RIYADH: Saudi giga-project NEOM and hospitality firm Equinox Hotels have announced plans to open a resort on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba as part of the recently unveiled Magna development. In June, NEOM introduced the luxury destination, which will feature 12 locations along 120 km of coastline. It is part of the project’s sustainable portfolio, and will feature 15 hotels, 1,600 rooms, and over 2,500 residences. Magna will create 15,000 jobs, add SR2.6 billion ($693 million) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product by 2030, house 14,500 residents, and attract 300,000 visitors annually, offering a unique investment opportunity with a focus on sustainability. Equinox Resort Treyam will occupy one of the 12 locations, and the company’s CEO Christopher Norton said: “As a region, NEOM embodies the future of luxury hospitality, and Equinox Hotels is thrilled to create an unparalleled resort experience within this visionary destination.” Norton added: “Our partnership with NEOM highlights a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and redefining the boundaries of hospitality. Located between THE LINE and the southernmost point of the Gulf of Aqaba, our resort will serve as the model for transformative luxury, activating the entire destination with experiences that only Equinox Hotels can offer.” The resort will feature a 450-meter-long bridge-like structure suspended 40 meters above a lagoon. Jeremy Lester, Magna executive director, said the collaboration with Equinox Hotels will “shape the future of luxury hospitality,” adding: “Equinox Resort Treyam embodies the convergence of innovation and luxury, and this partnership will redefine sustainable hospitality with a focus on truly immersive experiences and active lifestyles.” Chris Newman, executive director of NEOM Hotel Division, described the plan as “a significant milestone in our journey to redefine luxury hospitality” within Magna. He added: “This resort will be an example of transformative luxury, offering distinctive and inspiring experiences that only Equinox Hotels can deliver. Guests will have the opportunity to fully engage with this extraordinary location, where every detail is designed to enhance their well-being, elevate their journey, and support a high-performance lifestyle.”