Banyan Tree AlUla, a luxury oasis at the gateway to the ancient city of Hegra

The pitch | Banyan Tree's arrival in the historic city of Al-'ula

Singapore-based Banyan Tree (Accor) has just inaugurated a luxury resort in north-west Saudi Arabia. This marks the opening up to tourism of a little-known region dotted with natural and historical sites, scattered around the oasis town of Al-'ula (population 40,000). Faced with dwindling hydrocarbon reserves, the Gulf kingdom is aiming to attract 30 million visitors a year by 2030, and with the help of experts from the Agence Française de Développement, is implementing large-scale projects that reveal the desert beauty of the area and the mysterious culture of the Nabataeans, best known through their city of Petra in Jordan.

In July 2017, the Royal Commission for Al-'ula was established by royal decree with the aim of preserving and developing the extraordinary cultural heritage of this 6th-century city. The inauguration of the Banyan Tree, which follows the opening of the Habitas AlUla resort, symbolizes Saudi Arabia's desire to open up to international tourism. A project decried by some as a reminder of the country's societal, ecological and geopolitical values.

Banyan Tree AlUla | How is the hotel?

Designed by the AW2 architectural firm headed by Stéphanie Ledoux and Reda Amalou, the Banyan Tree AlUla enjoys a secluded location in the middle of the desert. Overlooked by a monumental canyon and just a stone's throw from the Maraya Concert Hall (the world's largest mirrored building), the luxury complex developed by the Royal Commission makes an imposing statement with its rock formations illuminated at dusk. Split between the north and south pavilions, the site scatters 47 villas in the middle of the pristine valley enveloped in silence, where the sun's reflection on the rocks produces an incredible luminosity. Inspired by the nomadic essence of Nabataean architecture, all the villas and tents demonstrate Banyan Tree's desire to immerse itself in the local history, in order to offer travel aesthetes a memorable experience.

The 5-star hotel, whose uncluttered design emphasizes the preservation of natural beauty, houses at its center a spa whose façade was formed using compacted sand, as well as a breathtaking rock pool housed in the shade of a natural crevasse. This architectural feat, which evokes the wadis that appear at the foot of cliffs during rainy periods, is reminiscent of the Amangiri hotel in the Utah desert. In terms of gastronomy, the hotel site is home to two restaurants, including Saffron, the Banyan Tree brand's signature restaurant with a twist on Thai cuisine. The Harrat table immerses guests in the local atmosphere, with a menu featuring Middle Eastern flavours: hot or cold mezzes, fresh grilled meats, a platter of shellfish from the Red Sea or stuffed vine leaves.

What are the rooms like?

Accessible by buggy via paths dug into the sand dunes, the 47 villas are camouflaged by sand-colored tents, whose roof lines blend the architecture into the surrounding landscape. Each suite is composed of a simple platform and a solid structure evoking the surrounding rocks through its solidity and canvas covers creating a natural ventilation between the roof and the tent. Villa 214, tested and approved by the editors, is ideally suited to a retreat for two. Featuring a high ceiling, the one-bedroom villa spans 77 m² and boasts a king-size bed, a private pool with two sun loungers, a bathroom with patio built with openwork brick walls and an outdoor campfire. The private terrace, protected from the sun by the canvas, reveals a hypnotic view of the desert and mountains.

The hotel offers two- and three-bedroom villas with swimming pools. The two-bedroom villa features a spacious living room and outdoor dining area. The three-bedroom villa, on the other hand, at 240 m², embodies the quintessence of Banyan Tree luxury, with its master bedroom featuring a super king-size mattress and a main table for up to 10 guests.

Good to know?

The architects used water-harvesting techniques with micro-catchment gardens that collect and absorb rainwater, allowing vegetation to grow on the site. The gardens also offer protection against flooding during months of heavy rainfall, as the Saudi desert is exposed to flash flooding from the wadis.

What makes the difference?

Al-'ula is a city steeped in history. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra in the Hijaz mountains is just 15 km from the hotel. The ancient city is the most important preserved site of the Nabataean civilization south of Petra in Jordan. At sunset, you can admire its remains, gigantic tombs with facades sculpted in sandstone between the 1st century B.C. and A.D. The hotel offers other must-see outings in the heart of the desert, such as a walk around Elephant Rock, a 50-metre-high sandstone monolith whose elephant silhouette has been shaped by erosion.

Which room to book?

For a couple, we unhesitatingly recommend the room tested by our editorial team, villa 214.

Things to remember

Inspired by nomadic culture and Nabataean motifs, Banyan Tree AlUla is a secluded oasis in the Ashar Valley, with endemic species and native trees perfectly preserved. An immersive experience amid spectacular sandstone mountains, just a few kilometers from the fabulous ancient city of Hegra.

5 things we loved about Banyan Tree AlUla

• The natural and historical heritage of the city of Al-'ula
• The impressive rock pool, nestled in a rocky gorge
• Activities across the desert landscape
• Star-gazing after dark
• Sleek villas that blend into the sand and rock.

The price?

From €682 for a one-bedroom villa with private pool.