GHM - The Chedi Hegra opens its doors in AlUla in a UNESCO heritage site - AMILCAR MAGAZINE

The Chedi Hegra officially opened its doors this month on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. This new establishment invites travelers to experience an unparalleled fusion of history, luxury and cultural immersion.

Housed in the remains of the Hegra railway station and close to the ancient Nabataean city, the Chedi Hegra promises an exceptional journey to the heart of AlUla’s rich heritage and captivating beauty.

The site of Hegra, located in north-western Saudi Arabia, dates back to the 1st century BC and was once an important city along the incense route. The railroad crossing the site was built in 1907 under the supervision of German engineer Heinrich Meissner, and provided an important link between Medina and Damascus, facilitating the movement of pilgrims and goods.

The Chedi Hegra preserves the site’s original railway structures, harmoniously blending the past with a modern, luxurious experience.

The architecture and interior spaces of the Chedi Hegra, created by Milan-based design and architecture studio Gio Forma, combine historical and contemporary aspects, capturing the uniqueness of this exceptional location.

The Chedi Hegra features 35 lovingly restored rooms, suites and villas, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding desert, including the Hegra necropolis and its rock formations sculpted by nature.

The limited number of rooms reflects the hotel’s commitment to preserving the station’s original structures. Many rooms have been created from existing buildings on the site, incorporating the original stone walls and historic architectural features.

This approach preserves the integrity of the original structures, combining timeless craftsmanship with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy private terraces, infinity pools and interiors inspired by the cultural heritage of the Nabataeans, blending seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscape.

Art installations at the heart of the property

Art at Chedi Hegra serves as a bridge between past and present, bringing to life the rich history of the Hegra site. One of the property’s central features is the “Shadow Canopy”, a 700-meter-long structure inviting visitors on an artistic journey where the surrounding landscape serves as a backdrop for immersive experiences.

Another of the property’s centerpieces is Monika Sosnowska’s “Silent Witnesses of the Past”, an evocative installation made from reused steel rails from the Hegra railroad. Other art collections will be on display, notably in the Hegra Station Gallery, showcasing handcrafted historical pieces.

A rich and varied gastronomic offering

The Chedi Hegra is also a gastronomic powerhouse, with sophisticated options that celebrate local and international flavors. Prima Classe, the hotel’s all-day restaurant, is located in the historic train station and serves Mediterranean cuisine made from local ingredients.

In the evening, it transforms into an elegant lounge, the Golden Hour Lounge, where travelers can relax while watching the sun set over the desert and admiring the restored locomotive 964, an original 2-6-0 model built by Arnold Jung Lokomotivfabrik in 1906. This rare locomotive, which ran on the Hajj route until the 1920s, underwent a meticulous restoration process that lasted a year and involved over 15,000 hours of work.

For a more casual yet refined experience, the Al Mahattah lounge offers international cuisine, gourmet bites and a luxurious tea room, accompanied by stories from Rawi, the hotel’s storytellers. Guests can also visit the Saudi Coffee House, where they can immerse themselves in Saudi coffee culture through interactive workshops on brewing, roasting and cup decoration, while enjoying authentic Saudi coffee.

By 2025, Chedi Hegra will offer an exceptional range of gastronomic experiences, further enhancing its culinary offering. Al Mokhtasar will offer romantic dinners and themed feasts accompanied by live entertainment and storytelling. Al Qala’ah will offer refined cuisine with private rooms, a rooftop and a terrace overlooking the desert. Al Mawrid will offer a gastronomic experience under the stars, blending culinary art with the magic of Hegra’s night skies.

Discovery and wellness activities

At Chedi Hegra, guests can immerse themselves in AlUla’s rich heritage through a variety of experiences, from guided tours of the UNESCO-listed site to excursions to discover Hegra’s wildlife and nature. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of a sanctuary that protects endangered species such as Arabian oryx, gazelles and the Nubian ibex. The property’s desert-inspired gardens and paths also provide a peaceful setting to relax and immerse oneself in the surrounding nature. In a second phase, a tramway system will be installed under the canopy to enhance exploration of the hotel’s vast grounds.

Wellness is at the heart of the Chedi Hegra experience. A dedicated villa with spa and private pool is currently available, offering signature treatments inspired by AlUla’s natural ingredients such as dates, rosemary and moringa. In addition, a 1,200-square-meter wellness center, housed in an ancient mud-brick villa, is due to open in the coming months, with saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas. The Pool & Fitness Centre will complete the wellness offering with a vast outdoor pool, gyms and multi-purpose studios for personalized workouts or group classes.

About Le Chedi Hegra

The Chedi Hegra, a GHM luxury resort, is located on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Set amidst the ancient Nabataean city and striking rock formations, this 35-key resort offers guests a unique blend of history and modern luxury. With views over the desert landscape, Chedi Hegra offers fine dining at Prima Classe, set in a converted train station along a historic railroad line, as well as a variety of immersive experiences that celebrate local culture and heritage. The resort offers exclusive access to AlUla’s nature reserves and wellness programs, including a spa inspired by the region’s natural elements. Chedi Hegra offers a secluded and culturally rich getaway, where ancient history meets refined hospitality, promising guests an unforgettable stay.

For further information, please visit the Chedi Hegra website Chedi Hegra

About GHM

Since 1992, General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) has combined the refined grandeur of contemporary Asian designs with local character to create inspired, memorable spaces that showcase the best each destination has to offer and give guests a true sense of style they’ll remember. As part of its legendary portfolio, GHM designs, develops and operates some of the world’s most exceptional luxury hotels and resorts; each property with a distinct originality that welcomes an unparalleled experience.

GHM’s exclusive portfolio includes The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; The Chedi Muscat, Oman; The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland; The Chedi Hotel and Residences Luštica Bay, Montenegro; The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar, and The Chedi El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt. As part of the brand’s plans to continue its heritage on a global scale, GHM currently has a number of projects underway, including The Chedi Wadi Safar and The Chedi Trojena in Saudi Arabia.

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