TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Page 81

Looking for a fun beachfront holiday? It is at this luxury resort by the Vietnam coast

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Standard ocean king room in Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach

Brought to you by The Grand Ho Tram

Vietnam is fast developing as a luxury destination with new five-star hotels and resorts, luxury trains and other products. 

A pioneer in the country’s luxury landscape is The Grand Ho Tram, the country’s first large-scale luxury integrated resort along the stunning coast of Ho Tram. Just a two-hour drive from central Ho Chi Minh City, the resort comprises three hotel towers, a casino, world-class golf courses, 19 restaurants and bars, nine swimming pools and three spas. 

Established in 2013, The Grand Ho Tram has announced plans for an expansion as it unveils a new vision of District Vui – Quận Vui, where it aims to position the resort as a destination for perpetual joy. 

CEO Walt Power explained that District Vui represents its commitment to renew and grow and to provide a haven for guests of all ages to enjoy and let go in a unique environment through The Grand Ho Tram’s lush accommodations, facilities and activities. The resort is a highly sought-after destination for a wide array of events including combat sports, beauty pageants, company retreats and exclusive product launches

With plans announced for a 35-hectare expansion, here are some reasons why The Grand Ho Tram is the leisure destination in South-east Asia to be at. 

Grand plans ahead
In May, The Grand Ho Tram announced it will embark on a US$1 billion project for a new development that will be home to new five-star hotels, luxury resort villas, multi-sport and entertainment complex, wellness and medical spa centre, family amusement park, and an international convention and exhibition centre. 

This will expand its capacity to 9,000 rooms and support 18,000 guests daily, while the development aims to support a projected annual 100 million international visitors. 

At present, The Grand Ho Tram is home to three hotels – InterContinental Grand Ho Tram (543 keys); Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach (561 keys), and Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion (164 residences and 64 villas) – each with their distinctive style of luxurious rooms, suites and ocean front villas. 

Dine, relax and enjoy
As an integrated resort, The Grand Ho Tram has all that guests need, from food and beverage, to activities and service. 

Embark on a culinary adventure at The Grand Ho Tram’s 19 restaurants, cafes and bars, located throughout the three hotel towers. The Grand Bistro in the InterContinental Tower has notable chefs behind its gourmet menu that span from Australian beef to Korean barbeque made from the finest produce, while Lemongrass in the Holiday Inn Resort Tower is a more casual affair with a variety of Asian cuisine. 

Adults looking to stay up can have pints at the Fuel Sports Bar which offers cocktails alongside billiards, acoustic music, and interactive golf, or let loose at the Roxy Night Club. 

The resort’s facilities and activities include something for guests of all ages. From swimming pools and beach access to water sports and active outdoor recreational zones – think pickleball and a playground maze – families can spend quality time together. Those who prefer to stay indoors can try their hand at the Game Zone, karaoke lounge or a cinema. 

A golfer’s dream 

The Bluffs is the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman

The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram is a must-go golf course for those who play. Designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, The Bluffs is ranked 68 on Golf Digest World’s 100 Greatest Golf Course. Its other accolades include Best Golf Course in South-east Asia 2024 by the World Luxury Travel Awards and Vietnam’s Best Golf Course by the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards, 2024. 

The 18-hole championship course offers a unique landscape among Vietnam’s sand dune terrain with dramatic ocean views in the background. 

Beyond the course, The Bluffs’ Clubhouse houses the Infinity Restaurant. Guests can indulge in Vietnamese and international cuisine while soaking in the panoramic views of the Ho Tram coastline and rolling greens. 

Also in Clubhouse is the rare cask room, an intimate space for up to 15 discerning guests to indulge in some of the finest scotch and whiskies after a day out on the green. 

Improved connectivity
The upcoming Long Thanh international airport that is being constructed in the Dong Nai province, some 40km east of Ho Chi Minh City is expected to be a gamechanger for the region as well. 

Located some 50km from The Grand Ho Tram, the airport is expected to commence operations next year.  


Experience what The Grand Ho Tram offers, and don’t forget to vote for The Grand Ho Tram for the Best Integrated Resort in the TTG Travel Awards 2025 now!

Grand Hyatt Singapore Damai

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Grand Hyatt Singapore lap pool; photo by Chantal Arnts
Grand Hyatt Singapore Damai; photo by Chantal Arnts

Location
Grand Hyatt Singapore is located in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping district, with easy access to public buses and Orchard MRT station.

