Resort guide: Banyan Tree AlUla,...

This all-villa desert sanctuary invites guests to discover a unique and historical landscape

Key selling points for travel agents:

All-villa desert retreat
Signature Banyan Tree Spa
Choice of two restaurants
Situated in AlUla, Saudi Arabia – known as the world’s largest living museum
AlUla Airport is just 25km southeast of Banyan Tree AlUla with direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai and Dammam

Overview: Alula, one of the oldest regions in the Arabian Peninsula, dates back millennia and is a spectacularly preserved cultural and historical masterpiece. It’s a desert oasis of unworldly rock formations, an archaeological wonderland and a stage for spectacular sunsets. Widely known as one of the world’s largest living museums, the region has only recently welcomed international visitors and Banyan Tree is one of the first luxurious hotel brands to open its doors here.

Driven by a passion for sustainability and celebrating the beauty of its surroundings, the resort offers crafted experiences that bring people and nature closer together. Nestled amid the sandstone mountains of the Ashar Valley, a stay here is a multi-sensory experience.

Banyan Tree AlUla

Accommodation: Banyan Tree AlUla offers 47 luxurious tented villas, the canopies blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. Each villa is lavishly decorated with authentic, handcrafted Arabian-inspired details.

Guests can choose from four types of room: Dune One Bedroom Villa, Dune One Bedroom Pool Villa, Dune Two Bedroom Pool Villa and Dune Three Bedroom Pool Villa. The three-bed villa sleeps up to six people.

Three Bedroom Pool Villa

The majority of rooms include pools, private terraces and fire pits; all offer expansive desert and mountain views of the Ashar Valley.

Food and Drink: Experience the signature Thai restaurant of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Saffron, serving flavours from the East in an elegant setting. Alternatively, Harrat serves a variety of Arabic and international cuisine. It promises diners a multi-sensory experience bringing a taste of all things local, from cuisine to art, decorated with locally-made handicrafts, including rugs and earthenware. Meanwhile, for afternoon tea or an evening of savouring shisha, head to the Harrat Lounge.

Harrat Lounge

Facilities: The hotel’s surrounding desert is one big adventure playground just waiting to be explored. Unique and tailored events can be organised, including private dining at the magnificent Dove Canyon or a picnic in the Ashar Valley. For a local flavour, enjoy a Bedouin tent barbeque, where a AlUla storyteller welcomes guests, recounting legends of Arabia under the stars.

Elephant Rock, AlUla

For a truly perfect way to unwind, guests can embark on a soul-enriching journey rooted in nature, with mindful meditation and outdoor yoga classes.

Synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand is its spa – and Alula is no exception. Here guests can experience Banyan Tree’s holistic Asian rituals blended with Arabian traditions; natural and native ingredients are at the core of each treatment.

Banyan Tree Spa

After a spa session, the Rock Pool beckons. Hidden amid the majestic sandstone mountains, the naturally-treated water pool is so secluded it’s almost hard to find, offering guest the utmost privacy to float into pure relaxation.

For more information, visit www.banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula