Every year, AlUla's reputation for luxury travel experiences grows in stature, as both Saudis and international visitors flock to enjoy the incredible landscapes, a varied festival calendar, top restaurants and beautiful hotels on offer.
Nestled in the heart of the ancient desert landscape of the Kingdom, AlUla's resorts create the unique experience of a rugged and stunning setting blended with some of the most luxurious hotel experiences in the world. Add in a rich cultural heritage that has made it onto UNESCO Heritage lists and year-round sunshine, and you've got one of the most sought-after luxury travel destinations in the world.
These resorts in AlUla promise visitors a blissful stay in the tranquil oasis of the Saudi Arabian desert.
1. Habitas, AlUla
Our Habitas' latest outpost, Habitas AlUla, is an award-winning wellness retreat tucked away in the desert. The focus here is not just on beautiful surroundings – it's about luxury for the soul too.
The Thuraya Wellness centre (named after a constellation commonly used by Bedouins to navigate) offers a wide array of wellness experiences, including spa treatments, yoga, an alchemy bar, and a relaxing lounge space. Located in the heart of the AlUla oasis, the entire resort has been designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. An outdoor wellness agora allows guests to practice yoga in the open air, while the relaxing lounge and alchemy bar provide an area for visitors to sit, learn, relax and contemplate.
The resort has 96 luxurious guest villas across three tiers, each thoughtfully designed to create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Every design detail of these beautiful spaces has been carefully considered, from the neutral tones of the interiors and the pop of colour in the use of locally made throws and poufs, through to the use of natural materials in the décor.
Habitas Al Ula is committed to optimising and encouraging sustainability and conscious social responsibility. With this in mind, the talented on-site kitchen team works with fresh ingredients harvested and sourced from local farms in the community. The Habitas AlUla restaurant, Tama (meaning ‘here and now’ in Aramaic), serves exciting and interesting culinary dishes infused with both Saudi Arabian and international flavours.
2. Banyan Tree, AlUla
AlUla remains a relatively authentic and untouched area in Saudi Arabia. The Banyan Tree AlUla is a luxury all-villa resort inspired by the rock formations and natural surroundings of the Ashar Valley and is an idyllic escape from the stresses of the modern world.
Forty-seven tented villas offer guests the utmost privacy and magnificent views, with each luxury space designed to reflect elements of traditional Arabian desert dwellings. Guests can gather around the fire pit to unwind or take a dip in the private pool hidden in the cliffside as the sun sets over the desert.
Don't worry if you arrive stressed and harried from everyday life – the Banyan Tree Spa offers a multitude of treatments to soothe your aching muscles and calm your busy mind. Once relaxed, indulge in the delicious dishes served up at the two on-site restaurants.
Harrat offers multi-sensory Arabic dining in a chic rustic setting. Guests seeking flavours from further afield can indulge in delicious Thai cuisine at the award-winning Saffron.
Nature and culture lovers can take advantage of the location; stroll beneath the date trees at the Heritage Oasis Trail, visit the famous Elephant Rock, and stargaze beneath the dark skies.
3. Dar Tantora The House Hotel
This heritage hotel is tucked away in AlUla's Old Town and offers a very different and more authentic experience than your average luxury hotel. Designed and built in the style of the ancient mudbrick dwellings in this part of the desert, guests will gain a unique insight into the culture and heritage of the area while also enjoying modern comforts and top-tier service.
No detail is too small to be missed at Dar Tantora. There are 30 boutique and bespoke suites to choose from, and each one comes with 24/7 butler service to ensure your stay is utter perfection. Each room is curated to the guest's taste, from personal scents to bespoke vinyl selections. This attention to detail is also reflected in the hotel's commitment to sustainability – recycling and waste are carefully managed to ensure minimal environmental impact, and they prioritise working with local vendors and farmers to ensure reinvestment in the local community.
Feeling stressed? Don't worry – there is a range of yoga and Pilates classes on offer to soothe your tired soul, as well as in-room massages and an infinity pool that overlooks the oasis. That commitment to your wellbeing also extends to dining; Joontos restaurant is managed by Michelin-starred Chef Jaume Puigdengolas and the menu focuses on traditional Saudi cuisine with a modern twist. There is also a full roster of local experiences, from walking tours to Arabic beauty workshops, to stimulate your mind and allow you to learn more about the local culture.
4. The Chedi Hegra
The curated interiors and exterior of The Chedi Hegra have been designed to offer guests a captivating blend of history, luxury, and breathtaking desert landscapes, all in one destination.
The 35 bespoke suites are a seamless fusion of ancient and modern styles, with interior design elements purposely chosen to both embrace and reflect the natural surroundings and local heritage of the Kingdom.
Uniquely, The Chedi Hegra has been built to also integrate existing structures in the area – such as the Hegra railway station – which is now an intriguing feature of the hotel. Lime-based materials were used to fill the gaps in the masonry, ensuring the stone could breathe and bring it back to life for a modern purpose.
With three distinct culinary experiences, guests have a selection of cuisines to choose from.
The first, Prima Classe, is a fine-dining space housed in the historic Hegra railway station. A unique venue, this restaurant features a heritage exhibition, showcasing a stunning 1906 locomotive as its centrepiece. The train maintenance area has been preserved and is visible through a glass floor, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
For a more casual dining experience, guests can choose The Fort Restaurant, found within the walls of the historic Hegra Fort, and surrounded by stunning views of the expansive desert landscape. Lastly, The Water Basin Restaurant, named for its sunken seating area overlooking Hegra's breathtaking scenery, is perfect for a leisurely meal.