The hotel features Damai, a newly revamped wellness hub that includes a spa, thermal hydrotherapy facilities, fitness centre, and Damai House, where fitness classes take place.

Amenities
Walking into Damai’s reception lounge, the marble and wooden accents create a comforting yet elegant atmosphere. Just around the corner, the fitness centre catches the eye with its floor-to-ceiling windows and a range of sleek machines designed for a full-body workout.

Friendly staff provide a rubber bracelet that secures your locker in the spacious changing rooms. Inside, dressing tables offer basic amenities such as disposable combs, shower caps, and, to my delight, Dyson hairdryers. Fluffy towels and water are also thoughtfully provided.

Before heading to the showers, I took time to enjoy the thermal-hydrotherapy facilities, which include an outdoor wellness pool, sauna, salt steam room, air lounge hydro pool, and contrast therapy shower. The sauna, though small with a maximum capacity of four, was a toasty spot to sweat it out. The steam room offered a unique experience, feeling like a gentle mist bathing the body. For those sensitive to high heat, the air lounge hydro pool provided a soothing place to relax and enjoy a warm soak.

I also appreciated the ample shower cubicles, each equipped with a rain shower. Even on a busy Saturday morning, it was not too crowded, and I easily found a cubicle. The toiletries, provided by Savoir-Faire, had a refreshing scent that added to the experience.

Classes
I also had the chance to try a mindful movement class at Damai House, which features Singapore’s first Mind Body Therapy Wall. Led by Jimin Choi, the hotel’s master yoga and Pilates trainer, the session was a refreshing way to start the day.

Jimin showed us how to use the thick straps attached to the wall to stretch more deeply and safely, targeting areas like the back and legs while fully engaging muscles.

Afterward, I joined a vocal breath work class with Petrina Kow, a voice and public speaking coach. She guided us on how to use our voices to release body tension through sound — an interesting exercise in letting loose without feeling awkward.

Damai House also offers a wide range of classes including chair yoga, barre, mat Pilates, Zumba, high-intensity interval training, dancefit, and more.

Verdict
As a wellness hub, Damai offers a holistic approach to rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit. Its wide range of fitness classes, well-being therapies, and facilities includes signature experiences using vibroacoustic therapy, light and heat treatments, and oceanic minerals – designed to relieve fatigue, jet lag, and digital stress, making it ideal for busy professionals on the go.

While I did not try all the classes and facilities that I wanted to, the gym with its shiny machines and the thought of having a relaxing spa treatment post-workout are calling me to return.

Contact details
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/sinrs-grand-hyatt-singapore/spa

CrescentRating introduces public platform for Muslim market data

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CrescentRating (CR), the organisation behind a recognised standard and the first global rating system for Muslim-friendly travel, has launched a public platform offering population and inbound travel data.

The CR Market Analytics Performance Solutions (MAPS), made available on June 2, provides business intelligence on the global Muslim market. The data is intended for use across sectors including childcare and health, according to Fazal Bahardeen, founder and chief executive.

CrescentRating launches data platform tracking Muslim population and travel patterns across 153 countries

Users can access two data sets covering 153 countries, spanning the Muslim population from 2005 with projections to 2100, categorised by age groups, and inbound travel data from 2010 to 2024. The data has not previously been published.

CR, established 17 years ago, employs two data scientists and is considering expanding the platform to include outbound travel, household income, and its Global Muslim Travel Index repository.

He said a fee model may be introduced in future for access to more detailed data sets, which are difficult to source and take years to compile.

CR MAPS can be accessed here.

Sports events drive surge in travel bookings to Singapore, reports Trip.com

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Trip.com has observed a sharp rise in inbound travel bookings to Singapore for the July-August period, driven by international sports fans attending two major events: the World Aquatics Championships 2025 and the Singapore Festival of Football 2025.

Bookings for the World Aquatics Championships period (July 11 to August 3) rose by 31 per cent compared to the same period last year. Travel demand during the Singapore Festival of Football (July 23 to 27) increased by 50 per cent year-on-year.

Singapore gears up to host thousands of passionate fans for the World Aquatics Championships and Festival of Football 2025

The events are expected to draw thousands of international visitors, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a key destination for sports and event tourism in Asia.

Most people travelling to Singapore for the World Aquatics Championships 2025 are millennials, making up 53 per cent of bookings. Generation X follows at 26 per cent, while Gen Z accounts for 17 per cent. Only 5 per cent of travellers are from the Baby Boomer generation.

