WAWW’s Editors, along with WAWW Ambassador in the UAE Joelle Khouri, explore the new hotspots.
The future, as they say, is here. As travel evolves, so do our destinations. And so, here we explore innovative travel destinations that are setting new standards in luxury and sustainability, showcasing advancements in technology and environmental stewardship across various global locations.
From the sustainable splendour of AMAALA on the Red Sea to the visionary landscapes of NEOM in Saudi Arabia and the eco-innovative Yiti in Oman, these pioneering locations are redefining luxury travel—and are on the verge of becoming sustainable development blueprints.
Amaala, Saudi Arabia: A Vision Of Luxury And Sustainability
Saudi Arabia is transforming its Red Sea coast into a hotspot for luxury travellers and eco-friendly tourists.
The Inaugural Phase of Amaala
Slated for completion this year, the inaugural phase of Amaala—christened “Triple Bay”—will see the unveiling of six opulent hotels. This is just the first chapter in a grand narrative that will culminate in 2027.
This transformation is part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy beyond oil. A standout project in this initiative is Amaala, set to open in 2025. Dubbed “The Riviera of the Middle East”, Amaala is a luxury wellness destination that promises to blend arts, wellness and the natural beauty of the Red Sea.
Amaala’s Exclusive Offerings
Situated on Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast, Amaala will feature over 3,000 rooms and residences, along with recreational facilities, a leading marine life institute and an exclusive yacht club. Sustainability is key to Amaala’s development, with plans to operate on 100 percent renewable energy and a commitment to minimal environmental impact.
Visitors can look forward to a range of activities based on three core themes: wellness and sports, arts and culture and sea, sun, and lifestyle. Amaala will boast the elegant Triple Bay Yacht Club and the Marine Life Institute, a centre for marine research with a vast artificial reef. The tranquil Rosewood Amaala will offer 110 rooms and suites focused on wellness, and the Equinox Resort Amaala will provide a wellness-centric experience with high-end fitness and spa facilities.
The Orbit, Canada: Pioneering the Urbanism of Tomorrow
Innisfil, a tranquil town on the shores of Lake Simcoe, is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation.
The Birth of a Smart Community
Dubbed ‘The Orbit’, this ground-breaking development is set to challenge and redefine contemporary community design. Conceived by Partisans, a Toronto-based architecture studio, The Orbit aims to integrate advanced technology within the town’s rural and agricultural setting, creating a smart, futuristic community. Central to its design are a high-speed connectivity network, drone ports, and infrastructure for autonomous vehicles, all underpinned by privacy protection policies.
Design and Development
The Orbit, spanning 450 acres and centred around a new Metrolinx rail station, is designed to enhance connectivity between Innisfil and Toronto. Its masterplan, inspired by the Garden City movement, features circular streets and includes pedestrian walkways, cycling paths and access to Lake Simcoe’s waterfront. The visionary undertaking seeks to cater to an expanding populace in Innisfil, set to rise from 30,000 to 150,000 residents. Proponents are convinced that The Orbit offers a more efficient and sustainable option, reducing the space required for the same number of inhabitants from 50 square kilometres to a condensed, eco-friendly area of just two square kilometres.
A Forward-Thinking Urban Model
Reflecting a broader trend in North American urban planning, The Orbit exemplifies the integration of smart city concepts and high-tech systems. Innisfil’s progressive policies, including the acceptance of cryptocurrency and the piloting of ride-sharing apps, highlight its role as a hub for innovative urban solutions.
Floating City, Maldives: A Revolutionary Concept For Climate Resilience
The Maldives, facing the threat of rising sea levels, has embarked on an ambitious project to build the world’s first true floating city.
Adaptation to Climate Change
This visionary initiative, a collaboration with expert architects and marine specialists, is designed to float near Malé, the capital. It aims to be a sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystem, thriving both above and below the waterline. Each module within the city is interconnected, offering housing, commercial spaces and public amenities powered by solar energy and supported by desalination plants. The integration of natural marine habitats like mangroves and coral reefs emphasises a harmonious coexistence with the marine environment.
