Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis has officially opened in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern highlands of Al Baha, marking the Saudi debut of Mantis Collection, Accor’s community and conservation-focused hospitality brand.

Set approximately 2,260 metres above sea level on Khairah Mountain, the resort offers a high-altitude retreat shaped by the region’s mountain landscapes, cultural heritage and spirit of adventure.

The resort was developed by Saudi Tourism Investment Company (ASFAR), a wholly owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) company focused on tourism investment across the Kingdom’s promising destinations, and is operated by Mantis.

 It forms part of wider efforts to develop Al Baha as a multifaceted tourism destination centred on its natural, cultural and agricultural assets.

Known as the Garden of the Hijaz, Al Baha is distinguished by its cooler mountain climate, more than 100 forests, juniper and acacia trees, terraced farmland and orchards producing apricots and pomegranates.

Gamra aims to serve as a gateway to the region rather than an isolated resort, encouraging visitors to engage with local communities, traditions and landscapes.

Spanning approximately 22,000 square metres, the resort features 30 tented Mountain Suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the surrounding mountains.

An Adventure Park with 14 indoor and outdoor attractions is also set to open soon.

Adventure and exploration are central to the resort’s approach to wellbeing, with activities spanning movement, nature, cultural immersion and family experiences. Guests can participate in traditional food preparation, storytelling, local craftsmanship, mountain exploration and birdwatching, while discovering Al Baha’s historic stone settlements, watchtowers, agricultural terraces and traditional water-management systems.

Craig Erasmus, CEO, Mantis Collection, said: "As tourism continues to evolve across the Kingdom, we are seeing growing demand for destinations that allow travelers to connect more deeply with nature, culture and local communities. Al Baha's temperate climate, mountain landscapes and rich heritage are unlike anywhere else in Saudi Arabia, and Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis has been created to encourage guests to explore the region at their own pace while discovering its local craftsmanship, cultural heritage and remarkable natural surroundings."

He continued: "For Mantis, this is also an important milestone as our first property in Saudi Arabia. Our philosophy has always been that hospitality should belong to its destination, and Gamra embodies that approach. We look forward to welcoming families, couples and adventure seekers from across the Kingdom and the GCC and introducing them to the people, places and stories that make Al Baha so distinctive."

Dining is also central to the guest experience, with venues including Jamra and Hala drawing on the flavours and traditions of the highlands. Offerings range from live-fire cooking under the night sky to Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine. Local ingredients and products, including pomegranates, Shadawi coffee and Al Baha’s renowned mountain honey, feature prominently.

Eng. Mishari bin Abdullah Al-Nahari, CEO of ASFAR, said: “Al Baha’s exceptional natural landscape, authentic cultural heritage, and established tourism base provide a strong foundation for investment in distinctive tourism offerings. Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis reflects this potential by bringing together the character of the destination, a high-quality tourism product, and Mantis’ specialized operational expertise. Together, we are introducing an experience that respects Al Baha’s mountain environment while enhancing the destination’s visitor experience and broader offering.”

Beyond the property, guests can explore attractions including Raghadan Forest, Khairah Forest, Baljurashi National Park, Al Hamda Waterfall and Bakhroush bin Allaas Castle, alongside historic villages, mosques and watchtowers.

The opening supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its tourism sector under Saudi Vision 2030. For Mantis, it also marks the beginning of a wider expansion in Saudi Arabia, with Basiqat by Mantis scheduled to open in Riyadh in early 2027. -TradeArabia News Service