Hotel operator Minor Hotels is to open a new hotel under its Anantara brand in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in which “spa and wellness will be a major focus”.

An extensive selection of wellness journeys will be available as part of Anantara’s ‘Balance’ programme including detox, de-stress, weight management, anti-aging and rejuvenation.

Also on offer will be therapies such as ayurveda, hammam and reflexology. Guests can tuck into wellness cuisine and partake in healthy cooking classes and enjoy activities including yoga, pilates and tai chi. In addition, the resort will offer a regular programme of wellness-focused educational workshops and special events.

William E. Heinecke, chair and CEO of Minor International, said: “We are delighted to announce Anantara Jeddah which represents Minor Hotels’s debut in Saudi Arabia and grows our presence in the GCC to four countries. Minor Hotels has been looking for the right opportunity to expand into Saudi Arabia and... to launch our luxury Anantara brand in this key strategic market.”

The Obhur area of Jeddah, where the Anantara resort will be, is undergoing a huge transformation, spearheaded by the development of the 1km-high Kingdom Tower, opening in 2020. Obhur is to effectively become Jeddah’s new city centre and the Anantara Jeddah will be perfectly primed to offer stunning views of the nearby Kingdom Tower.

Jeddah’s transport and airport infrastructure is also currently being renovated. A new high speed railway is scheduled to open in 2018 which will connect Jeddah to the airport, Makkah and Medina.