We all need a break every now and again, especially when you live and work in a busy city. Thankfully, Riyadh has some incredible luxury chalets and resorts that will help you to unwind and relax in no time. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just taking a break from it all, choose from luxury pools to Greek-inspired getaways and wood cabins. Here are the top chalets in Riyadh.
Al Jawhrah Resort
Book yourself into this luxurious five-star retreat where you can lounge by the pool and enjoy a drink in peace and quiet. There are a number of relaxation areas outside including a hammock and a sunken seating area where you can chill out with a good book while listening to the calming sound of the nearby water feature.
From SAR1,400. King Khalid Airport, Riyadh 13437, instagram.com/aljawhrah_resorts (054 736 1111).
Babel Resort
You’ll settle in so quickly here you’ll never want to leave. These villas are so spacious you can go with all your friends and family stay for a day of fun and relaxation. Each of the chalets have a large pool and water feature and the bathrooms come stocked with luxury beauty products. The outdoor fire pit is the perfect way to see the day out especially in the winter months and the complimentary mini bar in each abode has plenty of tea and coffee options.
From SAR800. Khuzam Road, Ar Rimal, Riyadh 13428. instagram.com/babel.resorts (055 544 8339).
Banban Park House
These stunning wooden chalets are the perfect escape from life in the city, the rocking chairs especially are a wonderful way to sit back and relax. Families will enjoy the picnic spots on the lawns, which are best enjoyed with strawberries and cream. For the kids, there’s a huge bouncy castle to keep them busy while the adults relax in the pool. The rural huts have two floors and the loft bedroom is where you can truly escape from it all.
From SAR1,500. Banban, Riyadh 13372, instagram.com/banban.park (059 653 7076).
Diva Chalet
A real home away from home, the Diva Chalets help you settle in from the moment you arrive with its helpful 24-hour front desk. Facilities include a pool, garden, barbecue and two luxury air-conditioned rooms along with a fully equipped kitchen. For the kids, there’s a water park and children’s playground to keep them busy, while you can relax on the sprawling sun terrace. The resort has received a lot of praise for its cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff.
From SAR1,800. Al Aarid, Riyadh 13338, instagram.com/diva_chalet (053 262 3622).
Dorra Resorts
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to chalets in Riyadh, but this is a premium resort worth checking out. The superior chalets are incredibly spacious with a whirlpool tub in the bedroom. Even the smaller chalets have top-notch facilities, including double bathrooms with his and hers sinks so you’ve got plenty of room to get ready for meals and when it comes to food you don’t have to lift a finger. The staff will even get some groceries for you between meals.
From SAR1,600. Ar Rimal, Riyadh 13437, dorrah-resort.riyadh-hotels-sa.com (058 218 8636).
Gelnar Resort
Guests at the Gelnar Resort not only enjoy themselves inside the chalets but also outside with a pizza oven and an integrated cinema wall (with Netflix). The staff will also organise any party requests for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and so on. For the kids, there’s a popcorn machine, water games and a soapy playground to keep them entertained for hours. And even if you’re not celebrating a big occasion, Gelnar Resort is one of Riyadh’s most popular getaways, so it’s always worth a visit.
From SAR650. Riyadh, Al Thumama Road, Al Rimal District 2, gelnartesort.com (053 777 7001).
Goot Resort
Book early because this place doesn’t stay vacant for long, and it’s not surprising. Goot Resort is a perfect place for a luxury couple’s retreat thanks to its romantic setting. Guests here enjoy five-star service from the staff, including dedicated room service giving you more time to make the most of every minute of your stay. Be sure to dine at the on-site restaurant serving international cuisine.
SAR1,900. Al Sahabah Street, Al Munsiyah District, 11541 Riyadh, goot-resorts.riyadh-hotels-sa.com (+966 9200 07811).
Lenora Chalet
The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the modern rooms with light from all angles at this dreamy getaway. The pools wrap around the chalets so whether you’re in the bedroom or the dining room you get a great view of the outside. And in truth, you’re likely to spend as much time outdoors as inside thanks to the fantastic barbecue area where you can sit and relax with delicious food cooked fresh on the grill.
SAR2,500 Thu-Fri, Sat SAR2250, Sun-Wed SAR2,000. OAl-Qayrawan District, Muhammad Al-Ajaji Street, Riyadh, instagram.com/lenorachalet (050 092 4258).
Locasort Resort
Locasort? Locasport more like. This place has plenty to do for those who don’t want to lounge around for the duration of their stay including billiards and even a waterpark on site. Chalets also have huge TVs, free Wi-Fi and a games room. If you do find yourself wanting to just relax then why not enjoy the pool or a long soak in the freestanding tub. Pets are not allowed.
From SAR1,800. Open daily 3pm-midnight, Wadi Al Ammariyyah King Salmon Road, second roundabout, Riyadh, instagram.com/locasort (059 906 3620).
