26 Jul 2023
Equinox and Red Sea Global do deal for luxury Amaala resort
BY Megan Whitby
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations Amaala and The Red Sea, has partnered with fitness-focused hospitality brand and management company Equinox Hotels.
The organisation is an offshoot of premium fitness group Equinox which operates more than 100 upscale health clubs in urban markets in the US, Canada and UK. Equinox Hotels is looking to develop a global network of hotels, with plans for 33 properties globally in the next 10 years.
Thanks to the recent deal, Equinox Hotels will operate a 128-key resort with a focus on fitness, sport and lifestyle in the Amaala development.
Billed as the first global integrated family wellness destination, Amaala is being realised on Saudi Arabia’s north-western coastline and will offer ‘curated transformative personal journeys’ inspired by arts, wellness and the Red Sea.
When complete, the 4,155sq km site will have eight resorts, 200 residential units and a marina – all powered by renewable energy.
In addition to Equinox Hotels, RSG has already secured deals with Clinique La Prairie, Jayasom and Rosewood to operate wellness resorts in Amaala.
Equinox Resort Amaala will feature a range of amenities including a signature Equinox Fitness Club, a spa, a magnesium salt rooftop pool, a beach club and several high-end culinary concepts.
The resort will be designed by British architecture firm Foster + Partners.
“Amaala brings the best in health and wellness together in an area of extraordinary natural beauty to offer exceptional and transformative experiences for guests,” said John Pagano, group CEO of RSG.
“Equinox’s unique brand of luxury and fitness is a fantastic fit, allowing visitors to choose seeking self-improvement during their stay, getting back to nature on land or at sea, or simply enjoying quiet moments with loved ones in comfort and privacy.”
Amaala wellness leadership
Amaala's first notable opening, Triple Bay, is scheduled for completion in 2024. This is one of three high-profile developments that make up Amaala, dubbed the new ‘Riviera of the Middle East’.
RSG recently appointed seasoned industry veteran, consultant and founder of Meraki Bespoke Wellness Strategies Lindsay Madden-Nadeau as its senior director of wellness strategy.
Commenting on the new deal, she said: “Equinox Hotels’ offer will focus on signature programming for an unparalleled sports and fitness experience that celebrates nutrition as a lifestyle while considering the way we rest and recover.
“What excites me most about Equinox's approach is how thoughtful the brand is in connecting the customer journey touchpoints with bespoke design in a way that strengthens the experience.”
Read more about Amaala and The Red Sea in Spa Business, sister magazine of HCM magazine where we interview Stephan Wagner, asset management director of Red Sea Global, and chair of the RSG Advisory Board, Aradhana Khowala.
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