Najdi heritage inspires a secluded ultra-luxury retreat near Riyadh.
After winning an international design competition, Aedas was appointed to design The Oberoi Wadi Safar, an ultra-luxury hospitality destination set within a natural retreat northwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Wadi Safar is a distinctive wadi system and cultural landscape envisioned as a destination for exclusive, experience-led luxury shaped by the natural environment and the architectural heritage of the Najd region. Unlike the dense urban context of Diriyah’s historic districts, Wadi Safar is defined by its land, agricultural patterns and open landscape.
Date-farm masterplan rooted in Najdi architectural traditions
The masterplan is conceived as a contemporary interpretation of a traditional date farm. The resort features 55 Standard Villas, four Deluxe Villas and one Presidential Villa arranged around intimate courtyards for the Oberoi-operated hotel. In addition, the development includes 10 branded residential villas, a grand ballroom, a signature specialty restaurant, pool bar, spa, fitness center and kids center, along with private gardens and a central falaj, an authentic irrigation channel that forms the heart of the landscape strategy.
Private villas with gardens, pools and panoramic views
The Deluxe Villas and the Presidential Villa occupy prime locations across the site, each offering private gardens, swimming pools and uninterrupted views across the surrounding terrain to create an exclusive and highly private resort experience.
Design inspiration is drawn directly from the rural legacy of Najdi architecture and the agricultural character of Wadi Safar. Here, space is shaped by landscape and productivity rather than by streets and building density. Palm groves, irrigation channels, cultivated fields and water features replace the conventional urban grid, guiding movement and defining a sequence of immersive guest experiences.
Aedas has fully embraced the site’s exceptional qualities by creating a lush oasis of more than a thousand date palms, interwoven with the falaj and multiple water elements. The result is a tranquil and almost mystical environment that reconnects guests with nature while remaining deeply rooted in local heritage and cultural identity.
The main arrival experience is framed by a symmetrical colonnade and a central courtyard, establishing a sense of grandeur and calm. From the drop-off to the lobby, guests move through shaded walkways and landscaped spaces designed to heighten comfort while maintaining constant visual contact with water and greenery.
Deep, textured walls and freestanding, mud-rendered piers define the architectural language of the main entrance and extend through to the ballroom arrival sequence. Two linear water features, fountains and mature palms frame the approach. All vehicular access is positioned to the east of the site, beyond the agricultural landscape, ensuring that cars are entirely concealed from the internal resort environment.
Six curated gardens celebrating local Saudi produce
Under the shade of the palm canopy, Aedas introduced a series of productive gardens featuring fruits and vegetables commonly used in Saudi cuisine. Six distinct gardens dedicated to figs, citrus, oranges, olives, pomegranates and native plants—offer unique atmospheres, seating areas and integrated water features. A continuous pedestrian route connects the lobby to each garden, encouraging guests to explore the full site.
Key amenities include an infinity pool overlooking the wider landscape, multiple reflective water bodies integrated into architectural elements, outdoor seating areas with retractable shading, and a yoga pavilion surrounded by water and connected to adjacent courtyards. The spa includes an indoor pool with full-height glazing, creating a seamless visual connection with the surrounding gardens.
The specialty restaurant provides panoramic views across the escarpment and features a secluded private table for two, designed for intimate dining and special occasions. The resort also includes a kids center with indoor play areas and outdoor water features, discreetly located but easily accessible. Butler rooms are strategically distributed across the site to support seamless guest service.
A distinctive sunken seating area on the main terrace remains open to the sky, offering a rare stargazing experience made possible by the site’s minimal light pollution. Surrounded by the gently flowing falaj, the setting creates a sensation of floating within the landscape.
The Oberoi Wadi Safar redefines luxury hospitality in the Najd region, delivering an immersive resort experience shaped by culture, landscape and architectural authenticity.
Aedas is a global architecture and design practice driven by the exchange of international research, local insight and design excellence. With more than 1,200 professionals across studios worldwide, the firm delivers culturally responsive, world-class design solutions tailored to the needs of cities and communities around the globe.
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