Nestled in the heart of historic Diriyah, Bab Samhan is the first luxury hotel opening in the ancient capital of Saudi Arabia, Diriyah. This is a city freighted with history. Every corner of this breath–taking destination could whisper a fascinating story to you. The remnants of the old city, which is made almost entirely of adobe structures, are strung out along the beautiful valley of Wadi Hanifah.
Diriyah, whose majestic hilltop citadel At-Turaif has been designated a UNESCO world Heritage site, was the ancestral home of the Al Saud family. One of the most culturally important centres in Saudi Arabia, the city still exudes the wondrous lustre of history today. British writer Robert Lacey compares it to, “A sand-blown Pompeii.”
Situated close to the modern-day Saudi capital of Riyadh, Diriyah is increasingly popular with discerning travellers, a fact that residents welcome. According to May Shaer, the Head of the Arab States Unit at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s World Heritage Centre, “Visitors come here to learn and understand history, our past. Culture can bring people together. Diriyah reminds us of all the things we humans have in common.”
The design of the Bab Samhan hotel celebrates Nadji architecture,
with its characteristic mudbrick buildings and geometrical patterns.
Now there is a stunning new addition to this magnetic city, which will no doubt attract even more visitors to the area. The recently opened Bab Samhan is a sumptuous new hotel that will greatly enhance the experience of travellers in Diriyah.
Part of the Luxury Collection, the property is a place where effortless refinement crosses over with fascinating history. The aim is to meld state-of-the-art, contemporary luxury with profound, centuries-old heritage. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the heart of timeless Najdi culture. This is reflected in the exquisite architecture of Bab Samhan, which carries echoes of the ancient structures of Diriyah.
All 134 of the very spacious rooms offer an oasis of tranquillity, providing stressed-out urbanites with the ideal place to unwind. All the rooms are generously sized.
The region’s deep cultural roots are mirrored in the eye-catching design, which majors in rich textures, earthy tones, and handcrafted details, including hand-dyed linens.
All rooms at the Bab Samhan hotel in Diriyah are spacious and furnished following the local style.
At Bab Samhan, guests can enjoy the very latest luxuries. The hotel boasts a splendid ballroom and meeting rooms, as well as a state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre and an indoor pool.
Visitors will also doubtless come from far and wide to sample the new restaurant that has opened at Bab Samhan. Taleed by Michael Mina is serving a refined twist on traditional Middle Eastern flavours.
Known globally for, “His deep respect for tradition and his flair for innovation,“ the chef employs his Egyptian heritage and worldwide culinary expertise at Taleed by Michael Mina to create unique dishes that dance on the tongue. Taleed is a celebration of Hejazi cuisine. Chef Mina is sprinkling the dishes with his own stardust, in order to reinvent this ancient cooking tradition from the Kingdom’s western region.
At Taleed, Michelin-Starred chef, Michael Mina, brings the aromatic allure of Hejazi spices to Diriyah,
fusing them with contemporary Mediterranean influences.
This is the first restaurant in Saudi Arabia helmed by the celebrated chef, who has already enjoyed great success with Aqua, Bourbon Steak and Stripsteak in the U.S., and Mina Brasserie in Dubai. Among his signature dishes at Taleed are Sayadiah, a salt-baked fish enlivened by Mina’s unique culinary touch, and Saleeg, a creamy rice creation paired with slow-cooked meats and reimagined for today’s taste buds.
Look out for another of Mina’s speciality dishes, his Modern Mezze. This is an array of small plates, mixing traditional Middle Eastern ingredients with global flavours.
There are two other outstanding restaurants at the hotel. Jareed draws on the core of Najdi culinary heritage, taking diners on an authentic trip through Saudi flavours and aromas. Its delicate Hamees and tender Kabsa come particularly highly recommended. Meanwhile, at Medheef, guests are treated to international cuisine in a market-style dining experience. They can choose from a menu with a fabulous variety of dishes from the many diverse cultures that traditionally came together to exchange goods and ideas in the Najdi regionat the markets.
Ban Samhan is a superb new property that will only enrich the already outstanding hospitality offer in Diriyah.
Lacey calls the city, “An enduring reminder of the frontiers of the possible.” A description that could equally apply to this captivating new hotel.
Find out more about the Bab Samhan hotel in Diriyah, HERE.
Author: James Rampton
Learn more about Diriyah, the City of Earth, HERE.
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