For outsiders, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a country that holds much mystery – after all, little is actually known about its day-to-day culture. In fact, the country’s big cities, just like any other in the world, are filled with fashionable boutiques, hip restaurants and cafés, and much more.
Eager to find out more about the best spots to visit in Jeddah, Savoir Flair turned to the sister duo behind The M Project, an e-tailer based in Saudi, for their top insider picks. Here, they reveal how to explore Jeddah like a local.
Medd Cafe & Roastery
A new café in Jeddah that brews organic coffee with an edgy, contemporary vibe. It’s a great place to grab coffee and catch up with friends over healthy snacks. We love having their Colombian coffee and pretzels to-go.
Beach Tower, North Corniche, Jeddah
(+966) 55 262 2253
www.meddcoffee.com
Al Nakheel Traditional Restaurant
This place is old but gold, and known for its Arabic food to be enjoyed by the beach. It has a very traditional Jeddah-style feel to it. The tables are all made up of Arab-style high wooden benches with oriental red cushions. They have great local food like motabag, man too, yagmoush, taboula, hummus, and shawarma. Pick a seat upstairs and inside the tent – it’s a great place for families and big groups, and also for catching up with friends.
Al Shaty, Jeddah
(+966) 12 664 6958
Gardenia
Gardenia is our favorite florist. We love its beautiful space and how it is just a walking distance from our office. Apart from its gorgeous flower arrangements, the boutique also sells vases. Our favorite flower arrangements, especially for the office, would be a mixture between blue and green hydrangeas and sometimes just plain orchids. At the moment, it’s just cotton flower!
Arafat Street, Jeddah
(+966) 12 660 6162
www.gardeniaonline.com
Sabine Boutique
Our favorite boutique that carries bohemian-wear — plus, it’s the place to custom-make your own abaya (from color all the way to hand embroidery). It’s also the kind of place you want to sit hours in, just deciding on fabrics and colors.
Al-Tahtawi Street, Jeddah
(+966) 12 665 1572
Park Hyatt Spa
This is our go-to spa and is great for a full day to relax, especially with its great view overlooking the beach. Our favorite treatment is definitely the Signature Caviar, perfect for hydrating the face and body, followed by a deep tissue massage.
Al Hamra District Southern Corniche, Jeddah
(+966) 12 263 9666
http://jeddah.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
Corniche Jeddah
We love spending our afternoons here until sunset (we get the most beautiful ones in Jeddah), just walking by the sea and taking everything in. It’s also an ideal outdoor space for jogging and to get fresh air.