JEDDAH: On arrival at Six Senses Southern Dunes — a Red Sea Global resort — we were greeted by a “Six Drums” ritual “inspired by the resort’s guiding philosophy.” The “sixth sense” is interpreted here as intuition.
That concept runs through the resort — staff are apparently trained to anticipate guests’ needs in regard to comfort and wellbeing, shaping a sense of calm that feels immediate and intentional.
One of the first surprises was a free around-the-clock gelato wheel offering a range of flavors, many locally inspired. The standout for me was mango from Umluj with Saudi coffee, full of flavors that reflected familiar Arabian notes of cardamom, saffron, cloves and roasted beans.
One of the most striking visual elements of the resort is the network of umbrella-like installations, shaped like desert flowers, strategically positioned throughout to provide shade and relief from the sun while also becoming sculptural features in their own right.
(Photo by Nada Hameed)
One of the most striking visual elements of the resort is the network of umbrella-like installations, shaped like desert flowers, strategically positioned throughout to provide shade and relief from the sun while also becoming sculptural features in their own right.
We stayed in one of the expansive pool villas — earthy tones, timber ceilings, sand-colored walls and furniture inspired by Bedouin textures. The bedroom featured a ceiling canopy bed facing the desert, along with a private pool and uninterrupted dune views.
The bathroom was equally generous in scale, with indoor rain shower, outdoor shower overlooking the desert, and a sunken bathtub. The outdoor shower quickly became a favorite, allowing a closer connection to the natural surroundings. Even the small details reflected a sustainable approach, from wooden toothbrushes to biodegradable amenities.
The resort hosts three main dining venues: Bariya (international cuisine), Al-Sarab (Middle Eastern), which stood out for its creativity and depth of flavors, and The Pool Bar & Grill (Latin American-inspired dishes).
Bariya focuses on natural ingredients and dishes prepared from scratch. One of its most distinctive offerings was a “Rocket Fuel” wellness drink — organic apple cider vinegar, citrus fruits, turmeric, ginger, garlic, black pepper, and herbs, all fermented over 10 days. Alongside it were homemade kombucha and tepache, a fermented pineapple drink.
Six Drum Ritual. (Photo by Nada Hameed)
Wellness is central to any stay here. The spa is divided into themed rooms, each designed around a distinct sensory identity. My treatment took place in the Frankincense room, where scent played a key role in shaping the atmosphere.
I also attended a sound therapy session, led by practitioner Magenda, who also conducted a yoga class focused on disconnection from external stress. It’s a deeply calming experience, so much so that one guest fell asleep mid-class.
One of our final experiences at the resort was a soap-making workshop at Earth Lab. Guests mixed natural ingredients such as turmeric, cloves, flowers, orange and honey, while observing the chemical transformation into handmade soap. The process was both educational and hands-on, reinforcing the resort’s emphasis on environmental awareness.
For those seeking more energetic activities, a visit to ADRENA water park is recommended. Activities range from surfing to paddle challenges, though my own experience remained water-focused. The highlight was the “slip and fly,” a high slide that launches you into a saltwater pool, delivering a brief, but intense, burst of adrenaline. All water attractions use saltwater to simulate a natural marine environment, with the exception of the children’s pool.
At AKUN, we joined an e-quadrunner excursion across the Southern Dunes. Initially hesitant, I quickly adapted to the controls and began to enjoy the ride. Our guide, Captain Khaled Al-Johani, led the journey across vast stretches of golden sand, stopping to explain elements of the local ecosystem, including the Arak tree and a dried lake bed that once supported small wildlife such as frogs and wasps. The experience, priced at SAR 650, combines adventure with environmental storytelling.
Another major draw at the resort is the astonishing stargazing available every night. Light pollution is carefully controlled here, and staring at the night sky was one of the most memorable and quietly powerful experiences of our stay — a reminder of the stillness and scale that defines Six Senses Southern Dunes.
As we checked out, the reception team offered a small wooden keepsake engraved with my name in Arabic on one side and the Six Senses logo on the other — a typically simple but thoughtful and elegant gesture that accurately reflected our stay.
