It's that special mix of history, culture and adventure that makes AlUla so fascinating. No wonder that the oasis city in southwestern Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming the focus of international travelers. Thanks to a direct flight from Paris, you can now comfortably reach the destination from almost anywhere in Europa with just one stopover. In only a few hours, you'll find yourself in a foreign, exotic and breathtaking desert setting – and the location of a new Banyan Tree tent resort, which will welcome discerning guests from October 2022.

Banyan Tree AlUla
Wadi Ashar, Tabuk Road, AlUla 43563, Saudi Arabia
Web: banyantree.com
Tel.: +966 55 184 2203
Price: villa incl. breakfast from €1,513 per night

Desert luxury

The tented resort blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Its architecture is inspired by the nomadic Nabataeans who once lived here just outside the town of Hegra. The intention is to pay homage to the local culture and root itself in the region. "We are very excited to open Banyan Tree in the beautiful valley of AlUla in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. AlUla was founded in the 6th century B.C. and holds so much history that we are honored to be a part of this historic heritage," said Eddy See, president and chief executive officer of Banyan Tree Group.

Next level glamping: guests at the new tent resort will want for nothing. The interior is marked by craftsmanship from the region and an earthy color concept. © Banyan Tree

In practice, this means that guests stay in all-tented villas. Some of these have their own pool, but they're all equipped with all the amenities that guests who have stayed at other resorts of the brand are already familiar with. The interior is extremely elegant with earthy tones, light-flooded rooms, bathrooms with large bathtubs and spacious open areas.

Asia meets Arabia

The renowned Banyan Tree Spa promises profound relaxation – a result of the high-quality wellness programs which the brand is known for. Here, the best of Asia meets Arabia – a principle that also applies to the legendary signature restaurant "Saffron," where the star of the hour is contemporary Thai cuisine.

The tented villas have one to two bedrooms, open fireplaces and some even have their own pool. © Banyan Tree

To help guests connect deeply with the destination, the resort's concept is based on three pillars: "In-villa" pampers travelers with customized offerings; "in-valley" takes them outdoors, where exclusive outdoor treatments, nomadic cuisine, and adventures as well as private events await them in the spectacular setting. "En-voyage" was developed together with locals. The offers provide deep insights into the culture and way of life of the local people.

In the infinity pool you swim between high rocks towards the desert. © Banyan Tree

The vision of a destination

"The choice of Banyan Tree to operate this resort was driven by the synergy of the brand with the Royal Commission for AlUla's vision for the destination," said John Northen, Executive Director and Head of Hotels and Resorts at the Royal Commission for AlUla. "Banyan Tree's ethos is to create a sanctuary for the senses, in an exceptional location with a special awareness of its surroundings, which is a perfect fit for us at AlUla."

The Maraya Concert Hall is an architectural masterpiece. It's one of the most impressive buildings in AlUla. © Royal Commission for AlUla

The opening of the Banyan Tree AlUla in October 2022 will mark the completion of the Ashar Valley development. It is also home to the world-famous Maraya Hall, the mirrored concert hall by Gio Forma that is the largest building of its kind. Bookings for the new Banyan Tree AlUla are already open.

Banyan Tree AlUla
Wadi Ashar, Tabuk Road, AlUla 43563, Saudi Arabia
Web: banyantree.com
Tel.: +966 55 184 2203
Price: villa incl. breakfast from €1,513 per night