The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) partners with luxury hotel operator GHM to develop The Chedi Hegra at the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Hegra
ALULA, Saudi Arabia, April 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Surrounded by an impressive human and natural heritage, The Chedi Hegra will be the first hotel to welcome its guests in a unique and authentic luxury experience deep within the ancient site Nabatean of northwestern Saudi Arabia. RCU has selected luxury hotel management company GHM to manage the hotel as The Chedi Hegra.
Located in Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and opening in Q4 2023, The Chedi Hegra will offer 35 personalized rooms, each with its own connection to the Hegra landscape, an impressive testament to human expression in the natural environment.
RCU is building the hotel directly on several existing structures, such as a former railway station and surrounding buildings, Hegra Fort and others. The structural and exterior walls, some with a historic adobe construction, are being preserved and integrated with modern architecture. The majority of the UNESCO World Heritage Site will remain untouched during construction and will be carefully preserved by RCU to maintain the integrity of Hegra's incredible human and natural heritage.
RCU has also ensured that all design and build efforts conform to AlUla's Sustainability Charter, including a light tourism approach, imaginative infrastructure, planting of indigenous flora and an all-electric mobility system. To the extent possible, the project will use local building materials and work with local businesses and labor, and the hotel is expected to create at least 120 jobs once it is fully operational.
The hotel will feature three fine-dining restaurants, a cafeteria, a spa, and a fully-serviced pool, and many of the buildings will be connected by an art canopy centered on wind movement and natural light.
Each of the restaurants will offer a unique experience to hotel guests and visitors to Hegra. One of the restaurants, located inside the old railway station, will feature an exhibition of carefully preserved artifacts, including a fully restored train, while another will be located in Hegra Fort, and the third will offer unobstructed views from a sunken seating area in a pond.
John Northen, Vice President of Hotels and Resorts at RCU, explained: "Situated at the nexus of AlUla's living museum, The Chedi Hegra embodies the fulfillment of our Travel Through Time master plan with its deep respect for heritage, its sustainable design features and a truly luxurious experience that celebrates what makes AlUla a special destination for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure."
Tommy Lai, CEO of General Hotel Management Pte Ltd (GHM), said: "GHM is delighted to introduce this luxurious boutique hotel that will offer an unrivaled authentic lifestyle deep within the ancient Nabataean site of Hegra. Being the first hotel in Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are committed to preserving the integrity of the site by seamlessly integrating modern architecture and comfort, I am sure guests will recognize and appreciate the value we place to minimizing our environmental impact, through the hotel's sustainability efforts, as well as our dedication to preserving Hegra's heritage - a true hallmark of GHM in creating inspired spaces."
Notes for editors:
It is always written AlUla / not Al-Ula
About the Royal Commission for AlUla
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was created by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of exceptional natural and cultural importance in northwest Saudi Arabia. The RCU's long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the area's natural and historical heritage, while establishing AlUla as a desirable place to live, work and visit. This encompasses a wide range of initiatives in the fields of archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting a commitment to meeting the programme's priorities of economic diversification, local community empowerment and heritage conservation. Vision 2030 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2055472...Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2055473...Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/ 2055474...Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2055475...Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1926109...
View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/la-royal-commission-for-alula-rcu-se-asocia-con-el-operador-de-hoteles-de-lujo-ghm-301800085.html
