Edition Hotels has made its debut in Jeddah, with a property that marks its 20th opening across the globe.

The unveiling of The Jeddah Edition is the culmination of a collaboration between Marriott International, Edition Hotels and Yabu Pushelberg, uniting under the leadership of Sela and its Managing Director, Dr Rakan Al Harthi. The partnership merges Jeddah’s vibrant culture and rich traditions with the brand’s fervent spirit and sophistication.

The new opening is located on the Jeddah Corniche, a 30km coastal resort area along the Red Sea. Perched atop a dynamic corner of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Circuit, adjacent to the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, the hotel settles neatly into its location within a sleek low-rise building designed to resemble a superyacht. Amidst an oasis of landscaped gardens interspersed with eight-metre palm trees, the property is creatively programmed and concepted by Edition, designed to unfold like a four-story theatrical piece. The property comprises 52 rooms and 11 suites, including two penthouses, as well as a rooftop terrace with a pool, spa, gym, two lounges and a signature restaurant by Cédric Vongerichten.  

Nestled between the hotel’s third and fourth floors lies the accommodation offer, complete with bright, white oak spaces and terraces and layered with travertine flooring, white oiled oak wall panelling embellished with black-and-white photographs of old Jeddah, and custom furnishings such as inset leather headboards. Freestanding bathtubs and signature Edition Le Labo toiletries complete the offer.

The lobby areas serve as the hotel’s beating heart, enveloping guests with the property’s signature scent upon entry into the open-flow lobby. Beneath soaring 12m ceilings, a large orange acrylic sphere by artist Vincent Leroy takes centre stage. Inspired by Jeddah’s famous sunrises and sunsets, the morning light radiates through the installation, dispersing a warm spherical glow onto clean-lined, custom-brushed white oak walls and travertine floors. The reception area – anchored by a walnut panelled niche and sculptural solid walnut desk – is met with upholstered wingback chairs intimately grouped with a prized Iranian silk Persian rug, as well as Christian Liaigre console and lighting.

Adjacent to the lobby is the light-filled lobby lounge. Flanked by two large-scale golden acrylic wooden panel paintings by New York City-based artist John Jackson, the pieces reflect the evolving daylight, amplifying the golden yellow hues while paying homage to Jeddah’s sunsets. The space is dotted with curvilinear Molteni&C sofas, Henge tables and white linen Avenue Road club chairs arranged around white marble coffee tables.

In the adjoining lobby bar, a black-and-white photography series by artist Richard Phibbs, an original royal purple billiard table by Blatt Billiards and a custom gold leaf framed mirror above a Nero Marquina marble counter set the stage. Oak coffee tables and Christian Liaigre furniture are layered with American black walnut wood flooring, plaster walls with moulding details and full-height sheer white linen drapery. Outside, the expansive alfresco terrace, which spans the entirety of the building, provides a seamless flow of connection across the venues, with a bocce ball court, Red Sea vistas and views of the Floating Mosque.

Maritime, a name that reflects the spirit of culinary exploration, is the hotel’s signature contemporary French-Asian restaurant helmed by Cédric Vongerichten. “Maritime is inspired by my love of Asian flavours, which began during my years living in Bangkok, in harmony with my passion for French cooking techniques,” says the chef. “I’ve created a menu that reflects diverse cultures and features the aromatic spices of the region alongside the finest local ingredients.”   

Follow the oak-panelled corridor to a partition of teal blue velvet drapes leads to The Den, a secluded haven for cigar aficionados. The intimate, low-lit lounge is dressed in custom tufted teal blue velvet banquettes and outfitted with rich brown armchairs and stools. 

On the fourth floor, The Roof is a Mediterranean beach club-inspired space, with a series of private nooks and lounges ensconced by greenery, as well as a 14m pool lined with sunbeds, bougainvillea-shaded cabanas and dotted with Mediterranean-style potted plants. The fourth floor is also home to a gym and spa, where warm walnut panelling and soft lighting beckons.