Elegant lounge for the capital’s smart set offers a cultural and dining scene all its own, with design fusing tradition and innovation and a menu of international offerings.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Just in time for the busy season, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre celebrates the debut of Obaya Lounge, a new lobby space that beats at the heart of the property and at the start of an extravagant array of fine dining experiences that are set to take the city’s culinary scene to new heights. Conceived as an elegant social sanctuary for the capital’s smart set to gather, dine and shine, Obaya Lounge is a place to initiate warm traditions amid opulent surroundings that are deeply rooted in local heritage and bolstered by Four Seasons attentive service designed to make people feel that they belong.
Leveraging on the Saudi passion for all things equestrian, Obaya Lounge is named for one of the five horses of the ‘Al Khamsa’ that hold near-mythic status as the founders of the Arabian breed. The spirit of the Lounge, meanwhile, is inspired by an equine of the same name: Obaya, the favourite horse of esteemed King Abdulaziz, who rode together during the establishment of the Kingdom.
Obaya Lounge invites guests into a cultural and dining scene all its own. Set within the Hotel’s Atrium on the ground floor of the most eye-catching tower in Riyadh, the lounge is laid out for business guests, groups of friends or family to settle comfortably into contemporary furnishings styled with distinctive fabrics, embossed leather, and trims that intertwine to portray subtle geometric patterns rooted in ancient tribal motifs.
The design also spotlights a captivating array of decorative art panels inspired by historic adobe homes found across Saudi Arabia, serving as a testament to the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation that characterizes the Kingdom in the modern world. A growing cluster of sculptural trees is another innovative design stroke, creating a truly unique and captivating spectacle amplified by lighting fixtures inspired by the gentle radiance of a crescent moon for a soothing and enchanting ambiance.
Obaya Lounge’s international culinary offerings complete the experience, served by all-female front-of-the-house colleagues, adepts at keeping things lively and guests satiated. The debut menu offers a spirited selection of sourdough tartines and sandwiches such as Buffalo Burrata with heirloom tomatoes and Grilled Prime Beef Cheeseburger with a tasty side of French fries, as well as substantial mains from Crispy Confit Duck Leg with green beans and potatoes to Chickpea, Cauliflower & Eggplant Spiced Curry with saffron pilaf basmati rice.
And for dessert? Treats styled by the Hotel’s pastry team include Japanese Quark Cheesecake, Baked Apple Galette, and Daily Churned Ice Cream & Sorbets served by the scoop in flavours from Thai mango to dark bitter chocolate.
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