The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia – October 2025
After creating and hosting six YKONE Caviar Club editions over the past year in Paris, London, Geneva, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Cannes, YKONE returns with a new and exceptional format, this time nestled in one of the most extraordinary locations in the world: Desert Rock.
Framed by the Hejaz mountains and the endless expanse of the Saudi desert, the Caviar Club Desert Rock Resort Edition celebrated a rare dialogue between style, culture, and creativity. Hosted by YKONE, this exclusive gathering unfolded over a five-star itinerary crafted by Visit Saudi and Visit Red Sea.
A Cultural Prologue in Riyadh
Thanks to Saudi Airlines, a select group of social icons with a total reach of 19.5M followers, including Nabilla Vergara, Rose Bertram, Lufy, touched down in Riyadh for a relaxed first night at the Bab Samhan Hotel. Situated in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel blends traditional architecture with modern comforts, offering guests an initial glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage. The evening included a private twilight tour of the historic city, setting the stage for the immersive desert journey to come.
Setting the Stage in Umluj
The following morning, guests journeyed to Red Sea, where the breathtaking Desert Rock Resort awaited, an architectural masterpiece carved seamlessly into the mountains. Designed by Oppenheim Architecture with interiors by Studio Paolo Ferrari, the recently opened resort merges contemporary architecture with the raw beauty of the desert landscape, creating a seamless dialogue between built and natural environments. From the movement of light across its terraces to the fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, Desert Rock invited guests to explore, connect and experience the desert in a truly exceptional way.
As dusk settled over the desert, the first day unfolded with outdoor activities and concluded with a Prunier caviar masterclass, unveiling the delicate nuances and rich heritage of this exceptional French delicacy. The experience was accompanied by the spellbinding melodies of an Oud player, gracefully intertwining tradition and modernity. The tasting was further elevated by a selection of sophisticated mocktails crafted by a resident mixologist, before guests gathered under the clear desert sky for a stargazing session, a poetic finale to a day rich in discoveries.
An Elegant Dialogue Between Cultures
As night embraced the desert, the Caviar Club dinner came to life. Guests entered a multisensory universe, where every detail celebrated the majesty of Desert Rock and the elegance of the Caviar Club. Thomas Combescot, Director of Desert Rock Resort, shared the vision and story behind this extraordinary destination, before Franco-Algerian chef Akrame Benallal orchestrated a culinary journey blending French finesse with Oriental inspiration. The table design created a natural harmony with the surrounding mountains. The delicate sound of the qanun filled the air, creating a refined and poetic atmosphere.
A Majlis Under the Stars
Following dinner, the celebration continued in the Majlis tent, where guests were invited to immerse themselves in an intimate Arabic experience. Between traditional décor, henna artistry, freshly brewed Arabian coffee, and the warm rhythms of the resident DJ, the night unfolded as a harmonious meeting of worlds, cultural authenticity met convivial elegance.
Curated gifts from Lauvée Paris and Flick Cameras offered guests a lasting keepsake, a tangible memory of this encounter between French art de vivre and Saudi tradition.
Building on the dialogue between cultures, the three-day expedition in the heart of the desert unfolded as a series of immersive experiences that blended creativity, exploration, and shared discovery. With over a decade of presence in the Middle East, YKONE is honored to partner with prestigious avant-garde players in the hospitality and travel industry, such as Visit Saudi, Visit Red Sea, and Desert Rock.
The journey doesn’t end here: the Caviar Club tour continues in 2026, with new destinations, immersive experiences and more moments designed to connect, inspire and celebrate creativity around the world!
