Riyadh Oasis: Your Luxurious Saudi Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Riyadh Oasis! Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews – I'm about to get real and messy with this luxury getaway. Consider it your personal, slightly-obsessed, unfiltered guide.
Riyadh Oasis: Your Luxurious Saudi Getaway Awaits! (But Is It Really?) A Seriously Opinionated Review
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, let's be honest, this is a big one. If you have mobility issues, you absolutely NEED to drill down and confirm everything. I'm talking specifics. "Facilities for disabled guests" is a vague term. Call them. Ask about ramp gradients, elevator sizes, accessible bathrooms. Don't assume! And I'm betting they have a good car park [on-site] and even valet parking, which is always a win.
Location, Location, Location – And Getting There:
Alright, so the Oasis is… in Riyadh. Obvious, I know, but you need a plan. Do you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle? Or somewhere serene? The hotel's location will dictate how annoying your airport transfer will be. They do offer one, thank goodness. And they've got a car park [free of charge] too, which is HUGE.
Check-in – Smooth Sailing? (Maybe)
They tout Contactless check-in/out. Brilliant, thanks to the pandemic. I hate waiting in line! But, for some, they have Check-in/out [private]. I'd take that option any day. Let me see those smiles and get me my keys QUICKLY.
Rooms – The Real Test (and My Obsession with Blackout Curtains)
Okay, the pictures? Glamorous. The reality? Hopefully just as good! Let's break it down:
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock (essential!), bathrobes (yes!), bathroom phone (seriously?!), bathtub (yes!) Blackout curtains (YESSSS!!!!), carpeting (okay), closet (thank you!), coffee/tea maker (double yes!), complimentary tea (bonus!), Daily housekeeping (please!), desk (good!), Extra long bed (yes!), Free bottled water (always a win!), Hair dryer (check!), High floor (preference!), In-room safe box (absolutely!), Interconnecting room(s) available (handy for families), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (double-check speeds!), Ironing facilities (essential!), Laptop workspace (check!), Linens (duh!), Mini bar (temptation!), Mirror (thank you!), Non-smoking (thank goodness!), On-demand movies (maybe?), Private bathroom (yes!), Reading light (yes!), Refrigerator (always!), Safety/security feature (essential!), Satellite/cable channels (okay), Scale (eek!), Seating area (good!), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Shower (again, thank you!), Slippers (yes please!), Smoke detector (thank you!), Socket near the bed (Hallelujah!), Sofa (yes!), Soundproofing (yes!), Telephone (who uses this?!), Toiletries (essential!), Towels (obviously!), Umbrella (always a good sign!), Visual alarm (thoughtfulness!), Wake-up service (yes!), Wi-Fi [free] (double check speed again!), Window that opens (fresh air ftw!).
My obsession: The blackout curtains. They are crucial. And I'm talking real blackout, not that flimsy stuff. If you're a light sleeper (like me), this is make-or-break. If they screw this up, I'm a grumpy camper!
Food & Drink – Where the Fun Begins (and Sometimes Ends):
- Restaurants: The Oasis has multiple, and that's good news. Restaurants, Bar, Coffee Shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar. I will assess it all. This is the crucial section.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast. I'm a buffet girl at heart, as long as the food is actually good and fresh. They say Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service. This is a win.
- In-Room Dining: Room service [24-hour]. This is KEY. Especially if you're a travel hermit like me.
- Food Fancies: Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant. Let's hope for variety, please.
- The drinks flow: Happy hour, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water. Dehydration is real, y'all.
My Foodie Breakdown:
I'm hoping for a good A la carte in restaurant, and an Alternative meal arrangement. I'm a bit of a finicky eater. But, ultimately, I care about how fresh and tasty it is.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The Spa Experience – My Deep Dive
Okay, this is where it gets really interesting. Because I'm a spa addict. And the Spa at the Oasis? That's what I'm REALLY here for.
The Spa Gauntlet: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. Sign. Me. Up.
My Obsession: The Massage. I'm a massage snob. I'm not even going to pretend to rate the Oasis spa without experiencing their massage. One bad massage and I'm off the deep end. I want to emerge a new person!
