Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis has officially opened in the southwestern highlands of Al Baha, marking the Saudi Arabian debut of Mantis Collection, Accor’s community and conservation-focused hospitality brand. Set approximately 2,260 meters above sea level on Khairah Mountain, the resort introduces a new high-altitude escape shaped by Al Baha’s mountain landscapes, cultural heritage and spirit of adventure.
The name Gamra, meaning the light of the full moon illuminating the night sky in Arabic, reflects the resort’s philosophy: a place of orientation, clarity and quiet confidence at elevation. This ethos is closely aligned with Mantis itself, whose name stands for “Man and Nature Together Is Sustainable”, reflecting the brand’s belief that meaningful hospitality should bring people and the natural world closer together. Conceived as an introduction to Al Baha rather than a destination removed from it, Gamra invites guests to engage more deeply with the landscape, people and traditions of one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinctive regions.
Developed by the Saudi Tourism Investment Company (ASFAR), a wholly owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) company specialising in tourism investment across Saudi Arabia’s promising cities, and operated by Mantis, Gamra forms part of ASFAR’s wider work to shape Al Baha into a multifaceted tourism destination built around its natural, cultural, and agricultural character.
Known as the Garden of the Hijaz, Al Baha offers a striking contrast to many of the Kingdom’s landscapes. Cooler mountain temperatures, more than 100 forests, juniper and acacia trees, terraced farmland and orchards producing apricots and pomegranates characterize a region shaped for centuries by its relationship with the land.
Spanning approximately 22,000 square meters, the resort brings together 30 tented Mountain Suites and a soon-to-open Adventure Park featuring 14 indoor and outdoor attractions. The suites are positioned to offer privacy, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame views across the surrounding mountains, creating a close connection between the accommodation and the landscape beyond.
Adventure sits at the heart of Gamra’s approach to wellbeing. Moving beyond traditional notions of wellness, the resort introduces the Mantis Estate of Be-ING through movement, exploration, cultural immersion and meaningful connection with nature. Experiences are designed to encourage guests of different ages to engage confidently with their surroundings, combining more adventurous challenges with accessible activities for families and younger visitors.
Rather than simply presenting Al Baha’s culture, Gamra offers guests opportunities to experience it firsthand. Traditional food preparation, storytelling, local craftsmanship, mountain exploration, and birdwatching provide a deeper introduction to the region. Its ancient stone settlements, watchtowers, agricultural terraces, and traditional water-management systems tell the story of generations of mountain communities.
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.”
Al Baha’s culinary traditions are equally central to the experience. Gamra offers several unique dining experiences, including Jamra and Hala, each inspired by the flavors and rituals of the highlands. From live-fire cooking beneath the night sky to Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine served throughout the day, the wider culinary story celebrates ingredients synonymous with the region, including pomegranates, Shadawi coffee and Al Baha’s prized mountain honey.
The region’s centuries-old beekeeping culture is particularly significant. Al Baha is renowned for its honey production, traditionally enjoyed alongside local breads, ghee, and regional dishes. Together with terraced farming and seasonal harvests, these traditions provide another way for guests to understand the relationship between Al Baha’s communities and their natural environment.
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 resort, Gamra acts as a gateway to the wider Al Baha region, encouraging guests to venture further rather than experience the destination solely from within the property. Nearby attractions include Raghadan Forest, Khairah Forest, Baljurashi National Park, Al Hamda Waterfall and Bakhroush bin Allaas Castle, while centuries-old stone villages, watchtowers and historic mosques offer further insight into the region’s cultural heritage.
The opening comes as Saudi Arabia continues to diversify and expand its tourism offering in line with Saudi Vision 2030, with destinations such as Al Baha creating new opportunities for domestic and regional travelers to discover the Kingdom through nature, culture and adventure.
For Mantis, Gamra represents more than its entry into Saudi Arabia. It brings the brand’s community and conservation-led approach to a destination where the land, culture and people are intrinsically connected, creating a resort designed not to compete with Al Baha, but to prepare guests to experience it.
Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis is located on Khairah Mountain in Al Baha Province. Guests traveling from within the Kingdom can fly to King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport (ABT) in Al Baha, with flights taking approximately 90 minutes from Riyadh and one hour from Jeddah. The resort is approximately 55 minutes by road from the airport, with the journey offering an introduction to Al Baha’s mountainous landscape.
Gamra is also accessible by road, with approximate journey times of four hours from Jeddah and Makkah and ten hours from Riyadh.
Your Al Baha journey starts at Gamra. Guests are invited to discover the Kingdom from a new perspective, high above the mountains of Al Baha, where adventure, culture and nature come together. Guests can book and inquire through this website, where they can explore available stays and begin planning their journey.
Gamra Mountain Resort strengthens Mantis’ growing presence in Saudi Arabia, with Basiqat by Mantis set to follow in Riyadh in early 2027. Together, the two destinations reflect the brand’s commitment to creating distinctive, locally rooted hospitality experiences across the Kingdom.
