Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah offers guests an authentic Najdi experience and is a short drive from Riyadh. [Photo courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah]

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Diriyah, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” tourism program, is engineered as a first “touch point” for visitors to acquaint themselves with the region’s history and culture. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, the neighborhood encompasses museums, dining, and specialty shopping, and was designed with intention using the Najid architectural style originating in 400 AD and found at Al Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 18th Century.

Bab Sahman, managed by Marriott International within its “Luxury Collection” group, visually pays tribute to an era when the original Najdi village that thrived in this location expanded into the first Saudi capital during the 18th Century and was a major trading center welcoming groups from a variety of backgrounds.

Each of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah’s 134 rooms is distinctive, thanks to architectural details like pillars and the placement of tarma and furjat windows in varying places. Rooms are appointed with Frette Italian sheets, premium bedding, and a pillow menu; complimentary stocked minibar with many locally made snacks and drinks (including locally made teas), espresso machines and electric kettles.

A collaboration with Assouline Books, whose titles can be found in public and private areas, add an extra dash of international sophistication.

The property features unique architectural details and has airy outdoor seating areas. [Photo courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah]

While STUDIOI led Bab Samhan’s overall architectural concept and construction, heritage-focused Genoa, Italy-based Andrea Marenco Architecture established a sense of place and history with the interiors while factoring in the preferences of experienced modern travelers. Design firm Capsule Arts Diriyah curated and designed the interior art, integrating local crafts, traditional patterns, and materials.

All worked closely with the Saudi Ministry of Culture to create a cohesive sensory whole that functions as a village within Diriyah, which also includes several art and history museums and restaurant/retail destination Bujairi Terrace.

Dina Nassif-Chandan, the hotel’s Director of Brand Communications, was intimately involved with establishing Bab Samhan as distinctive luxury hotel that would make guests feel at home though Nadji hospitality.

The Best Spas in Dubai

This includes the Nafel Al Wadi Spa, which is relatively small in size but comes alive with small decorative and functional details that bring local flavor to its water features (hammam, steam, and sauna areas), indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and climate-controlled indoor pool and jacuzzi area.

The service is impeccable and welcoming, whether the guest comes for a short workout, post-flight relaxation or an extended stay with treatments. Some of the most popular signature wellness experiences include the Pearl & Rose Oud Hammam Journey-Signature Treatment, AMRA for Men Hammam Journey, and the Blue Diamond Skin Therapy facial.

We chatted with Chandan, who provides an inside look at what makes this spa so special from amenities and treatments to insider tips, and more.

Nafel Al Wadi Spa ‘s amenities include an indoor climate-controlled swimming pool. [Photo courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah]

Why You’ll Love It: Guests love the sense of sanctuary and renewal they feel the moment they step inside. The spa is designed as an earthen retreat — naturally cool, scented with oud, and enriched with sustainable touches. What resonates most is the balance of cultural authenticity and modern luxury. Guests often say they leave feeling not just pampered but truly restored in body and spirit.

A sitting area in the spa features stunning local artwork. [Photo by Elyse Glickman]

Key Features: It’s a complete wellness destination, extending far beyond treatments. The space integrates dedicated treatment rooms for ladies and gentlemen, and a section dedicated to authentic hammam spaces, steam, and sauna rooms. There are also relaxation lounges and serene changing areas, a state-of-the-art gym and group fitness classes, temperature-controlled indoor pool with lifeguard supervision, complemented by a Jacuzzi pool.

The spa’s tea and refreshments area.[Photo courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah]

Insider’s Tips: With our signature 24kt Gold Plated Hot Stone Massage, the best time to book is late afternoon or early evening. The controlled heat release from the gold-plated stones deeply restores the body, making it the perfect transition into a restful evening. Guests often pair it with time in the relaxation lounge to maximize the benefits.

The spa serves a refreshing Thousand Nights Tea infused with orange vessels and roses. [Photo courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah]

Bonus: One delightful surprise is the sensory journey woven into the spa’s design. Guests are welcomed with the purifying scent of oud and surrounded by organic linens hand-dyed with natural extracts like pomegranate and acacia.

In addition, Nadal Al Wadi offers a refreshing, cooling Thousand Nights Tea, delicately infused with orange vessels and roses. This signature welcome drink sets the tone for relaxation and renewal, making the experience feel both indulgent and deeply rooted in Diriyah’s heritage.

The spa has a comfortable relaxation lounge with private areas for guests to spend time before and after their services. [Photo courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah]

Snacks Served: We serve a curated selection of light, refreshing options designed to complement wellness. Herbal teas, infused waters, and fresh seasonal fruits are offered with our compliments to keep guests hydrated and nourished without heaviness.

The signature 24kt Gold Plated Hot Stone Massage deeply restores the body with controlled heat release gold-plated stones. [Photo courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah]

Unique Treatment: Our 24kt Gold Plated Hot Stone Massage is truly one-of-a-kind. Using gold-plated stones, it relieves tension, enhances circulation, and deeply restores the body much more than the typical hot stone massage. It’s both indulgent and therapeutic; guests often describe it as transformative.

Guests’ Favorite: Guests love the Revitalizing Moor Mud Therapy by Omorovicza, which happens to be my personal favorite. It’s mineral-rich, detoxifying, and leaves the skin clean and glowing. It perfectly embodies our philosophy of renewal and vitality.

A private seating area in the spa’s relaxation lounge. [Photo by Elyse Glickman]

Splurge Treatment: The indulgent Queen Ritual by Omorovicza, featuring the line’s Gold Collection, is the ultimate splurge. It combines mineral-rich innovations with indulgent techniques, starting with a back exfoliation, followed by a full back massage. Your skin then is treated to an Omorovicza Facial Massage, which stimulates cell renewal, lifts and firms.

Thanks to calming therapeutic ingredients like calendula, and linseed and borage oils, your face is soothed, calm, plumped, rested, and covered with an antioxidant shield that repairs the skin’s barrier — leaving guests feeling radiant and revitalized. It’s a regal experience that embodies luxury at its finest.

The spa partners with two of the world’s leading luxury skincare brands, AMRA and Omorovicza. [Photo courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah]

Featured Products: We are proud to partner with two of the world’s leading luxury skincare brands. AMRA is known for exclusive treatments using rare ingredients that combine indulgence with performance. Omorovicza is renowned for mineral-rich innovations and advanced rituals including HydraFacial Skin Therapy and the Gold Collection.

The spa’s retail area carries a variety of products that guests can purchase to enhance their routines at home. [Photo by Elyse Glickman]

Anything Else? While Nafel Al Wadi Spa doesn’t have its own dedicated Instagram account, our story and experiences are beautifully showcased through the hotel’s main channel @babsamhandiriyah. Guests can discover spa highlights and wellness rituals, woven seamlessly into the hotel’s broader narrative of luxury and heritage. This approach allows us to present the spa as an integral part of Bab Samhan’s lifestyle journey, so when guests follow the account, they’re not only seeing the spa but also the full spectrum of Diriyah's hospitality, richness and luxury experiences.

For more information on Nafel Al Wadi Spa at Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, visit its website. For deals on your next stay, click here.

[Photos courtesy of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah & Elyse Glickman]

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