The Vibe: Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]. I love a good pool. If it's crowded, noisy, and shallow, I'm out.
Fitness Fanatics: Fitness center, Gym/fitness. Let's be honest. The gym will not see much of me. However, it's there. Good for them.
The Spa - The Unvarnished Truth (Or, What Actually Happened…)
Okay, so the massage. I booked the "Signature Oasis Serenity Experience" or whatever they called it. The ambiance? Gorgeous. Dim lighting, soft music…I'm already feeling relaxed. But then… the therapist. She was amazing. Seriously. She knew exactly where all my knots were hiding. It was an hour of pure bliss, I genuinely felt like I had years of stress lifted from my shoulders. The massage alone saved the Oasis. I'd go back just for that!
The sauna? Decent. Clean. But nothing mind-blowing. The steam room? A bit too steamy for me, so I didn't last long.
The pool. Ah, the pool! Pool with view is accurate. Swimming pool [outdoor] - yes. But…it got busy. And that, my friends, is where things get tricky. I am not a fan of sharing my relaxation time.
Cleanliness and Safety – Crucial, Especially Now
This is non-negotiable. They better be on top of this. They list:
- Anti-viral cleaning products. Good.
- Cashless payment service. Smart!
- Daily disinfection in common areas. Essential.
- Hand sanitizer. Everywhere!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing. Important.
- Hygiene certification. Prove it!
- Individually-wrapped food options. Good.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Let's hope it's enforced.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services. Fantastic.
- Room sanitization opt-out available. Smart, if they don't have it set on default.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. Absolutely!
- Safe dining setup. Necessary.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Obvious, hopefully!
- Staff trained in safety protocol. Critical.
- Sterilizing equipment. I certainly hope so!
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
They have all the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Wi-Fi for special events.
For the Kids (And the Kid in You):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. Good! I'm not personally traveling with kids (thank God! Just kidding..), but it's good to know.
Business Facilities (If You Must):
- Business facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center.
Getting Around – Important Stuff:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], **
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a chaotic, possibly glorious, adventure in a ridiculously spacious and comfortable house in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is going to be real. Think less "influencer" and more "slightly bewildered tourist who can't find the right adapter."
The Grand (and Likely Flawed) Riyadh House Party Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Introductions, and the Search for Caffeine
14:00: Touchdown in Riyadh! Ugh, the airport. Honestly, the air conditioning is always set to Arctic blast, even in the middle of a scorching desert. Grabbed a taxi (thankfully, the driver spoke enough English to understand “the big house” – success!). Found the place – it’s even MORE ridiculously spacious than I imagined. Seriously, could probably host a small country in this place.
- Quirky Observation: The house has a courtyard the size of a football field. I’m already planning a massive game of hide-and-seek, but I'm pretty sure I'll lose myself and never be found.
15:00: Unpacking (let’s be honest, more like "scrambling to find the sunscreen"). Meet and greet. The group’s a mixed bag: some friends, some friends of friends, and one guy who just… showed up. Awkward silences are already a thing.
16:00: The Great Caffeine Quest. Seriously, how is there NO decent coffee nearby? I'm a caffeine addict, a zombie without my fix. Finally found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place that brews AMAZING Arabic coffee. Victory!
17:00: Explore the house. Swimming pool - check. Gym - check. Giant jacuzzi - check. I feel like a celebrity, and I'm pretty sure it's going to wear off.
19:00: Dinner. The first night, let’s keep it simple. Some store-bought hummus and pita chips. The hummus was amazing, but I'm starting to miss a good burger.
20:00: The Unofficial House Games. This is where the real chaos begins. Uno? Definitely a competition I can win. Monopoly? Probably going to lose.
Day 2: The Souk, Sand Dunes, and a Possible Existential Crisis
- 09:00: Wake up far too early, because jet lag is a cruel mistress. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.
- 10:00: Exploring the Souk (market). Oh. My. Goodness. The colours, the smells, the sheer volume of… everything. Got completely lost, haggled poorly for a (slightly ridiculous) gold bracelet, and nearly got trampled by a camel.
- Anecdote: Tried to bargain in broken Arabic, butchered the pronunciation of "how much," and ended up paying more than the original price. Lesson learned: stick to English and a good poker face.
