The Chedi Hegra has officially opened its doors at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. The resort is built out of the ruins of the Hegra railway station, set amid the ancient Nabataean city and surrounded by several other heritage sites.
Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, Hegra dates to the first century BC and was once a major city along the historic Incense Road. The railway route, constructed in 1907 under the supervision of German engineer Heinrich Meissner, served as an important link from Medina to Damascus, facilitating the movement of pilgrims and goods.
The Chedi Hegra, preserves those original railway structures, blending the past with a modern experience. A central feature of the property is the Shadow Canopy, known as Lamellae—a 2,296-foot-long structure that unites the historic railway tracks with modern design. In addition, curated art collections, including a gallery at the Hegra Railway, will be displayed to showcase handcrafted historical pieces.
The resort offers just 35 rooms, suites and villas offering views of the surrounding desert including the necropolis and nature-carved rock formations. The limited number of rooms, The Chedi says, reflects the its commitment to preserving the original structures, with many rooms created from existing buildings on-site, incorporating original stone walls and historic architectural features. Guests can enjoy private terraces, plunge pools and interiors inspired by the heritage of the Nabataeans.
Prima Classe, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, is housed in the historic train station and serves Mediterranean cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients. In the evening, it transforms into the Golden Hour Lounge, where guests can unwind while watching the desert sunset and admire the restored Locomotive 964. This locomotive, which was built in 1906 and ran along the Hajj route until the 1920s, underwent a year-long restoration process, involving over 15,000 man-hours. Additionally, Al Mahattah Lounge offers international cuisine, gourmet bites and a high-tea service accompanied by tales from Rawi, the in-house storyteller. Guests can also visit the Saudi Coffee House, where they can participate in interactive workshops on brewing, roasting and cup decoration while savoring authentic Saudi coffee.
The Chedi Hegra will also introduce an array of dining experiences in 2025: Al Mokhtasar will offer romantic dinners and themed feasts like “Madfoon,” accompanied by live entertainment and storytelling; Al Qala’ah will comprise fine dining with private rooms, a rooftop and terrace overlooking the desert; and Al Mawrid will provide a dining experience under the stars.
Wellness offerings at The Chedi Hegra include a dedicated villa with spa facilities, including a private pool. Signature treatments incorporate AlUla’s local ingredients such as dates, rosemary and moringa. Additionally, a 12,915-square-foot spa and wellness center housed in a historic mud-brick villa is set to open in the coming months, complete with saunas, steam rooms and post-treatment relaxation areas. A large outdoor pool and fitness center with fitness rooms and versatile studios for personalized workouts or group classes will round out the wellness offerings.
The property’s desert-inspired gardens and pathways offer a setting for relaxation. There are plans to introduce a tram system beneath the Shadow Canopy to enhance exploration across the property. Beyond the resort’s offerings, guests can explore the heritage of AlUla with a variety of curated experiences. From guided tours of the UNESCO site to exploring Hegra Wildlife and Nature, visitors can witness the natural beauty of a sanctuary that protects endangered species such as the Arabian oryx, gazelles and Nubian ibex.
Related Articles
Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Earns DarkSky Certification
The Dorchester Collection to Open New Hotel in Dubai
Jumeirah Beach Hotel Unveils Renovated Al Bahar Villas
Hyatt Announces Plans for Two Hotels in Saudi Arabia’s Jaumur