Saudia Arabia's Luxury Nature & Wildlife Retreat

If you thought a 170km linear skyscraper  (The Line), a floating industrial complex in the sea (Oxagon) and the first major skiing  destination in the Arabian Peninsula (Trojena) would be enough to keep those super-rich,  construction-thirsty Saudi Arabians happy, you’d be wrong. Saudi Arabia has announced another  breathtaking construction project – a luxurious nature and wildlife retreat, named Zardun. In  this video I want to examine the details of this latest project, including the 4 stunnin

g  buildings, the experiences on offer and one of the biggest rewilding projects in the world. Before we begin, please subscribe to the channel, we need your help to grow the channel, thanks! The development of Zardun was spearheaded by the minds at Neom, under the guidance and  patronage of Saudi Arabia's overlord, MBS. The project attracted global talent,  including renowned architects from Dutch studio OMA and visionary environmental planners,  who together brought the ambitious project to

life. The collaborative effort was not just  about constructing buildings but creating a holistic experience that married the principles  of sustainable living and unparalleled luxury. So, what exactly is Zardun? It seems to me  that Zardun is basically a wildlife safari but on a much grander and opulent level. Neom  are marketing Zardun as an experience intended to redefine luxury within an environmental  context, offering a premium ecotourism experience for distinguished guests. Covering an  a

rea of four-square kilometers, stretching down from the mountains to the crystal-clear waters  of the Gulf of Aqaba, Zardun will be a carefully restored haven filled with native plants and  animals. Plants and animals that have long been extinct from this area are being brought back  in and repopulated. It’s a kind of time-travel location to how this area once looked many moons  ago. Within this 4 square kilometer wildlife zone, there will also be 4 “ultra” luxury buildings  – 3 hotels and a vis

itor type center. Let’s take a closer look at these four buildings  and first up we have the Experience Center. This building looks like the back plates from a  Stegosaurus or even perhaps it may be a giant domino toppling game, with the blocks primed and  ready to be knocked over. This is an interactive discovery center where tourists can come visit and  learn about the area, the animals and many other things. This is achieved through a plethora  of different teaching tools like exhibits, 3D pr

ojections and emerging technologies.  Scientists will also live and work here apparently. Their job will be to focus on  the sustainability and conservation of the region. Guests can learn about nature protection,  conservation and the re-wilding project. There is also an amazing 360-degree observation deck that  gives a spectacular view of the landscape. The resort features three boutique  hotels, each a beacon of design, mirroring the unique topography—ranging from the  rugged mountains to the

tranquil seashores. There will be about 100 rooms and suites split over the  3 luxurious hotels. Each hotel will also have a different theme so that guests can have a wide  range of different experiences and views from their hotel. The thematic design of each hotel  interior at Zardun is a narrative of its own, inspired by the rich cultural heritage and the  natural beauty of the region. From the textures and materials to the artwork and furnishings,  everything is curated to tell a story of ha

rmony between human creativity and nature's bounty. The largest of the 3 hotels is a tower, presumably named The Tower, which rises with a presence that  is both imposing and inviting. The monolith tower stands in the flatlands of the area and perhaps  the most striking architectural design element is the irregular void at its center, allowing  nature to pass through as she pleases. The next hotel is called The Wedge and spans  a valley. It has a fortress type appearance guarding over the landsc

ape, waiting for the enemy  to appear. Visually it looks like three slabs of concrete have been laid flat and wedged into the  valley edges and up to the top of the hills. The last hotel is called the Stacked Hotel and  it is nestled on a hill. As its name implies, it has a jagged appearance and looks  as if concrete slabs have been stacked atop each other in a haphazard way. Moving inside, the interior spaces of Zardun are conceived as extensions of  the breathtaking exteriors, offering a sanct

uary of peace, luxury, and connection. Guests of Zardun are invited to experience a blend of traditional Arabian hospitality and modern  luxury. The rooms and suites are designed to offer unparalleled comfort and style, with panoramic  windows framing the stunning landscapes of the Gulf of Aqaba and the surrounding mountains. From  private terraces, guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the desert, the vibrancy of  the oasis, or the serenity of the sea, all while enjoying the pin

nacle of luxury accommodation. You might be thinking, how exactly do you turn the desert green and reintroduce the wildlife that  was once found here? NEOM has hired the best scientists and conservationists from around the  world to achieve this massive project. Central to Zardun's mission is a comprehensive  environmental conservation strategy, encompassing initiatives like coral reef  regeneration and rewilding projects. These efforts aim not only to protect but to enhance  the natural habitat

