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Hotels
The most beautiful hotels in AlUla for a getaway in Saudi Arabia
Since Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourism, 5-star lodges and resorts have sprung from the sands. With the promise of breathtaking, untrammelled landscapes. Our selection of AlUla’s finest hotels.
1. Banyan Tree AlUla, tented villas and Star Wars vibes
The pitch? A veritable jewel of a hotel nestled in the supernatural Ashar Valley to the north of the oasis, the Banyan Tree AlUla (Accor Group) is a "camp" as luxurious as the most luxurious hotels on stilts in the Maldives or the Seychelles, without looking it. 47 tent-villas scattered across an area the size of the gardens of Versailles, facing a canyon of colossal relief. Sand-colored, topped with large hats in the shape of bat wings, they are almost invisible at first glance. Their chameleon-like architecture, designed by the AW2 agency, is drawn like a landscape. It blends into the mineral nature of the site. It's like being in another world, with a Star Wars vibe. Last November, rapper Kanye West was spotted here, looking for inspiration.
What's the hotel like? An almost three-kilometer track winds from villa to villa, between dunes and rock formations. This doesn't stop the luxury hotel in Alula from adorning itself with contemporary finery. The Banyan Tree group has Thai roots. The flavors of the Saffron remind us of this: teriyaki beef and papaya salad. Herbs are grown in a small garden in front of the hotel. Harrat serves Middle Eastern (and international) specialties: fresh mezze and grills, pumpkin soup and delicious tagine. The earthenware is local, the spa resolutely Oriental. Massages, facials and body scrubs, yoga, meditation and sound baths are skilfully executed in soothing spaces. Compressed sand walls reflect the colors of the desert. The highlight is the full-length swimming pool, nestled between the rocks of a natural rift reminiscent of the Siq at nearby Jabal Ithlib. Although it's small and not our favorite in AlUla, it's well worth a visit.
What about the rooms? The rooms are generous in size (between 75 and 230 m2), with bay windows and sliding doors. They are decorated with elements of local heritage, Sadu fabric, indigenous plants and works by Saudi artists. The colors reflect sand and terracotta, and the ceilings imitate the steps at the top of Hegra tombs, used to transport the soul to paradise. Bathrooms are tactile, with oversized terrazzo tubs. Ventilation is natural. A huge terrace extends from each villa, protected by a bat-wing awning. Most have a private pool, reflecting the surroundings like mirrors. Each villa, accompanied by its own butler, offers spectacular views of the impressive relief that borders the valley.
What we loved about Banyan Tree AlUla:
- Its "light" approach celebrates the region's unique culture and heritage: local materials in architecture and amenities, solar power to generate electricity, rainwater recycling; more than half the food is sourced from local farms.
- Its chameleon-like architecture, designed like a landscape.
- Just a few steps away is the incredible Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building and AlUla's modern masterpiece.
- The rocky, infinity pool, wedged in a canyon. It's a sight to behold for all Instagrameurs!
Banyan Tree AlUla
On average €1060 per night for two people, including breakfast at Harrat
Road, Wadi Ashar Tabuk, AlUla 43563
2. Our Habitas AlUla, set in the sand
The pitch? " We invite guests to experience an adventure, to play in raw nature...". In 2021, the Habitas hotel group (originally from Mexico) took to the dunes and invites guests to visit AlUla. In a sandy meander of the Ashar Valley, between the soft sandstone cliffs of a canyon, Our Habitas is an oasis of luxury and tranquility, a sanctuary that pays homage to the nomadic Nabataean architecture carved out here millennia ago. Alula's hotel offers visitors a blend of well-being, adventure and culture, punctuated by experiences. The landscapes, eco-responsible architecture incorporated into the site, and spectacular works of art maintain the immemorial legend of the place. You feel like an explorer in uncharted territory. The only drawback? The proximity of some of the tents and the level of comfort sometimes more suited to a 4-star rating, which makes a real difference with the more upmarket Banyan Tree.
What's the hotel like? The cliffs narrow. A private road leads down to the bottom of a valley. 96 villas stretch across the width and depth of the canyon. They are reminiscent of a desert camp... or rather a glamping hotel. Standing on their own on the sand, with no foundation, they can be moved. " A low-impact design for the environment ", says a press release. Same sandy colors as the stones that surround them; and the codes dear to the ecofriendly brand: " ethically sourced " materials, holistic approach. Electric bikes take guests from their villa to the restaurant, reception and wellness center. Only the infinity pool stands out in the landscape. Incredibly photogenic, it overlooks the valley, with the cliffs looming in the background. The site is home to inscriptions carved into the rock centuries ago by caravanners... and works from the latest Desert X exhibition, an art biennial born in California. A giant swing, puddle-like trampolines, over 300 pop-colored rocks... When night falls, luminous lights point the way. Please note: it is possible to use the pool for a very reasonable fee if you are not a hotel resident.
And the rooms? Reasonably comfortable, the rooms at the hotel in Alula take a back seat to the show. A desire for discretion. The views are spectacular. Canvas awnings shelter pleasant private terraces. Inside, the walls are lined with beige wood resin panels, the furnishings are uncluttered, and the colors echo the surrounding rocks. The bathrooms open onto an outdoor shower, protected from prying eyes by reeds.
What we loved about Our Habitas AlUla:
- Time passes gently, between yoga sessions, massages, sound baths, swimming pool. By day, hikes in the canyons, camel rides, horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, Arabic calligraphy classes and, of course, visits to the historic center of AlUla and Hegra, often compared to Petra. At nightfall, you can go stargazing.
- The small tents of this ecolodge have been designed to minimize their impact on the environment: electricity supplied by solar panels, no single-use plastics, sustainable water management, limited light pollution..