Inspired by Nature
The city’s unique structure, which takes its cues from brain coral, underlines the Maldives’ commitment to marine protection and environmental stewardship. This forward-thinking development not only addresses practical and environmental concerns but also stands as a symbol of human resilience and ingenuity in the face of global climate challenges.
Nuanu City, Indonesia—Bali’s New Era Of Sustainable Community
Bali’s pioneering urban utopia is an innovative development focusing on sustainable and community-driven living.
Harmonious Living
Set on Bali’s picturesque coastline, Nuanu City is emerging as a revolutionary model in sustainable urban development, spanning 44 hectares and embracing the concept of ‘thriveability’ alongside regeneration. Central to Nuanu City’s ethos is its harmonious coexistence with nature, reflected in nine distinct areas designed for wellbeing and positive communal change. Among these is Labyrinth Studios, a vibrant sanctuary for musicians and artists, underscoring the city’s commitment to fostering creativity. The city’s layout and infrastructure are designed with sustainability at their core, featuring 100 percent electric vehicles and solar panels, reflecting its commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
Creative Spaces
Nuanu City isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about creating a dynamic cultural experience. The city hosts public events like the Suara Festival and Samana Festival, which celebrate music, the arts and education. These events showcase both international and local talents, enriching the community’s cultural fabric. More than an artistic haven, Nuanu City is alive with cultural festivities, epitomised by the annual Suara Festival. This event, merging international and Balinese arts, transforms the city into a mosaic of cultural expression.
Sindalah At Neom, Saudi Arabia: The Future Of High-end Living
A prime example of luxury living within NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ground-breaking smart city project.
A Unique Vision
Launched in 2017, NEOM is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, evolving through stages to become a hub of innovation and sustainable luxury. It started with foundational planning and early constructions like Neom Bay and its airport, setting the stage for Phase 1 (2019-2025), which focused on developing key areas such as The Line, a renewable energy-powered, car-free city, and Oxagon, an innovative floating industrial complex.
The Trojena project, introduced in 2022 and expected to be completed by 2026, aims to establish a unique skiing destination in the Sarat Mountains. Sindalah Island, as part of NEOM, embodies luxury tourism, harmonising high-end amenities with sustainability along the Red Sea. This ongoing development, extending beyond 2025, envisions integrating advanced technology into various sectors, making NEOM a model of futuristic urban living and a significant contributor to Saudi Arabia’s diversified future.
Luxury Island Living with a Sustainable Twist
Sindalah, a luxury tourism development within NEOM, is planned to be a key attraction. It’s expected to be a hub for luxury tourism, blending high-end amenities with sustainability. Nestling on the Red Sea’s shores, this 26,500-square-kilometre oasis aims to marry extravagance with environmental stewardship. It’s a haven for biodiversity, housing over 600 native marine species, and offers visitors the chance to indulge in the natural world responsibly.
Utilising renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydropower and prioritising waste management and biodiversity, the island’s design boasts a yacht club, marina, sports and beach clubs, gourmet restaurants, a spa, a golf course and plush resorts, all underscored by a commitment to environmental conservation.
The Yachting Hub
At Sindalah’s core is a world-class yachting hub, featuring an 86-berth marina and 75 offshore buoys, set to become a haven for some of the globe’s most splendid yachts. Positioned strategically in the Red Sea, Sindalah is poised to offer an unparalleled yachting experience.
Yiti, Oman: A Net-Zero Energy City
Set to become a cornerstone in Oman’s burgeoning eco-tourism sector, Yiti aims to attract visitors from around the globe. But what could be their reasons for coming?
Coastal Location
The Sustainable City—Yiti, overlooking the Gulf of Oman, marries accessibility with serenity and is situated just 30 km from central Muscat. Spanning a million square metres, this visionary project is set to be Oman’s inaugural net-zero energy city. It boasts 1650 eco-conscious residential units, alongside a sustainable school, a wellness centre and various sports facilities, including an equestrian club. Central to Yiti’s ethos is its commitment to sustainable living, which extends into the hospitality sector thanks to a four-star hotel and a luxurious five-star resort, enhancing the appeal of this eco-friendly metropolis.
