Saudi Arabia's Regal Retreats Offer History and Haute Hospitality

Three of Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural landmarks are undergoing a lavish transformation at the hands of the Kingdom’s pioneering ultra-luxury hospitality entity – Boutique Group.

Participating in ITB Berlin – the world’s premier travel trade show – as a member of the Saudi Tourism Authority’s delegation, Boutique Group aims to spotlight its distinctive heritage-centric approach to hospitality by showcasing its remarkable portfolio, featuring its three meticulously renovated palaces in Riyadh and Jeddah.

“As Saudi Arabia opens its doors to the world, we are proud to be at the forefront, showcasing the best the Kingdom has to offer.” Marco Franck, Chief Hospitality Officer at Boutique Group, tells SceneTraveller.

With plans to offer luxury suites, spa suites and regal suites aplenty, the hospitality trio – The Red Palace, Tuwaiq Palace and AlHamra Palace – are set to shape skylines and make history across the Kingdom.

The Red Palace - Riyadh 

Owing its name to its unique reddish hue, this historic palace right in the heart of Old Riyadh was the first concrete building in the region and served as the residence of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In 1957, The Red Palace assumed the role of the Council of Ministers' headquarters, a position it held for three decades, before it became the headquarters of the Board of Grievances until 2002.

Aiming to provide more than 70 keys, the soon-to-be restored hotel will feature 26 deluxe rooms, 44 luxury suites, one royal suite, 8 spa suites, and 5 high-end food and beverage outlets.

Tuwaiq Palace - Riyadh 

Strategically situated in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) of Riyadh, Tuwaiq Palace, famed for hosting state receptions and cultural festivities, stands as a distinctive architectural landmark, promising guests an authentic local urban experience.

Recognized for its unique design that architecturally embraces the spirit of an oasis, the palace was honoured with the prestigious Aga Khan Award, an accolade that reflects the outstanding work of the esteemed German architect Frei Otto, who contributed to the palace's design.

Following the renovation, the palace’s expansive offerings will include over 96 keys – encompassing 56 luxury villas and 40 luxury palace suites –, 7 spa suites and 7 upscale food and beverage outlets.

AlHamra Palace - Jeddah 

The only one out of the three developments to be located in Jeddah, Al Hamra Palace is recognized as one of the kingdom's premier hospitality palaces. Originally constructed as a royal palace for King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, it later transitioned into a hospitality palace to host the Kingdom’s guests.

Surveying the city’s Corniche, the palace pays eloquent tribute to traditional Arabic-Islamic architecture – with intricate arched gateways, tiled slanted roofs and a striking façade crafted from Riyadh stone – and will provide an exclusive experience with 47 luxury palace suites, 44 luxury villas, a regal suite, 6 spa suites, 6 high-end food and beverage outlets and personalised butler services.