Indonesia saw the biggest jump in travel bookings to Singapore during the event, with a 36 per cent increase compared to last year. Other strong markets include China (+24 per cent), Thailand (+16 per cent), Malaysia (+14 per cent), and Hong Kong (+11 per cent).

Nearly half of all visitors are booking four-star hotels. Three-star hotels make up 31 per cent of bookings, while 23 per cent chose five-star stays.

Elsewhere in South-east Asia, major sporting events are also driving tourism. Travel to Jakarta for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships is up 151 per cent. Bangkok’s SEA Games saw a 93 per cent increase. Manila’s Volleyball Men’s World Championship grew 32 per cent, and the Women’s tournament in Phuket and Bangkok rose by 10 per cent.

“Sporting events like the World Aquatics Championships and the Singapore Festival of Football are powerful catalysts for international travel. Singapore is increasingly positioned as a hub for global sporting spectacles, drawing visitors from around the world,” said Edmund Ong, general manager, Trip.com Singapore.

“Younger travellers are especially keen on travelling for live sporting experiences and are opting for more premium accommodation. This reflects the growing appeal of event-driven tourism and underscores the importance of catering to the evolving needs of sports fans on the move.

Ong added that with Singapore hosting major events such as the World Aquatics Championships 2025, the growth of sports tourism is expected to drive travel flows across the region and benefit the broader travel industry.

Rixos to debut in South-east Asia

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Rixos Hotels is set to open its first property in South-east Asia later this year with the debut of Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam. Located on Hon Thom (Pineapple Island), just off the southern coast of Phu Quoc, the resort will bring the brand’s all-inclusive, all-exclusive model to Vietnam for the first time.

Accessible via the Guinness World Record-certified Hon Thom Cable Car – the world’s longest non-stop three-way cable car – the resort is part of Sun Group’s integrated Sun Paradise Land development. The project is being developed in partnership with Sun Entertainment & Hospitality Group and Ennismore.

Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam marks the debut of the brand’s all-inclusive, all-exclusive concept in South-east Asia

Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam will offer over 1,700 rooms and 22 F&B outlets. Facilities will include beachside entertainment, wellness offerings, and family-oriented activities. Programming will span water sports, live shows, and nature-focused experiences.

The opening marks a new chapter for the Rixos brand, which is positioning the property as a destination resort combining cultural immersion, large-scale hospitality infrastructure, and access to Phu Quoc’s broader tourism ecosystem.

Outside the resort, visitors will have access to attractions such as Sun World Hon Thom, Eco Beach Diving Centre, Kiss Bridge, Sunset Town, and the Kiss of the Sea water projection show. Daily fireworks, art performances, night markets and a cable car connection make the area one of the most active tourism hubs on the island.

Phu Quoc is currently the only destination in Vietnam offering visa-free entry for up to 30 days for foreign visitors and Vietnamese nationals with foreign passports.

The Rixos opening adds to a growing pipeline of international brands establishing a presence in Phu Quoc as tourism infrastructure on the island continues to expand.

Star of the Seas joins Royal Caribbean fleet

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Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of Star of the Seas, the latest ship in its Icon Class, following nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. The vessel is scheduled to debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in August.

The delivery ceremony, held at the shipyard, was attended by more than 1,250 crew members and partners. Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley, Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm and Meyer Turku chairman Jaakko Eskola marked the handover.

Royal Caribbean welcomed Star of the Seas with a celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland; photo by sbw-photo

The ship will sail from Turku to Cádiz, Spain, where final preparations will be completed before beginning seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean routes. These include stops at Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Star of the Seas includes eight areas across the ship, each offering a mix of recreational, dining and entertainment options. Thrill Island houses a waterpark with six waterslides, a skywalk, and a surf simulator. Chill Island features four pools, live music and multiple bars. Surfside is designed for families with children, offering splash zones, informal dining, and seating areas. AquaDome provides ocean views, live shows, and several dining and bar options. The Hideaway, an adults-only space, includes a suspended infinity pool 41 metres above the ocean, a bar and a terrace with ocean views.

Additional spaces include the Royal Promenade with ocean views and the kinetic art sculpture Pearl. Central Park includes more than 30,500 plants. Other areas include the Lincoln Park Supper Club, pick-up counters for items such as sushi and sparkling wine, and the Suite Neighborhood, which spans four decks and includes the Grove Suite Sun Deck and two-level Coastal Kitchen.

The ship will be Royal Caribbean’s third powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and includes energy systems such as waste heat recovery and shore power connection. The company aims to launch a net-zero cruise ship by 2035. A fourth LNG-powered vessel, Legend of the Seas, is expected in 2026.

