GlobalSpa
26-Nov-2025
Banyan Tree AlUla is a sanctuary of serenity in the heart of the desert.
Tucked within the dramatic sandstone canyons of Ashar Valley, Banyan Tree AlUla rises from the desert like a mirage of calm and beauty, a sanctuary where time slows, senses awaken, and every detail is designed to restore balance.
Located in what is often called the world’s largest living museum, the resort integrates effortlessly with its surroundings, paying homage to Nabataean heritage and the natural rhythms of the valley. It is a place that transcends the idea of a simple escape, offering instead a journey of wellbeing and connection.
Banyan Tree AlUla’s design draws inspiration from the nomadic traditions that once shaped life across AlUla. And as you first arrive, it is easy to miss the property as each tented villa, from intimate one-bedroom sanctuaries to expansive three-bedroom residences, is crafted to merge with the desert landscape. Inside, you will find Arabian-inspired décor, natural materials, and soft earthy tones that create a sense of understated luxury. Just outside your villa, private swimming pools and fire pits invite you to unwind beneath the endless desert sky, surrounded by views that shift beautifully with the light of day.
At the heart of this retreat lies the Banyan Tree Spa, a signature feature that embodies the brand’s philosophy of holistic wellbeing. Rooted in ancient Asian healing traditions, its treatments are designed to bring harmony to the body and peace to the mind. Each ritual uses natural ingredients and mindful techniques to restore balance, from tension-releasing massages to rejuvenating body therapies that nurture from within. A must-try treatment here is the Signature Royal Banyan which delivers the best of Eastern and Western massage techniques to improve your blood circulation and ease muscle aches. It includes herbal pouches dipped in sesame oil, a Coriander Cucumber Cleanser, Face Massage and of course a transcendental experience! The resort also hosts complimentary wellbeing sessions, including yoga, guided meditation, and stretching in the stillness of the valley.
Culinary experiences at Banyan Tree AlUla continue the resort’s focus on balance and connection. At Saffron, the signature Thai restaurant and the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, enjoy contemporary Thai cuisine prepared by expert chefs with beautiful views of Ashar Valley. Meanwhile, Harrat celebrates both local and international flavours in a vibrant yet relaxed setting. The resort also arranges private destination dining experiences, such as a romantic dinner at Dove Canyon or a floating breakfast by the pool.
As night falls, the desert transforms into a celestial wonderland, offering an enchanting stargazing experience beneath one of the clearest skies in the world. Beyond the resort, AlUla reveals a landscape of timeless beauty and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, wander through the ancient ruins of Dadan, or marvel at the majestic Elephant Rock. Just a stone’s throw away, Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, reflects the surrounding desert and can be admired from Banyan Tree AlUla.
To stay here is to live in harmony with the desert, to rise with the sun, breathe with the wind, and sleep under a canopy of stars. Every moment feels intentional and deeply restorative.
