Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Hotel built around futuristic ski slope

NEOM, the groundbreaking city of the future, is set to become home to not one but two high-end Marriott International, Inc. hotels. The agreement has been officially inked for the construction of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural W Hotel and a JW Marriott property in the futuristic ski resort nestled amidst the NEOM mountains, Trojena.

Chris Newman, Executive Director of NEOM Hotel Development, highlights the unique roles of these hotels. The JW Marriott will serve as a hub for major global conferences, exhibitions, and high-profile events, while the W Hotel will offer a haven for visitors seeking snowy mountain adventures.

Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President and Lodging Development of the Middle East at Marriott International, expressed the company’s excitement about collaborating with NEOM on these two prestigious projects within one of the world’s most eagerly anticipated developments. As of the time of this publication, Marriott International has not disclosed the opening dates for these properties. However, Trojena is slated to be completed and ready to welcome guests and new residents by late 2026, just in time to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.

W Hotel and JW Marriott Hotel in Trojena: A Sneak Peek

Even before their grand opening, curious guests can catch a glimpse of what awaits them at the Marriott International’s W Hotel in Trojena, NEOM. The hotel will boast 236 guest rooms, including 47 suites, all featuring unobstructed views of the magnificent mountains and a pristine freshwater lake. Additionally, the W Hotel will house four distinct dining venues, retail spaces, shopping markets, and entertainment areas. The first W Hotel in Saudi Arabia will be nestled within NEOM Trojena’s Lake Village, a development designed for residential, hospitality, and commercial purposes, located right along the water’s edge. This 2.8-kilometer-long architectural marvel will feature attractions such as an enchanting forest and waterfront adventures. The property’s design plans include signature brand spaces like a Living Room, WET Deck, W Lounge, AWAY Spa, and FIT fitness center.

The neighboring JW Marriott Hotel will find its place in The Bow, Trojena’s highly anticipated futuristic water world. According to NEOM and Marriott International, this space will incorporate advanced technology to create a unique natural living environment. The hotel’s substructures, tucked away in the mountains, will be designed to withstand the weight and pressure of the surrounding water. Certain areas will be adaptable for year-round use, including a spacious atrium capable of hosting large gatherings.

The JW Marriott Hotel is expected to offer 500 rooms and suites, along with a range of entertainment and recreational amenities, such as a ballroom, meeting rooms, five dining options, a fitness center, a kids’ club, swimming pools, and a spa.

Real and Artificial Snow for Year-Round Winter Enjoyment

Located in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk region in the northwest, Trojena aims to be a futuristic ski resort adjacent to the NEOM project. Due to Saudi Arabia’s variable snowfall, Trojena plans to use a combination of real and artificial snow to create a year-round alpine environment for sports, living, and recreation. Trojena’s team emphasizes that its winter temperatures often dip below freezing, and its year-round climate remains cooler than the surrounding region. This commitment ensures that snow will be available for visitors regardless of the season.

Chadi Hauch of Marriott International in the Middle East emphasizes how W Hotels and NEOM share a vision centered around innovation, creativity, design, and exploration. Meanwhile, JW Marriott, as one of their flagship brands, will bring its legacy of exceptional hospitality, thoughtful design, and enriching experiences to NEOM. Philip Gullett, Executive Director of Trojena, adds that Trojena is set to redefine the concept of ultra-luxury hospitality and mountain tourism, and they are thrilled to have two iconic Marriott International brands, W Hotels and JW Marriott, elevate the travel experience for discerning guests.