s surrounding the resort. By actively participating in the regeneration of the  coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba, they contribute to the preservation of marine biodiversity,  crucial for the health of the planet's oceans. The rewilding project extends this commitment to  land, focusing on the reintroduction of native plants and animal species that have dwindled in  the region. The first stage is to focus on the vegetation. To maximize success and minimize  water use, native species of plants tha

t are adapted to the local conditions are being used.  The environmentalists have drawn up a plan that utilizes a successional planting approach. That  means, the first species planted can consolidate the sands, make them more suitable for other  plants to survive, return nutrients into the soil and start to trap the moisture. This will  set the stage and improve conditions for the later species. The idea is to build it up in an  environmental way, so you have a system that is self-sustaining. W

hen you increase plant life  to an area, you then change the microclimate. This will then change the way humidity travels  across the landscape, increasing the amount of cloud cover appearing over the land. The increase  in clouds leads to a reduction in heat and more humidity will come off the ocean for the plants.  This will result in a positive feedback loop that will make it easier for the plants to thrive and  for seeds to grow. When the regreening program is completed, it will see the retu

rn of 100 million  trees, shrubs and grasses over a 10-year period. Through these endeavors, they are restoring  balance to the ecosystem, providing a sanctuary for animal species to return. Once the vegetation has started, a lot of the small animals will start to come  back. The experts then plan to accelerate the return of the big animals. So, Arabian oryx,  Nubian ibex, mountain and sand gazelles, will all return to a land they used to inhabit. Their  predators will then eventually be reintro

duced, the native cat species such as cheetahs, leopards  and Arabian lynx. The plan is then to use these wild animals to entice tourists to visit Saudia  Arabia instead of the African safaris. But what can guests expect upon arrival? At  Zardun, the essence of luxury is redefined. Guests are welcomed into a world where the  elegance of the accommodations and the natural beauty of the surroundings blend seamlessly.  The resort's boutique hotels offer an array of accommodations, each designed to

provide an  intimate connection with the environment. Their amenities are thoughtfully designed to  cater to every aspect of guest well-being and enjoyment. State-of-the-art fitness centers,  infinity pools that merge with the horizon, and spas offering treatments inspired by  ancient traditions and local ingredients are just a hint of what awaits. Zardun invites guests to embark on a journey of discovery, offering curated experiences  that extend far beyond traditional tourism. Nature explora

tion activities allow guests to connect  with the land, sea, and sky. Guided hikes, desert safaris, and snorkeling in the vibrant  coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba showcase the natural wonders of the area. For those seeking to  delve deeper, Zardun offers educational programs focusing on sustainability, conservation, and  the rich cultural history of Neom. Guests with more of a risky spirit can take part in  a wide range of adventure sports such as mountain biking or rock climbing. The wellnes

s programs at Zardun, infused with local herbs and traditional healing  practices, are designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. From yoga sessions at dawn to  meditation retreats in the serene desert settings, every aspect of wellness is covered. The resort  also offers workshops on holistic health, sustainable living, and mindfulness,  encouraging guests to embrace a lifestyle of wellness that extends beyond their stay. The dining experiences at Zardun are a celebration of the rich fl

avors and culinary traditions  of the region, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Restaurants and lounges feature  menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including organic produce grown in the resort's  own gardens. Culinary offerings are designed to delight the senses while reflecting Zardun's  commitment to sustainability and the promotion of healthy, mindful living. Zardun is a vision brought to life, embodying the principles of eco-luxury tourism  at its most innovative.

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of environmental  issues, the demand for travel experiences that are luxurious yet sustainable is on the rise.  Zardun stands at the forefront of this movement, redefining the standards for eco-friendly  developments and showcasing how luxury and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. Their role in shaping the future of sustainable luxury tourism is critical. By integrating  cutting-edge sustainable technologies with meticulous environmental conserva

tion efforts,  Zardun offers a blueprint for future developments worldwide. Its commitment to reducing carbon  footprints, preserving natural habitats, and promoting biodiversity sets a new benchmark  for luxury resorts. The project illustrates that investing in sustainability is not only  vital for the environment but also adds value to the luxury experience, appealing to a  growing segment of eco-conscious travelers. And there you have it folks, if you  enjoyed the video – please make sure to

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