Marriott International has signed a new deal with Neom to open a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property as part of Trojena, a brand new year-round mountain adventure destination in Saudi Arabia.

Launching in 2026, Trojena is a mountainside tourism location within the vast US$500 billion (€462.7 billion, £396 billion) Neom* giga-project in Tabuk province which will be nearly the same size as Belgium once complete.

The Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio currently features a rare collection of only six properties in destinations including Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, China, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are exclusive immersive resorts tucked away in handpicked corners of the world. The brand's philosophy focuses on luxury, highly personalised service, human connection and celebrating the destination's natural environment.

The Trojena reserve is expected to feature 60 expansive villas and a range of amenities including a luxury spa, swimming pools and multiple culinary venues.

It will mark the seventh collaboration announced between Marriott and Neom and also become the second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia, following the imminent launch of Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve at the Red Sea Global project.

Chadi Hauch, Marriott's regional vice president of lodging development, Middle East, said: “Ritz-Carlton Reserve features a portfolio of exclusive properties that offer an intimate and transformative experience rooted in heartfelt care and human connection. Together with Neom, we look forward to bringing this ultra-luxury experience to Trojena.

“This signing also marks an important addition to our portfolio in Saudi Arabia where we continue to see a strong demand for our luxury brands.”

Situated in a remote area of Trojena, the resort is expected to offer an idyllic escape complete with expansive views across the desert and mountain ranges of the destination.

Trojena will also include apartments, chalets, retail, dining, entertainment, leisure sports and recreational facilities and other Marriott-operated properties, including a W Hotel and a JW Marriott Hotel.

*More about Neom

Neom is being driven and primarily funded by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

The region is formed of five areas – called Trojena, Oxagon, The Line, Sindalah and The Gulf of Aqaba – and is being realised via a phased approach.

Oxagon will receive its first residents in 2024 while the first modules of The Line will be activated in 2026. By 2030, it is anticipated that some one million people will be residents in Neom, rising to nine million in 2045.

Operators already involved with Neom include Accor and Minor Hotels’ Anantara brand.