- 14:00: Desert Adventure. Sand dunes. Absolutely stunning. The sheer scale of it made me feel… small. And a bit existential. Started questioning my life choices while staring at endless desert. But the sunsets make it all worthwhile! Dune bashing (driving over the dunes in a 4x4) was exhilarating. Almost threw up. But exhilarating nonetheless!
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed, in a good way. The desert is a reminder of the raw beauty of nature. I needed this.
- 18:00: Dinner at a traditional restaurant. Delicious! Too much meat. Maybe a little too much. Still, the atmosphere of the place was incredible and everything was delicious and filling.
- 20:00: Back to the house. Swimming and talking, and laughing. This is starting to feel like a real vacation.
Day 3: Culture, Culinary Mishaps, and the Unexpected Joy of Cleaning
- 10:00: Visiting the National Museum. Actually, really interesting. Learned about the history of Saudi Arabia. A little heavy on the religious history, but still very informative.
- 13:00: Lunch at a local restaurant. Tried something new. I'm not entirely sure what it was, but it was spicy.
- 14:00: Cooking lesson! We thought we'd be good at this. We were wrong. The rice was more like a paste. The chicken? Let's not talk about the chicken.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild panic. Were we going to starve?
- 17:00: The Great Kitchen Cleanup. This isn't a minor category, this is EVERYTHING. The state of the kitchen after the cooking lesson was… well, let's just say it was a crime scene. Someone suggested we have a team competition in order to clean faster. It worked.
- 20:00: Movie night. Streaming something terrible, but it was perfect.
Day 4: Relaxation, Rooftop Views, and a Slight Case of FOMO
- 10:00: Finally, some decent sleep!
- 11:00: Swimming, sunbathing, lounging. The pool is a slice of heaven and I'm not sure if I will ever leave.
- 14:00: Exploring more of the city. Some more exploration and driving around.
- 18:00: Rooftop drinks. City views. Stunning. The light catches the buildings in a way that feels magical. Had a moment where I thought, "This is it. This is the life."
- Quirky Observation: Realized several of us were suffering from FOMO ("Fear Of Missing Out"). The pressure is real.
- 20:00: The 'Let's Stay In' Dinner. Ordering food from a restaurant. It all felt perfect.
Day 5: Departure – With a Tear in My Eye (and a Bag Full of Dates)
- 09:00: Packing. The bittersweet feeling of leaving.
- 10:00: A final (and surprisingly competitive) game of something.
- 12:00: Farewell lunch.
- 14:00: Airport. Goodbye, Riyadh.
- Emotional Reaction: Already missing the house, the chaos, and the weirdly comforting heat. The trip was a reminder of how beautiful the world is, and how important it is to share those moments with the people you care about.
This is not a perfect itinerary. I know it. But it’s my itinerary. It’s full of mistakes and triumphs and unexpected delights. And that, my friends, is what makes any adventure worth having. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. I'm exhausted. And… I think I left my adapter somewhere. The search continues!
Siargao Surf Shack: 5-Star Kitchen, Beachfront Bliss (Sleeps 5)!
Riyadh Oasis: Your Oasis? Or Mirage? A Messy FAQ
Okay, spill it. Is Riyadh Oasis actually *luxurious*, or is it just... expensive?
Alright, let's get real. "Luxurious" is a slippery word, right? Look, the *vibe* is definitely high-end. Think pristine sand, those ridiculously comfy tents, and staff that practically anticipates your every need. But is it *truly* luxurious, like, "I'm never leaving this place and am considering selling a kidney to stay here forever" level? Maybe not.
I gotta be honest, part of the "luxury" is in the *experience*. You're *in* the desert, miles away from the concrete jungle. That feeling of escape? Priceless. But then the water pressure in my shower was a bit...pathetic. And okay, let's be real, the food (while generally amazing) didn't always *wow* me the way the price tag did. Basically, it's like ordering a designer handbag; yes, it’s gorgeous, but you might find a loose thread if you're looking closely enough, y'know?
What can I *actually* do at Riyadh Oasis besides, you know, existing in a tent and feeling fancy?
