Mantis Collection Opens First Resort in Saudi Arabia’s Al Baha
Accor’s Mantis Collection, a boutique eco-hospitality label focused on conservation and community, has officially launched in Saudi Arabia through the inauguration of the Gamra Mountain Resort by Mantis, situated in Al Baha’s southwestern highlands region.
Perched over 1,600 metres above sea level, the 30-suite tented retreat represents a departure from the Kingdom’s coastal giga-projects, tapping into growing interest in immersive mountain getaways and cooler highland climates. The resort’s bespoke luxury tents were sourced directly from South Africa, creating a physical and philosophical link to the brand’s African safari heritage. Craig Erasmus, CEO of Mantis Collection, discussed the strategic significance of Al Baha as the gateway for the brand’s regional expansion.
Entering an Emerging Region
The resort marks the brand’s first property in Saudi Arabia, featuring 30 keys in tented accommodation imported from South Africa. Erasmus emphasized the unique position of Al Baha, noting that it offers an unexpected side of the Kingdom where summer visitors often seek cooler temperatures. “Many Saudis already head there during the summer because of the cooler climate, yet few realise the depth of cultural assets and experiences that exist in the surrounding region,” Erasmus said.
The entrance into this emerging destination presents logistical challenges. He described the process as building infrastructure from scratch, explaining that early on, securing a rental car locally was difficult. “Because there was little to no existing tourism framework – to the point where early on you couldn’t easily hire a car locally – you have to go right back to the beginning,” he said. This includes cultivating supplier networks and establishing ground logistics required to deliver a seamless stay.
The resort positions Al Baha as a year-round destination, leveraging the unique appeal of mountain climates. Erasmus highlighted the distinct experience of being in the mountains during cooler, cloud-covered periods. The brand’s focus remains on creating an authentic experience rather than relying solely on physical assets.
Experience Over Asset
When asked about the “glamping” label, Erasmus expressed discomfort with the term, noting it carries connotations of casual luxury campsites. He clarified that Mantis is fundamentally an integrated luxury and sustainability brand, operating seasonal and mobile camps elsewhere, such as in Botswana. Success in remote locations, he stressed, depends on genuine partnerships with local communities and service providers.
Mantis’s identity centers on three pillars: conservation, community, and locality. The approach involves uncovering exceptional, hidden experiences and making them accessible. Erasmus reiterated that the experience must lead, not the physical asset. Translating the wildlife and safari heritage of properties like Shamwari into a mountainous, arid setting like Saudi Arabia relies on human connection and storytelling.
“It comes down to human connection and storytelling,” Erasmus explained. While Shamwari guests engage in wildlife tracking and narrative-driven game drives, Saudi Arabia’s focus shifts to culture, community heritage, and natural terrain. Passionate local guides are essential to reveal a destination’s soul, ensuring the offering is curated and experiential rather than passive accommodation.
The upcoming property near Riyadh’s Diriyah site reinforces the brand’s commitment to maintaining its distinctive identity. Positioning itself toward the Edge of the World terrain, the development ensures the brand avoids urban tower hotels that would compromise its core philosophy. Erasmus emphasized that with over 45 brands under Accor, other flags are better suited for metropolitan markets.
This strategic restraint extends to how the brand approaches guest itineraries across Saudi Arabia. Luxury travelers rarely visit remote regions for single standalone properties, instead seeking extended journeys that connect multiple destinations. The brand has responded by owning its own dedicated tour operating company to facilitate these complex travel experiences.
Building an In-House Tour Operator
By launching its own in-house operator, Mantis can craft bespoke airport-to-airport journeys while managing logistics end-to-end.
In remote destinations, travelers and advisors are understandably hesitant to rely on simple automated booking engines. These are high-value, highly complex itineraries – often catering to multigenerational families with specific logistical needs.
