A New Map of Relaxation: Riyadh’s Best Spa Locations

Saudi Arabia’s capital has always been associated in my mind with transit, business meetings, and the obligatory tour of its skyscrapers – but certainly not with leisurely wellness getaways. Yet this year, I found myself noticing more and more Saudi projects entering my field of vision: AMAALA, Red Sea Global, new hotels in Diriyah. So I decided to see for myself: is Riyadh truly transforming into a tourist destination where you can not only work but also recharge?

It turns out that Riyadh is experiencing a genuine wellness boom, and we’re not talking about a few treatment rooms attached to hotels, but full-fledged spaces designed by leading global architects and brands. After analysing dozens of sources – from industry coverage and specialist reviews to interviews with managers – I’ve identified five spas that are setting new standards. Most importantly, they are all fundamentally different.

Here is my subjective map of Riyadh’s best wellness locations – for those who, like me, are ready to reconsider their stereotypes about Saudi Arabia.

The St. Regis Riyadh Spa

In the heart of VIA Riyadh, one of the capital’s most prestigious districts, lies The St. Regis Riyadh Spa – a wellness complex spanning more than 1,240 square metres, widely regarded as one of the city’s largest and most refined spa destinations. Its interiors reinterpret the colours and contours of the desert through sculptural curves, a warm palette of sand and gold, natural stone and softly diffused light. The space is divided into dedicated areas for men and women, featuring four treatment rooms, an elegant couples’ suite, as well as a sauna, herbal steam room, ice fountain, contrast showers, Jacuzzis and heated relaxation loungers.

The treatment menu deserves special attention, with the British cosmeceutical brand AMRA at its core. Its formulas, enriched with 24-carat gold and platinum, promise a noticeable lifting effect after just one treatment. Among the bestsellers is the Platinum Define and Contour Facial, which uses platinum components for lifting and facial contouring. Each ritual is tailored to individual guest needs, while the overall atmosphere combines regional references with the impeccable, understated service culture for which the St. Regis brand is renowned.

The Ladies Spa at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah

The Ladies Spa at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah is a sanctuary of silence and privacy in the heart of bustling Riyadh. In 2025, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah was named Saudi Arabia’s Best Hotel Spa by the World Spa Awards for the second consecutive year, cementing its status as one of the capital’s leading wellness destinations. The four-level complex features nine treatment rooms, including two Spa Luxury Studios and a dedicated hammam suite. Among the hydrothermal facilities are a 16-metre indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool and a fully equipped fitness studio.

The focus here is on privacy, comfort and a highly personalised approach. Guests can choose anything from a short restorative massage to a full multi-day spa ritual, while spacious lounge areas allow visitors to extend the experience well beyond the treatment room. This space is equally suited to a quick wellness break between meetings or an unhurried day dedicated entirely to oneself.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh

Located within the iconic Kingdom Centre, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh is a men’s wellness club that combines spa treatments with comprehensive sports facilities. The interiors are finished in warm, earthy tones with restrained natural materials: no excessive pomp, just a calm, private atmosphere designed to help guests disconnect from the city’s rhythm. Guests have access to seven treatment rooms, Vichy shower rooms, hydrothermal facilities, a cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room and whirlpool.

The spa menu offers a wide range of massages, body treatments and facials, with rituals inspired by traditional hammam practices deserving special attention. These treatments are performed on professional Lemi treatment beds with hydraulic adjustment and heating. But the spa’s main differentiator is its sports component: beyond treatments, guests have access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool, a squash court and a tennis court. This is the ideal choice for those seeking not just relaxation but a full balance between recovery and activity.

Nafel Al Wadi Spa at Bab Samhan

In the heart of Diriyah, at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, lies Nafel Al Wadi Spa – part of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Here, wellness is not merely about treatments but about immersion in Najdi culture. The architecture, materials and spa philosophy draw on traditional Saudi heritage: earthy tones, tactile textures and references to the region’s mud-brick architecture create an atmosphere of rootedness and tranquillity. The name Nafel Al Wadi comes from the nafel plant, symbolising renewal and harmony.

Among the treatments are wraps based on Najdi mineral mud and rituals with camel milk, enriched with the warm scent of oud. One of the spa’s standout features is a treatment a signature massage using 24-carat gold-plated hot stones. Additionally, guests can enjoy hammam facilities, a steam room, sauna, lounge areas, a gym, a temperature-controlled indoor pool and a Jacuzzi. Nafel Al Wadi is the choice for those seeking a luxury wellness experience with a strong sense of place, rather than a standardised international spa concept.

Mansard Spa by L’Occitane

Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, has become home to the first exclusive L’Occitane spa in the Saudi capital. The French brand has brought the atmosphere of Provence here: interiors in cream and stone shades, soft lighting and natural textures create a feeling of comfort and intimacy. The spa offers both targeted treatments and longer restorative visits – guests have access to private treatment rooms, a Himalayan salt room, a steam room, sauna, indoor pool and Jacuzzi.

The menu centres on L’Occitane’s signature rituals: massages and treatments featuring essential oils, almond, shea butter and immortelle, inspired by the ingredients and landscapes of southern France. The salt cave for halotherapy deserves special attention – a rare option in Riyadh that makes this spa not just a place for relaxation but also a space dedicated to wellness and respiratory therapies. The result is a sensory experience that blends French wellbeing aesthetics with the comfort and discretion expected from a premium urban spa.

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Riyadh is unequivocally no longer just a city for business meetings. Judging by the pace at which Saudi Arabia’s capital is acquiring spaces like these, we can expect to hear more about it in the context of global wellness tourism. Incidentally, this year ARTDOM, in partnership with ARCHINET, launched the ARTDOM Design Map – the first guide to design-driven locations in Saudi Arabia.

The map features a Beauty / SPA / Wellness category, and the winners will be announced at the ARTDOM exhibition in Riyadh, which will take place on October 20–21, 2026. These spas now have a chance to receive not only recognition from guests but also professional acclaim.