The Chedi Hegra, a masterpiece of design and cultural immersion, has officially opened its doors at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

Set within the ruins of the historic Hegra Railway and surrounded by the ancient Nabataean city, this exclusive property offers an experience that seamlessly blends history, luxury, and natural beauty.

Here are five elements that make this a once-in-a-lifetime hospitality experience: 

1. Connection to the past
   Hegra, dating back to the 1st century BCE, was once a vital city along the Incense Road. The Hegra Railway, built in 1907 under German engineer Heinrich Meissner, linked Medina to Damascus, enhancing trade and pilgrimage routes. Today, The Chedi Hegra preserves the original railway structures, harmonising them with contemporary architecture to offer guests a tranquil retreat rooted in the region’s 200,000 years of human history.
   
   
2. Modern architectural beauty
   Led by Milan-based design studio Gio Forma, the property’s architecture honours the past while embracing modern elegance. A central feature is the Shadow Canopy, or Lamellae, a 700-meter-long structure uniting historic railway tracks with innovative design. Guests are invited to explore curated art installations, including Silent Witnesses of the Past by Monika Sosnowska, crafted from repurposed steel rails from the original Hegra Railway, and Echoes of Extinction by Elizabeth Turk, featuring six aluminium pole sculptures that embody the echoes of endangered birds from the region.
   
   
3. Sustainably crafted
   With only 35 rooms, suites, and villas, The Chedi Hegra reflects its commitment to preserving the integrity of its historical setting. Each accommodation incorporates original stone walls and architectural details, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy private terraces, plunge pools, and interiors inspired by Nabataean heritage, with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and ancient necropolis.
   
   
4. A vintage dining companion
   Dining at The Chedi Hegra is an exceptional journey through local and international flavours – and through time. Prima Classe, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, serves Mediterranean dishes using locally sourced ingredients. By evening, it transforms into the Golden Hour Lounge, offering a serene setting to admire the desert sunset alongside a vintage icon – the restored Locomotive 964, a 1906 marvel that once traversed the Hajj route. Additional options include the Al Mahattah Lounge for gourmet bites and high tea, and the Saudi Coffee House, where guests can explore Saudi coffee culture through interactive workshops.
   
   
5. Deep dive into AlUla
   Beyond the hotel’s luxurious amenities, guests can delve into AlUla’s rich heritage with curated tours of the UNESCO site and encounters with its unique wildlife, including Arabian Oryx and Nubian Ibex. Desert-inspired gardens and a soon-to-open spa and wellness centre add to the immersive experience.

Learn more about The Chedi Hegra and AlUla’s hospitality offerings here.