An enchanted sanctuary is waiting to be discovered with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Banyan Tree is opening an all-villa resort in the historical AlUla this month that mixes history, culture and entertainment to provide a genuine desert retreat.
Banyan Tree is set in the area known as the world’s largest living museum.
When booking a retreat, one of the main things that we look for is an escape from the hustle of our daily routine. Sometimes we need to press the pause button on life to enjoy time to ourselves without having to keep half an eye on our phones, counting down how much free time is left in our day.
The multi-sensory experience
Surrounded by a mesmerizing desert and rock formations which date back millions of years, guests will find that life’s stressors are a million miles away. The stillness and peacefulness felt amongst the sheer force of nature make it feel as if time and space were suddenly suspended, allowing the senses to fully awaken and embark upon a multi-sensory experience.
“The destination is absolutely perfect for the brand, as it enables us to offer something utterly unique and exclusive in the most magnificent setting of AlUla.” said General Manager Anthony Treston.
Inspired by the nomadic nature of Nabataean architecture, the all-villa, tented resort epitomises Banyan Tree’s commitment to local influence.
The fundamental principles of the resort are designed around three concepts: In-Villa, In-Valley, and En-Voyage.
In-Villa provides guests with made-to-measure offerings brought to life by the talented cast of Banyan Tree hosts.
In-Valley takes guests into the essence of AlUla through exclusive outdoor treatments, nomadic chef’s tables, active adventures, and private events staged in spectacular settings.
En-Voyage brings guests through privileged immersions crafted with local talents, continuously unlocking new facets of AlUla’s rich legacy.
Dining at Banyan Tree
Two distinct dining venues are featured at Banyan Tree AlUla. Saffron is the resort’s signature Thai restaurant offering authentic Thai flavours, served with a contemporary twist. Thai dishes are prepared by Thai chefs, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.
The other option is Harrat which brings a taste of all things local with its Arabic cuisine as guest will discover curated recipes prepared by local chefs, using fresh and seasonal ingredients directly sourced from AlUla’s sustainable farms.
Aside from serving the region’s favourite flavours, Harrat offers international fusion cuisine. Serving everything from seafood to Middle Eastern mezze, pasta, and fresh grills.
Experience AlUla
Bespoke well-being and adventure excursions in the heart of the local area allow guests to experience active adventures through ancient landscapes and the local people who call it home.
From massages in a nearby cave to soothing sound baths under the stars, wellbeing and nature go hand in hand at AlUla. Sunrise and sunset activities allow guests to go deeper into the Bedouin life, which is at the heart of the AlUla experience, taking guests into rituals at the heart of nature such as the very stargazing tribes have used for centuries to navigate the desert terrain.
How to get there
Now boasting its own international airport, AlUla is already attracting the attention of the world’s luxury travelers with its mix of heritage, culture, and fine dining in the heart of the breathtaking desert. The Banyan Tree AlUla Resort is just a short flight from either Jeddah or Riyadh, and 15 KM from Hegra, connected by direct flights from Dubai operated by flynas and flydubai with another from Paris operated by SAUDIA, all of which making AlUla yet more accessible for international travelers.
With attractions now including a host of historical sites such as AlUla’s iconic Hegra Historical District, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya, and outdoor adventures from hiking to zip lining, the area is one of the most talked-about destinations in today’s luxury travel scene.
To learn more about Banyan Tree AlUla or to make a booking click here.