South Africa’s leading conservation and eco-luxury hospitality brand, marks its 25th anniversary with continued growth across the GCC countries.
12 November 2025: South Africa’s hospitality brand, Mantis Collection, has announced the signing of Basiqat by Mantis, an eco-luxury resort located in Al Uyaynah, approximately 40 minutes from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Unveiled at the TOURISE Global Summit 2025, this project marks another milestone for Mantis as it strengthens its entry into Saudi Arabia and presence across the GCC countries*.
Developed in partnership with GIB Capital and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), Basiqat by Mantis will feature 218 keys, including villas, suites and luxury desert tents, alongside a souk, spa and curated wellness and dining experiences that celebrate Saudi heritage and culture. Scheduled to open at the end of 2026, the resort will offer travellers a unique balance of luxury with authenticity and sustainability – hallmarks of the Mantis experience.
Basiqat joins future developments including: Mantis Al Baha in Saudi Arabia and Saij Mountain Lodge by Mantis in Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The collection also features the recently opened Hawar Resort by Mantis in Bahrain, highlighting the brand’s expanding footprint across the region.
“The signing of Basiqat by Mantis marks an exciting milestone in our journey across the GCC,” said Craig Erasmus, CEO, Mantis Collection. “This project embodies our philosophy of responsible luxury, expressed through design and experiences that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage. Basiqat by Mantis has been envisioned as a destination that invites guests to discover the Kingdom through its traditions, artistry and cuisine and to immerse themselves in activities that awaken the senses.
“We are creating a place where guests can connect deeply, explore authentically and be inspired by the cultural treasures of the region.”
“Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) said: “Our partnership with Mantis and GIB Capital represents the Tourism Development Fund’s commitment to enabling world-class projects that embody the principles of sustainability and authenticity. Basiqat by Mantis represents a new standard for hospitality in Saudi Arabia, a destination that connects guests with the Kingdom’s rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Through collaborations like this, we continue to advance the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030’s ambition to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination for sustainable tourism and unique travel experiences.”
Osamah Shaker, CEO, GIB Capital said: “Basiqat by Mantis demonstrates GIB Capital’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible luxury in Saudi Arabia. In line with Vision 2030, this project supports the growth of the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism sector while also creating economic opportunities and contributing to long-term prosperity. We are proud to collaborate with Mantis, Design & Build and the Tourism Development Fund to bring a world-class, eco-conscious experience to the region.”
“In a clear endorsement of the project’s strategic importance, Bank Albilad has committed SAR 320 million (USD 85 million/ZAR 1,4 Billion) in financing, reflecting its core belief in supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives and the growing demand for hospitality offerings in Riyadh”, said Shaker.
Abdulelah Al Mohanna, General Manager and Co-Founder, Design & Build, who are implementing the build, says, “Basiqat by Mantis is a complex project that aligns with d&b’s vision in the hospitality sector, where the close collaboration between public and private sectors leads to inevitable success. Our priority has been to deliver the development to the highest possible standards, ensuring the project meets its scale and design ambitions. This partnership reflects the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, creating a landmark addition to Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector and setting a benchmark for future developments.”
As part of Accor’s global portfolio, Mantis continues to honour its South African heritage and founding philosophy of Man and Nature Together is Sustainable. From its beginnings in the Eastern Cape in 2000, the brand has grown into a leading name in eco-conscious luxury travel, with a hand-picked collection of boutique hotels, lodges and eco-escapes across Africa and beyond.
This year Mantis celebrates its 25th anniversary, an achievement that underscores its pioneering spirit and ongoing contribution to community upliftment and conservation-led hospitality.
Basiqat by Mantis adds to the brand’s growing global footprint, one that remains deeply rooted in its South African identity and ethos of travelling with purpose.
* GCC countries: The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar
About Mantis
Mantis is a leading community and conservation-focused hotel group with a hand-picked portfolio of luxury eco-lodges, waterways and curated eco-escapes. Founded in South Africa in 2000, the brand has long encouraged authentic and sustainable travel that connects guests with people, place and purpose. Every Mantis property has its own story to tell, reflecting the culture and natural heritage of its surroundings.
Mantis is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with more than 5 600 properties in over 110 countries and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – the group’s lifestyle loyalty programme.
Mantis: An exceptional place to find yourself.