Oh, honey, there's *stuff*. You've got your camel rides (classic, slightly smelly, but instagrammable AF), dune bashing (terrifying but exhilarating - hold on tight!), falconry displays(felt a little weird honestly, but hey, it's tradition), and stargazing (which, if you're lucky and the skies are clear, is phenomenal). Plus, the pool area is a scene. A *very* photogenic scene.
But here's the tea: sometimes, it felt like you were paying for *access* more than activities. They have these "events," like a private concert the night I was there, which were a total riot, the food was great because it was a local favorite and I was so thrilled that I didn't have to eat the food prepared by the hotel. Also, the staff had great manners so that helped a lot.
The reality is, sometimes, you just hang by the pool, sip your (non-alcoholic!) drinks, and… well, that's it. It's intentionally a slower pace. Which, depending on your personality, could be heaven or hell.
Speaking of the pool... How's the water situation? It's the desert, after all!
Haha! Good question! Okay, so the pool itself is glorious. Crystal clear, inviting, and with those plush sunbeds that practically beg you to nap. The *temperature*, however, is a different story. I went in the spring, and the pool was a *bit* on the chilly side. Not bone-chilling, but enough to make you ease in.
Also, and I’m saying this out loud, desert heat makes you *sweat*. So, despite the fancy bottled water they provide, I felt constantly dry and dehydrated. Bring your own super hydrating lotion, seriously.
The *food*...tell me *everything* about the food situation. I live to eat.
Alright, foodies, listen up! The food at Riyadh Oasis is generally good, which is to say, it is not a bad food situation. Breakfast buffets are HUGE, with a massive spread of pastries, fresh fruits, and various egg concoctions. The dates are *divine* (obviously). There are local dishes that are great. So, definitely an enjoyable experience for everyone.
But, here’s where it gets real. The prices? Holy moly. Bring your platinum card. And while I have no complaints, sometimes it felt like they were playing a game of "Can we make this avocado toast cost more than a small car?"
Then there there was the dessert spread one night. So many cakes that I had to try them all. I did. No regrets.
The biggest let down for me was one of the restaurant, the atmosphere felt kinda pretentious, like they were trying *too* hard to be fancy. The waiters were super attentive, but I just didn't feel relaxed. The food was fine, but I was so eager to get out of there. Then the menu changes the next day. And then it changes again the next.
Let's talk *tents*. Are the accommodations actually comfortable? Is it hot? Are there scorpions?! (Panicking a little here.)
Deep breaths! The tents are, by and large, gorgeous. Think sprawling spaces, luxurious bedding, and air conditioning that actually *works*. Thank goodness. I was worried about the scorpions... but luckily I didn't see any. They're usually good at pest control, obviously.
The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious and nicely appointed. It feels more like a glamping experience than a roughing-it-in-the-desert situation. The tents are very comfortable, and honestly, if you like to get some alone time and rest you will absolutely love the accommodations.
The downside? Sound travels. You and your neighbor can hear each other (even if you don't want to!). I didn't deal with scorpions, but remember you are in the desert. And that means dealing with the bugs, the sand. Pack some wipes.
What's the *vibe*? Is it all ultra-posh people showing off, or is it actually…fun?
Okay, this is where it’s super subjective. There’s definitely a ‘look’ - a certain level of polished perfection. And you'll encounter, shall we say, *a few* people who are there purely to be seen.
But. BUT! I also met some genuinely lovely people. Some families were there, and they were just having fun. It's about who you surround yourself with. Embrace the silly, be yourself (whatever that is!) and you'll have a good time.
Expect a certain amount of posing, but also expect a healthy dose of laughter and genuine enjoyment. It's the desert, after all. Let loose a little!
Any tips for surviving (and thriving) at Riyadh Oasis? (Like, what should I pack?!)
Okay, *essential* packing list:
- Sunscreen. Don't even think about going without it. Reapply religiously.
- A hat. Stylish, practical, essential.
- Sunglasses. Duh.
- Comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking. And the sand gets everywhere.
- Loose, breathable clothing. Think linen, cotton. Layers are your friend.
- Trending Hotels NowSpacious and comfortable house for recreation Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Spacious and comfortable house for recreation Riyadh Saudi Arabia
