Thanks to the simple-to-purchase new tourist visa, it’s never been easier to visit Saudi Arabia. As part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 Plan, the once hermetically-sealed kingdom is now porous, poised for navigating a new path between honouring its faith-led traditions and embracing a modern, cosmopolitan future.
Jeddah, with its dramatically complex history, is a buzzing coastline-hugging metropolis with winding labyrinthine back alleys in the colourful old quarter know as ‘Balad’ where you hear a multiplicity of regional languages and dialects chorussing together. Standing as the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia, it has become a major draw for travel enthusiasts who seek the unknown, unexpected all the while enveloped in the warm familiarity of life-giving locals. Jeddah’s highlights including Souq al-Akawi, Al-Tayibat City Museum for International Civilisation and of course, the sparkling Corniche.
Majestically splayed out on a northern nook of the Corniche is The Venue – a property primed with proffering the ultimate staycation experience replete with GCC-standard luxury – and then some.
For all that a regional hotel staycation should stand for (ease, seamless luxury, uninterrupted azure views, sumptuous fare and a roster of facilities), The Venue encapsulates timeless Arabian hospitality with a nod to forward-thinking design.
Eclectic is the first word to lodge front of mind. Its successor: regal. The hotel’s stately finishes feature elegance aplenty. From bold columns to aristocratic seating basking in the glow of polished marble flooring, The Venue wins rather comfortably at making a fine first impression.
As you’d expect from a service that ostensibly takes a leaf out of royal protocol, the rooms and suites come with character and style for days. Connecting antiquity with technology, you’re well-equipped with 21st mod cons and a beautiful blend of gold accents and voluptuous chandeliers in equal measure. Your Jeddah agenda is likely to be packed to the gills with all it has to offer, therefore nothing beats the immeasurable pleasure of a decadent bed to dive into after a day of covering every corner of the city.
However, part in parcel of a successful staycation is having the stimulus to allow the mind to drift with soothing views. The Red Sea, in all its unending blue glory, sits as if part of the hotel’s own private panorama, never losing its thrill no matter how long you engaged in its glitter. It’s thus easy to fall into its charm and not want to escape its dreaminess.
As is naturally the case, it is hard to resist The Venue’s irresistible grounds for some spa and stay. Touted as a state of serenity, the hotel’s spa facilities, set against a calming palette of cream and blue mosaic tiles, include a sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, hammam and pool – both for men and women, respectively. Expert therapists are on hand to knead out stress-related knots at a pressure that suits you in a raft of luxury treatments from facials to body to foot massages.
Continuing your hotel sojourn, you’ll find that culinary dreams are made at Grill Me pioneered by Michelin Star chef Laurent Peugeot of Le Charlemagne repute – his one-Michel-starred fusion cuisine restaurant in Burgundy. Grill Me packs a punch of adventure and experimentation, bringing chef Peugeot’s worldly tastes under one establishment with perfect presentation for social media purposes.
Elsewhere is the decidedly all-encompassing Le Voyageur for your all-day dining option, covering all the cultural bases, serving up dishes far and wide on the international food belt. Without having to inch off the property, you’ll have sampled and satiated your palate with a bevvy of options from Wagyu beef to light and delicious fresh fish.
The Venue is an unforgettable scoop of essential indulgence – especially now, when balm for the soul is a top priority.