Royal Caribbean is also planning new destination developments. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas is due to open in December 2025. Royal Beach Club Cozumel will follow in 2026, Perfect Day Mexico in autumn 2027, and a beach site in Lelepa, South Pacific, also in 2027.

“The delivery of Star of the Seas marks another bold step forward in Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reimagine the future of vacations. Star and the Icon Class are a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, imagination and our relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences come together, ultimately creating unforgettable memories for millions of families and vacationers,” said Liberty.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Star of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family as we continue to revolutionise how families and adventurers vacation,” shared Bayley. “It’s a true team effort with so many talented individuals coming together to make the new Icon Class vacation a reality, and we’re excited to debut this incredible achievement with a star-studded celebration this August.”

Aviation roundup: Ethiopian Airlines, Vietjet and more

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Ethiopian Airlines; photo by Boeing

Ethiopian Airlines adds fifth weekly flight to Singapore
Ethiopian Airlines has launched its fifth weekly flight on the Addis Ababa-Singapore route, reinforcing its role as a key link between South-east Asia and Africa.

The new service also includes Kuala Lumpur, expanding travel options for Malaysian passengers and boosting the airline’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vietjet

Vietjet launches Hanoi-Chengdu service
Vietjet has commenced direct flights between Hanoi and Chengdu, operating four round-trip services per week. The new route strengthens the airline’s presence in China and enhances regional connectivity by providing non-stop access to Sichuan province from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

This launch is part of Vietjet’s broader expansion in China, which has seen the introduction of seven new routes this year. The airline now connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. A new Hanoi–Xi’an service also began on July 6, further expanding Vietjet’s China network and boosting travel options across Asia.

Cambodia Airways

Cambodia Airways expands network with Phnom Penh-Penang route
Cambodia Airways has officially launched its inaugural direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang, which landed at Penang International Airport on June 26.

Flights will operate every Thursday and Sunday on a 150-seat Airbus A319.

This new route reflects both nations’ commitment to improving accessibility and driving mutual growth in tourism and trade.

Hong Kong Airlines

Hong Kong Airlines boosts connectivity with direct Hong Kong–Xi’an flights
Hong Kong Airlines will start flying non-stop between Hong Kong and Xi’an five times a week from July 18. This new route supports the Belt and Road Initiative by encouraging tourism, culture, and trade between the regions.

The airline has recently expanded its network to include inland cities such as Dunhuang, Xining, Vientiane, and Danang, with flights operated using Airbus A320 aircraft.

In addition, Hong Kong Airlines is increasing frequencies on several mainland China routes, offering two daily flights to Hangzhou and Nanjing, and four daily flights to Shanghai Pudong. These additions complement an extensive network that covers key cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, and others, providing travellers with a wide range of options to explore China.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc launches summer retreat package

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JW Marriott Phu Quoc is inviting travellers to experience its southern coastal setting with the launch of the Summer Retreat package, designed for families, food enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing escape.

Located on Khem Beach, one of Phu Quoc’s most secluded shorelines, the resort stands out for its distinctive design inspired by a 19th-century university, conceived by architect Bill Bensley.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc offers a beachfront retreat on the island’s southern coast, just 10 minutes from Sunset Town

The Turquoise Suite, designed in soft sea tones, features views of the bay, a private balcony spanning the bedroom and living area, and optional upgrades including a private pool and garden.

Dining highlights include Pink Pearl, the resort’s French fine-dining restaurant housed in a restored seaside villa. Chef Olivier Elzer, with experience across 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, presents a menu combining French coastal cuisine with local ingredients. The restaurant also hosts a weekly Sunday brunch, offering Riviera-inspired dishes and live DJ sets.

Family programmes are a core part of the resort’s offering. The Kid’s Club includes craft workshops, traditional Vietnamese games and storytelling-themed spaces designed to engage children through imaginative play.

Guests can also explore Sunset Town, a 10-minute journey by double-decker bus. Known for its sunset views, the area features attractions such as Kiss Bridge, the Kiss of the Sea show, and the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car. Resort guests receive complimentary tickets to selected attractions and unlimited access to Sun World Hon Thom with a one-way cable car ticket.

For more information, visit JW Marriott Phu Quoc.

New hotels: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, City of Dreams Sri Lanka and more

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, the Maldives
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, comprises 142 beachfront and overwater villas and residences, each with direct access to either a private beach or part of the ocean.