Marbella
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city look no further than this desert oasis. The one, two and three bedroom villas have large separate kitchen and living rooms along with furnished terraces for you to sit out on and enjoy the tranquility. The gardens are perfect for a wander round and will help you relax in no time, as will the room service of course.
From SAR1,000. Al Amaaria, Opposed Civil Defense Center, Al ‘Ammariyah, Al ‘Ammariyah, Riyadh, instagram.com/marbella_resort (055 000 7000).
Meraki Resorts
These delightful chalets are perfect if you’ve got a big occasion to celebrate. In fact, Meraki Celebrations help you plan the perfect party in the secluded grounds that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation with all those closest to you. The chalets are designed for large groups with big seating areas and open-plan living. They also have pools, with outdoor showers and a fire pit.
From SAR2,700. King Salman Road, Riyadh, instagram.com/meraki.resorts (050 694 3555).
Najdarah Resort
Leave your troubles behind as you enjoy the tranquility of this desert retreat where you’re surrounded by nature. The modern chalets blend effortlessly into their surroundings and each room has incredible views, either of the pool or the landscape beyond. The outdoor areas are perfect for entertaining with loungers and sofas where you can soak up some sun and relax under the stars in the evening.
From SAR2,000. Al Amariyah, Riyadh 13934, instagram.com/najdarah (055 865 6565).
Palm Resort
Ideal for big groups the Palm Resort has extremely spacious rooms that you can enjoy with your friends and family. One of the chalets has sliding doors leading straight into the pool, which the kids will enjoy jumping into. There’s also a more relaxing indoor pool for the adults but the jewel in the crown is the ‘Honey Day’ chalet with an impressive seven-meter long infinity pool.
From SAR800. Al Sahil Valley Street, 12488 Riyadh, instagram.com/palmresort2030 (059 433 3836).
Perla Chalets
Chalets don’t come much grander than this, with ample space inside and out you’ll have no problem taking all the family away for a few days here. Located towards the north of Riyadh the Perla Chalets are great for those who want to remain in the thick of the action and retreat to a relaxing home for a few days. Char-grilling corn on the outdoor barbecue is popular with guests.
From SAR2,000. Qurtuba District, Exit 8, Riyadh, instagram.com/perla_riyadh (050 361 8404).
Que Chalets
Whether you’re booking this chalet to get away or to celebrate a big celebration you get the red carpet treatment from the off. Its location on the edge of the city means the night sky is crystal clear and you can see the stars from the well-placed loungers by the pool. The bedrooms are so big they even have sofas and armchairs beside the bed so you have the choice of where to put your feet up for the weekend.
From SAR1,500. Narjis, Riyadh 13333, instagram.com/que_chalets (053 007 9801).
Revon Chalet
This modern and stylish chalet has a stunning patio area complete with separate pool and hot tub where you can soak your worries away. Inside there’s a fully stocked mini bar with drinks and snacks, free toiletries and large TVs for you to enjoy with those closest to you. It’s located in the remote Banban area so you can enjoy the peace and quiet too.
SAR1,371. Banban, Riyadh 13363, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, revon-chalet.riyadh-hotels-sa.com (059 555 7129).
The Cliff resort
For a magical getaway book yourself into the Cliff Resort and be at one with nature. Even the smallest villa comfortably fits 12 people so it’s ideal for big groups with something to celebrate. It’s located to the North East of Riyadh’s city centre which gives you incredible panoramic desert views to enjoy from the comfort of your own private pool.
From SAR2,500. Al Wasil Road,Al Waseel, Riyadh 13926, instagram.com/cliff_resort (055 722 2876).
The Corner Resorts
Eight glorious rooms look out onto the garden area which houses the pool and seating area making it great for a family trip as you can keep an eye on the little ones wherever you are in the resort. Each unit has a kitchette so it’s a great self-catering option if you want to keep yourself to yourself for a few days. Conveniently, the Al Nahkeel Mall is just minutes away too.
From SAR1,239. Ar Rimal, Riyadh 13427, the-corner-chalets.riyadh-hotels-sa.com (056 555 7749).
The Valley Resort
At nighttime this place takes your breath away with the romantic mood lighting, including “The Valley,” spelled out by candles on the hillside. The chalet itself has a large open plan kitchen diner area, which opens out onto the greenery outside which encloses the chalet giving you total privacy. The two-bedroom fits up to 20 people and it’s worth taking advantage of the spacious outdoors area if there’s a big group of you.
From SAR1,900. Wadi Laban, 11564 Riyadh, instagram.com/thevalleyresort (055 507 1601).
Villa The Greek
As you’ve probably guessed by the name, the décor here is fully inspired by Greece and it so realistic you’ll feel like you’re in Mediterranean, not the Middle East. The open-air courtyards prove very popular hangouts with guests. Inside, the tiled floors are particularly striking with their intricate designs. A beautifully designed skylight atop a double-height ceiling helps drown the foyer in light and the sound of the water fountain makes you feel like you’re in an authentic Greek villa.
From SAR3,800. Riyadh 13758, instagram.com/villathegreek (055 099 9920).
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