Mantis to open 2 eco-luxury retreats in the Gulf by 2026

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Accor is extending its conservation-driven Mantis brand across the Gulf, following the 2024 launch of Hawar Resort by Mantis on Unesco-listed Hawar Island in Bahrain, with new properties set to open in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2026.

As sustainability continues to shape luxury travel – with 64% of high-end travellers seeking eco-conscious options and 42% willing to pay a premium, according to Virtuoso – the new Mantis openings are targeting demand for nature-based, low-impact escapes.

Opening in Ras Al Khaimah in Q2 2026, Saij Mountain Lodge by Mantis will offer an intimate retreat on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, with 70 stand-alone lodges built from locally sourced materials to blend into the mountain landscape and reduce environmental impact.

Curated experiences will include guided hikes, beekeeping workshops, and farm-to-table dining shaped by the mountain’s ecosystem, all crafted to encourage guests to disconnect, slow down and reconnect with nature.

First Look: Hawar Resort by Mantis, Hawar Islands, Bahrain

Ennismore’s Our Habitas to make UAE debut with Hatta destination

Basiqat by Mantis, Saudi Arabia

Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, Basiqat by Mantis will bring desert luxury to Al Uyaynah, around 40 minutes from Riyadh. Designed as a dual-site destination encompassing 218 keys – including 90 suites, 66 villas, 52 desert tents and 10 exclusive Zad Palace Suites – the resort takes its inspiration from the surrounding dunes and wadis.

Natural materials, earthy tones and traditional architecture will define the design, complemented by landscaped gardens and contemporary amenities. Guests will enjoy a health-focused café, diverse dining venues, indoor and outdoor pools, a full hydro spa, beauty salons and a yoga pavilion. A heritage-inspired souk, kids’ club and flexible event spaces will enhance its appeal for both leisure and MICE markets.

Render: Basiqat by Mantis in Saudi Arabia

Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund, said the development sets “a new standard for hospitality in Saudi Arabia,” aligning with Vision 2030’s objective to establish the kingdom as a global destination for sustainable tourism.

Beyond the Middle East, Accor will also debut Mantis Hiddn in Addo, South Africa, on 1 March 2026, an off-grid lodge comprising 12 mountain suites and two private villas within an 800-hectare private reserve overlooking ridges and valleys.

The new openings coincide with a regional surge in eco-tourism and off-grid hospitality across the UAE. Recent launches include Parvara in Fujairah, an all-inclusive retreat offering full immersion in nature, and Nomad in Sharjah’s Kalba mountains, featuring solar-powered trailers and outdoor experiences. In 2026, Ennismore’s Our Habitas brand will also debut glamping caravan accommodation in Hatta, reflecting a wider industry shift towards mindful, low-impact travel across the GCC.

For more information, visit mantiscollection.com and group.accor.com