The popularity of AlUla as a luxury travel destination increases year after year, as both Saudis and international visitors flock to enjoy the incredible landscapes, varied festival calendar, top restaurants and beautiful hotels on offer.
Nestled in the heart of the ancient desert landscape of the Kingdom, AlUla's luxurious desert resorts create a unique experience of a rugged and stunning setting with some of the most elevated 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 destinations in the world for those in search of luxury travel.
From its towering sandstone cliffs and red sand dunes to its ancient ruins and stunning star-filled skies, the AlUla area offers visitors a rare opportunity to disconnect from the world and immerse themselves in the serenity of the desert. These resorts in AlUla promise visitors a blissful stay in the tranquil oasis of the Saudi Arabian desert.
Habitas, AlUla
The latest outpost of the global Our Habitas luxury brand, 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) boasts a wide array of wellness experiences such as 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 oil and body scrub alchemy bar provide an area for visitors to sit, learn, relax and contemplate.
The resort has 96 luxurious guest villas, across three different tiers, and each one is thoughtfully designed to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Every design detail of these luxury spaces has been carefully considered, from the neutral colour palette 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 work with fresh ingredients harvested and sourced from local farms in the community. The Habitas Al Ula restaurant, Tama (meaning ‘here and now’ in Aramaic), serves exciting and interesting culinary dishes infused with both Saudi Arabian and international flavours.
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 villa is designed to reflect elements of traditional Arabian desert dwellings. Guests can gather around the fire pit to unwind in the incredible surroundings of the AlUla desert 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 every day 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 a 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.
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 or omitted 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 in line with 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 are 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; the 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.
