Desert Rock Resort is Carved Into the Hejaz Mountains of Saudi Arabia

In the Hejaz Mountains of Saudi Arabia, Desert Rock Resort is not built on the landscape - it is etched into it. Designed by Oppenheim Architecture, with the interior concept developed by Paolo Ferrari, the resort is carved from the mountain itself, using stone and earth excavated on site for both structure and finish.

The arrival experience is discreet and immersive. Guests enter through a secret valley, with the resort gradually revealed by the contours of the land. Desert Rock spans 30,000 square metres, with clusters of buildings scattered throughout a cloaked valley and nestled among rocky outcrops. Roads are hidden behind landscape mounds to preserve uninterrupted views, and minimise sound and light pollution.

The architecture draws inspiration from the Nabataean civilisation, with the resort’s design blending into its rugged surroundings and almost camouflaged within the landscape. Geometric forms and sharp edges define the architecture, balanced by pools and curved landscape elements.

The resort comprises 48 villas and 12 hotel rooms, with some perched high above the landscape and others at ground level. Cliff-Hanging Villas feature recessed windows and elevated private pools, evoking the feeling of a secluded cavern. Mountain Cave Suites and Mountain Crevice Villas are carved into the plateau, with pools set on the edge of the stone crown. The accommodation offers views of the mountainous landscape, with each building shaped by the terrain and constructed using concrete made from aggregates sourced directly from the site.

The interiors are finished with natural materials such as plaster, limestone, bronze, and wood. Custom-designed furnishings and fixtures are found throughout the resort, including details like sand-cast steel door knockers, integrated bed frames, and sunken sofas, all contributing to the character of the spaces.

Excavated materials are repurposed into the project’s infrastructure, reducing environmental impact. Native plants are used throughout the arid landscape, and passive cooling techniques lower the resort’s overall energy consumption. Most materials are sourced or recycled from the site, further punctuating the resort's foundation in sustainability.