By Kassandra Burr
Nestled in the historic Hejaz Mountains, this awe-inspiring resort fosters connectivity with nature through unique design elements.
Developed by Oppenheim Architecture in partnership with Red Sea Global, Desert Rock is situated 50 miles from the Red Sea coast amid the breathtaking Saudi Arabian desertscape. Inspired by the Nabatean civilization, renowned for its remarkable rock-carved city in Jordan, Desert Rock features luxury suites carved out of the Massif itself.
It’s an unparalleled experience, gazing up at an ethereal desert sky from a cliffside pool, seemingly suspended in midair, or sleeping within the walls of ancient desert rock. These experiences epitomize the resort’s purpose: encouraging guests to feel grounded in the landscape, one with the desert. Their vision centered on cultivating “immersive and transformative moments,” explains Chad Oppenheim, principal of Oppenheim Architecture. “We designed spaces that invite exploration, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature.”
Cliffside Living in Unique Architecture
Palatial suites, complete with outdoor terraces and private pools, marry luxury comforts with the enduring beauty of nature, inviting guests to appreciate and explore the natural wonders of the surrounding environment. Blending seamlessly into the rockface, the Mountain Cave Suites feature sand and crushed stone repurposed from the excavation process. “High-quality finishes and locally sourced materials not only enhance aesthetics but also create a sense of place that resonates with the surrounding environment,” notes Oppenheim. Embedding habitable living spaces into the cliffside presents a unique challenge, one that Oppenheim says was overcome by incorporating natural ventilation and insulation techniques via geothermal cooling.
Holding true to its design philosophy—which emphasizes building with the land, not on the land—Oppenheim Architecture designed Desert Rock as a sustainable destination where guests could celebrate the land and its historical significance. The newly completed resort took several years to design and build, reflecting the firm’s commitment to sustainable luxury.
With eco-friendly considerations, such as the use of solar energy, water collection practices, and the recycling of construction materials, Desert Rock was designed to reduce energy consumption as well as regenerate native flora. “The landscape,” Oppenheim says, “with its unique geological characteristics, allowed us to create a dialogue between architecture and nature, honoring the region’s heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.”
Photo courtesy of Red Sea Global and Oppenheim Architecture.
Unique Location: Desert Rock
originally appeared in
Unique Homes Spring 2025.