- Tucked away in a mountain retreat, the Thuraya spa (named after a constellation) combines traditional techniques with modern therapies. The emphasis is on scents. Essential oils are chosen with your eyes closed. Treatments begin with a ritual to purify the spirit.
- The Tama restaurant, which means "here and now" in Aramaic, offers a cuisine of oriental flavours, local ingredients and spices from the incense route. It opens onto the swimming pool, by far the most beautiful in town. A visit and a lazy day at the pool at Our Habitas Al'ula are a must on any stay in the oasis!
Our Habitas AlUla
On average €925 per night in a villa for two, all inclusive
Ashar Valley, AlUla 43511
3. Caravan AlUla By Our Habitas, a unique glamping experience
The pitch? Just a few strides away from the camels, Habitas unveils a different kind of performance, also inspired by the ancient Bedouins. They once roamed the Arabian Peninsula in caravans. But also from... Burning Man, a gathering held every year in the small, ephemeral town of Black Rock, in the heart of the Nevada desert in the USA. Caravan AlUla by Our Habitas is a fleet of trailers parked in the sand of a natural cirque in the Ashar Valley. And not just any caravans, but real American Airstreams, in silver aluminum, vintage and renovated. A unique glamping experience, in the middle of the cliffs, for travellers in search of the unusual, surprise, fantasy and exclusivity.
What's the Al-Ula hotel like? At the center of a vast U-shaped space, a Bedouin-style tent serves as a gathering place, a meeting place and a dining room. Colorful, handcrafted objects and antiques recall Saudi residential design. You can play games, drink tea, connect, eat and smoke hookah. A trio of playfully decorated food trucks prepare meals and drinks: mirror effect for Italian pizzas, lamb gyros, vegetarian and even vegan dishes; pink and holographic for homemade ice creams; locally inspired for natural juices and coffee. As the sun sets, seating around a large fireplace invites you to share stories under a sky awash with stars, sip a few (non-alcoholic) cocktails, dance under disco lights..
And the bedrooms? 22 stylish caravans. All combine optimal comfort with harmony with nature: interior lounge, kitchenette, bathroom, separate shower, queen-size configuration (or twin single beds), air conditioning and breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons. Each has a terrace in front, Wi-Fi to keep you connected to the outside world, and locally inspired design.
What we liked about Caravan AlUla by Our Habitas:
- The hidden details in the caravans, coloring books, audio system, theraguns and other scalp massagers..
- All-terrain electric bikes for exploring the sandy terrain.
- Access to all the facilities at Our Habitas, just a two-minute drive away: spa, swimming pool, Tama restaurant.
- The magic of an open-air cinema under the stars. Comfortable sofas and armchairs, projection onto the cliff, freshly-prepared popcorn.
Caravan AlUla by Our Habitas
On average €460 per night for two people, breakfast included
QV4F FV, Al Atheeb 43570
4. Dar Tantora, the Thousand and One Nights
The pitch? Dar Tantora by The House Hotel (a Kerten Hospitality brand), is an immersive hospitality experience in the old town. This boutique hotel in AlUla opened its doors 2 years ago and we slept there in 2025. It takes its name from a sundial that once heralded the changing seasons and agricultural practices. Thirty ancient mud-brick houses have been meticulously restored by specially trained local craftsmen, in collaboration with archaeologists. Visual and architectural elements have been preserved, and traditional building techniques retained. From mud bricks to palm fronds, the authenticity of every detail is guaranteed. Modern hospitality, luxurious comfort and a little engineering! More than just an accommodation, Dar Tantora is an invitation to immerse yourself in the history and culture of AlUla, a timeless tribute to the region's heritage.
What's the hotel in Al-Ula like? Narrow, labyrinthine alleyways wind their way. Dar Tantora is a village within a village. The 30 houses were once linked together to form a defensive wall. This is the land of a Thousand and One Nights. Amenities have been introduced to welcome "contemporary" guests: an infinity pool overlooking the oasis, a spa offering age-old beauty rituals based on ingredients grown in AlUla, Wi-Fi... Michelin-starred Spanish chef Jaume Puigdengolas presents a selection of Saudi-inspired dishes in the Joontos restaurant, prepared with ingredients sourced from the oasis. Traditional wood-fired cooking methods have been preserved.
And the rooms? Each room is a house, a Dar in the heart of a medina. They all tell a story. Traditional decorative elements, furniture and works of art are all part of the narrative. Natural ventilation, terraced rooms and lantern fires have been maintained. Electrical outlets are limited... Local artists have complemented this heritage. Dar Tantora is developing an art project in partnership with the Royal Commission of AlUla. This is a really interesting hotel to spend a night in and experience the charm of the place. However, we don't recommend an extended stay here, unless you like to sleep in the city when there are sumptuous places waiting in the middle of a dream setting just a few kilometers away (we're thinking, of course, of the Ashar Valley and the hotels already reviewed above).
What we liked about Dar Tantora:
- The hotel's earthen architecture, dictated by the old town of AlUla.
- The hotel aims to be a low-impact establishment. Energy-saving measures, automated food waste and water management solutions.
- Guests of the luxury hotel in AlUla take part in daily activities: the ritual of bread-making, Saudi coffee, traditional games... Every evening, before sunset, between the time of the Asr and Maghrib prayers, the ritual of lighting the lanterns from Tantora Square.
- Dinner under the stars; celebrating the new season.
Dar Tantora The House Hotel
From €568
375 old town, 43562, AlUla
All locations are independently selected by our specialist journalists. If you make a reservation, we may receive an affiliate commission.