Selected villas offer interconnecting layouts for families or groups, with some including private pools, Jacuzzis, or both. Options include the Grand Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa, Three-Bedroom Sunset Beach Pool Residence, Grand Two Bedroom Overwater Pool Villa, and Three-Bedroom Sunset Overwater Pool Residence. These units include indoor and outdoor living and dining areas and a kitchenette. In-villa dining is available.

Dining options include an all-day restaurant, a Mediterranean seafood venue with live music, a swim-up bar, an overwater champagne bar, and a fine dining restaurant serving raw dishes, tapas, wines, and buffet meals.

Accessible by speedboat from Malé International Airport, the resort also offers a spa, marine activities, and children’s clubs for teenagers and younger guests.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka

City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
City of Dreams Sri Lanka will open on August 2, completing the final phase of the integrated resort. The launch includes the opening of a casino, the Nüwa hotel, and a retail mall.

Located in central Colombo, the development is South Asia’s first fully integrated resort and the largest private sector investment in Sri Lanka’s luxury tourism sector to date.

The resort features 800 rooms and suites, including the 687-room Cinnamon Life hotel, which opened in October 2024, and the 113-room Nüwa hotel operated under Melco’s flagship brand. The site includes dedicated MICE facilities, a casino and entertainment zone operated by Melco, a shopping promenade, and dining venues. Entertainment spaces will host both international performances and local cultural events.

Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa

Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, Thailand
Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa has opened near Jomtien Beach, just minutes from central Pattaya on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. The location is close to beaches, temples, water parks, shops, golf courses and other attractions. Bangkok is about a two-hour drive away, with three international airports nearby.

The property has 289 rooms and suites, ranging from 33m² deluxe rooms to 88m² suites. Family rooms feature bunk beds, while all units include modern amenities such as sofas and rain showers.

Facilities include six F&B venues, four meeting rooms, a spa, gym, kids’ club and three pools, including a children’s pool and water slides. For families, a package offers daily breakfast, free meals for children, a daily kids’ activity, and other benefits.

Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Ngurah Rai

Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Ngurah Rai, Indonesia
Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Ngurah Rai is situated just minutes from Bali’s international airport and close to shopping centres and popular attractions like Kuta Beach and Uluwatu Temple.

The hotel has 166 rooms and suites with city or pool views. All rooms have a smart TV, sofa, worktable, and charging ports.

Dining options include an all-day restaurant serving international and local food, and a lobby bar with drinks and light snacks.

For events, the hotel has five meeting rooms, including a large ballroom for up to 500 guests, breakout rooms, and a boardroom. There is also an outdoor venue and a ballroom for weddings.

Facilities include a 24-hour gym, outdoor swimming pool, and children’s pool.

Diriyah Company targets Asia-Pacific markets ahead of 2030 visitor goal

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The Diriyah Company, responsible for developing the Diriyah project, is targeting key Asia-Pacific markets including China, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and India as it aims to attract approximately 50 million visitors annually by 2030.

“Apart from participating in trade shows like ILTM Asia Pacific, ITB China, SATTE and Tourism Expo Japan, we are organising regular webinars educating travel experts and advising them how to book our offerings. We are also engaging in media promotions trying to generate demand,” said Naif Awlia, director of tourism and engagement at Diriyah Company, speaking to TTG Asia.

Awlia: Diriyah is at the heart of the Saudi trip as the destination is the heart of our culture

The Diriyah project covers an area of 14km² and follows Najdi architectural principles, with an estimated budget of US$63.2 billion. The development includes mixed-use facilities, hotels, retail, an opera house, and residential units.

“The great thing is that we have opened multiple assets. Last year we opened Bab Samhan – a Luxury Collection hotel with 130 keys besides Diriyah Arts Futures which is part of nine museums that are opening within the development itself. The Zallal project, one of the most significant mixed-use developments, was also inaugurated recently this year,” he shared.

When completed before Expo 2030 Riyadh, the Diriyah project will include approximately 40 hotels with more than 6,000 keys, representing brands such as Anantara, Aman, Capella, Chedi, Raffles, Four Seasons and Six Senses.

Visitor numbers to Diriyah exceeded three million by the end of 2024. “This is a combination of domestic, regional and international visitors, where we have seen that a majority, around 80 per cent, is coming from the domestic and regional markets,” said Awlia.

Diriyah Company is working to attract a range of tourist segments from the Asia-Pacific region. He added: “We are open to all kinds of travellers as we always say that Diriyah is at the heart of the Saudi trip as the destination is the heart of our culture. It is the ancestral home of the royal family who established the first kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is where you will understand the Najdi architecture and our hospitality.”