The deserts of Saudi Arabia hold surprises from undulating sand dunes, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, ceaseless winds, and shades and shadows that turn objects to mirages. But this part of the Arabian desert in Riyadh region holds a piece of Africa and beyond.
There are only a few places in Riyadh that takes my breath away. But when I find one, it’s truly a unique marvel; one that I didn’t imagine to exist in the dry, arid desert of Saudi Arabia. The Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel took my breath away, and probably my heart too. Weeks after our weekend getaway in the place, my heart still flutters with memories of the African resort and safari in the orange dunes of Arabia.
Just 45 minutes from downtown Riyadh, the Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel is a one-of-a-kind retreat away from the daily hustle and bustle of life. Inspired by Africa, the resort boasts of secluded luxury villas tastefully-designed with decors from the world’s second largest continent. Furniture and fixtures are carefully curated to embody and show the rich culture and traditions of Africa. In this exclusive escape overlooking the famed Nofa Wildlife Park, privacy and security are of topmost importance. Each villa has its own private gardens and swimming pools.
Traveling to the resort is already a delightful experience with gorgeous views of the Tuwaiq escarpment and the nearby wadi and lush farms. Forty-five minutes after and the huge gate of of the resort beckons. Once we stepped into the Nofa Resort grounds, we were welcomed into a whole new world. A world that is easy to love and very hard to let go of.
We were warmly welcomed by the staff in their stunning lobby with couches set against the walls with pictures of San people and majestic carvings of elephants. Sunshine enters the glass walls and floods the floor graced with rugs made of real animal hide. A throne made of crocodile skin awaits. It’s a surreal experience that awed us endlessly.
The Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel has 57 bungalows and villas. Set among palm trees and bougainvillea plants, the stone bungalows and terrace villas of Nofa Resort are impressive. They’re structurally dramatic but barely visible as they blend into nature effortlessly. These sanctuaries hae thatched roofs that allow the rooms to cool and become airy all-year long. Doors are carved with animals that ply the wilderness; the lion is at the door of the Royal Villa, the only one of its kind in the resort. They open to spacious bedrooms with fabrics draped in all sides; wooden desks and chests adorning the room and armchairs that made me want to curl up with a book I brought along for this mini vacation.
Each villa is equipped with the necessities: Nespresso machines, bath and body essentials, slippers and bath robes, and free wi-fi. It was hard to choose where to relax: inside the villa with its African accents and zen vibe or outside with the garden and heated pool promising a stunning view of blue water and sky.
The resort boasts of three restaurants and dedicated meeting areas and conference and banquet facilities. The bright and sunny Tswalu Restaurant is the perfect place to start mornings. We enjoyed their buffet breakfast especially their juices and made-to-order egg dishes and waffles. Pizza and pasta are the high points of our lunch at Alfresco Italian Restaurant. Complete with the sound of the water cascading into the resort’s huge swimming pool, a meal at Alfresco is invigorating. The Butcher’s Den offers a more upscale dining experience with their fresh-off-the-grill seafood and meat. All of our food cravings were satisfied as each restaurant has its own unique offerings; their food and service were excellent.
Guests are lent electric bikes to navigate the whole resort. The trails are perfect for biking and walking. The swimming pool, the piece de resistance in the middle of the resort, is stunning! All the stress melts away with these activities.
Apart from the villas and amenities inside the resort, the Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel offers their guests bespoke experiences that we won’t find in any other resort in Saudi Arabia.
Surrounding the resort is an extraordinary ecosystem that serves as a home to a large assortment of animals including zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, antelopes, and more. The Nofa Wildlife Park promises a learning and engaging safari experience. The safari trail allows the resort’s guests to see over 700 animals, many of which are classified as endangered. And for those looking for more greens rippling in the dunes, the challenging 18-hole golf course welcomes amateur and professional players alike. These experiences contribute to making a stay in Nofa Resort an incredible time.
At the Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, a “hotel stay” is not just an ordinary stay; everything has been thought of. The resort has elevated the standards of hospitality, not only in Riyadh, but also in Saudi Arabia. Africa in Arabia is waiting for you at the Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel.
Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Riyadh Makkah Highway, Exit 857
Riyadh 66223, Saudi Arabia
Contact No.: +966 11 8296800
Email: info.nofa@radissoncollection.com
Social Media: @radissoncollectionriyadh