Green Spaces and Sustainable Practices
At the heart of The Sustainable City—Yiti lies its “Green Spine”, a verdant artery that infuses the development with biodomes and communal gardens, enhancing both beauty and air quality. Embracing a circular economy, Yiti prioritises water and waste recycling. The city, powered by renewable energy, integrates solar panels seamlessly, offering significant energy savings and reductions in utility bills when compared to conventional households—up to 100 percent on electricity and up to 50 percent on water. Furthermore, the introduction of soft mobility options, including electric buggies and autonomous shuttles, aligns with its eco-conscious ethos, reducing urban pollution.
A Laboratory for the Future?
Set to be completed in 2025, The Sustainable City—Yiti, a billion-dollar venture by the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) and Diamond Developers, is a living laboratory for sustainable urban development. Its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, embracing renewable energy and fostering community spirit offers a blueprint for cities of the future. As we await its completion, the question remains: will The Sustainable City—Yiti be a blueprint for the cities of tomorrow or an idyllic vision of an eco-utopia? The answer lies in the sands of Oman.
Hudson Yards: New York’s Vision of Tomorrow
In Manhattan’s West Side, Hudson Yards, built over an active rail yard, aims to be a prime example of urban renewal, blending modern architecture in a sleek yet approachable manner. But can Hudson Yards turn this part of Manhattan’s West Side into a thriving urban oasis?
The Overview
In the heart of New York City, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Hudson Yards, an audacious development on Manhattan’s West Side, is redefining the very essence of urban sophistication. Stretching from 30th to 41st streets and from Eighth Avenue to the West Side Highway, this development integrates seamlessly into Manhattan’s renowned cityscape. This modern transformation has skilfully turned what was once an industrial zone into a vibrant centre of city life. The neighbourhood offers a seamless blend of residential comfort, stylish shopping areas and inviting public spaces, punctuated by landmarks like The Vessel and The Shed.
Mastering space and innovation
Envision a project so ambitious that it defies the constraints of an already bustling Manhattan. Carved out of a pre-existing, bustling landscape, Hudson Yards represents more than just an addition to New York’s skyline. It’s a daring display of how technological innovation, sustainability and urban ecology can be harmoniously woven into the fabric of an already built-up area.
Hudson Yards is not short of skyward marvels. Take 30 Hudson Yards, for instance, a skyscraper that not only redefines the Manhattan skyline but also stands as a testament to architectural ambition. Rising to a staggering 1,296 feet, this tower boasts the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, offering sweeping views of the cityscape.
Then there is the 10 Hudson Yards development. This 895-foot-tall edifice, a marvel of modern engineering, integrates sustainability with luxury. Its unique shape, resembling a trapezoid from above, allows for maximum natural light, reducing the building’s energy footprint. The building’s facade, a combination of glass and steel, not only provides breath-taking views but also exemplifies energy-efficient design.
Sustainability and Green Spaces
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the development incorporates eco-friendly materials and advanced energy systems. The buildings are designed to optimise energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, setting a new benchmark in sustainable urban development. The development’s green spaces are urban oases. The five-acre public square and gardens offer a serene escape amidst the urban bustle. These gardens feature native plants and sustainable landscaping practices.
Cultural and Commercial Hub
The shops and restaurants at Hudson Yards present an array of luxury retail experiences, featuring illustrious brands such as Neiman Marcus, and a smorgasbord of culinary delights, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining establishments.
At the heart of this cultural expanse stands The Vessel, an interactive artwork by Thomas Heatherwick. Resembling a honeycomb, this structure consists of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs and is the centrepiece of the development’s public plaza. This structure is a 16-story, freestanding network of staircases and platforms. Heatherwick’s design was inspired by Indian step wells.
Whether you’re a New Yorker or a visitor, Hudson Yards is an essential experience. It’s a prime example of sophisticated urban development, now proudly featuring the Equinox Hotel New York, distinguished as the 48th among the world’s top 50 hotels for 2023. In the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities, Hudson Yards exemplifies the pinnacle of modern living, architectural excellence and luxury.
