Al Wajh and Umluj, and 375 kilometers northwest of Madinah.
• Airport Proximity: The nearest airport is Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which is approximately a 20 to 30-minute drive from the resort. Prince Abdul Mohsin Bin Abdulaziz Airport (ULJ) is also mentioned as being 25 kilometers away, a 30-minute drive.
• Transport: The resort offers convenient shuttle services to local attractions, bicycle rentals for exploring the scenery, and private transfers from the airport. Buggy service is available to navigate the large property.

Value & Pricing

Desert Rock Resort is positioned as an ultra-luxury destination, and its pricing reflects this exclusivity.

• Pricing: Room prices vary based on travel dates and other factors. Reviews indicate it is "very pricy" with rates starting from around S$ 2,846 (approximately 230 SAR for airport shuttle one-way). A Cliff Hanging Villa, for example, has been priced at $3000/night.
• Value Perception: Many guests consider it a worthwhile and extraordinary experience, delivering "200% top quality". However, some have found the hospitality to be "completely out of line with the price of the accommodation".

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some criticisms have emerged:

• Hospitality Issues: One significant complaint highlighted a "worst experience" with hospitality, where a guest was double-charged at a restaurant and encountered rude staff who did not apologize when the mistake was pointed out. This led to a feeling that the hospitality was disappointing and not commensurate with the high price of the accommodation.
• Sunlight on Balconies: A specific feedback regarding the Mountain Cave Suites suggested that some rooms (e.g., room 512) did not receive sun on their balcony throughout the day, recommending guests ask for a South-facing suite if possible.

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