Picolo recommends · Tented villa in the desert valley
Banyan Tree AlUla: a tented villa in a Saudi desert canyon
Sandstone cliffs glowing red at sunset, a tented villa with a fireplace and 2,000-year-old tombs a short drive away. AlUla is the Saudi Arabia nobody told you about.
AlUla
The sandstone cliffs around the valley.
The silence is the first thing you notice. No traffic, no music, just a faint wind through the valley and the crackle of the fire outside your tent. Around you the sandstone cliffs rise in shapes that look sculpted by an artist, and as the sun sinks the colour shifts from gold to red to purple.
AlUla lies in north-west Saudi Arabia, in a desert landscape full of cliffs, canyons and traces of ancient trade routes. Here you find Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site, with tombs carved into the sandstone by the Nabataeans, the same people who built Petra in Jordan. Today AlUla is also one of the most exciting places to sleep in the Middle East.
We have looked at the two hotels in the valley that make the stay part of the experience. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The tented villa
Evening sun in the valley.
The view
The cliffs at sunset.
The living room
A view of the cliffs.
The villas
Spread across the valley floor.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we like Banyan Tree AlUla
Banyan Tree has built its villas as large tents, spread across the valley floor with the cliffs as a backdrop. Inside the canvas it is a full hotel: fireplaces, big beds and terraces.
In the evening the starry sky is the entertainment. There is little light pollution, and after a day in the heat you sit by the fire outside your villa.
The night sky
Little light pollution means clear nights.
Banyan Tree AlUla: luxury inside the canvas
Banyan Tree has built its villas as large tents, spread across the valley floor with the cliffs as a backdrop. Inside the canvas, though, it is a full hotel: a fireplace, big beds and terraces.
In the evening the night sky is the entertainment. There is little light pollution here, and after a day in the desert heat it is hard to imagine a better place to sit than by the fire outside your villa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Banyan Tree AlUla
Book your stay
Banyan Tree AlUla in AlUla
Tented villas with fireplaces, big beds and a private terrace.
Hegra
Nabataean tombs carved into the rock.
Things to do in AlUla
Hegra: the Nabataean tombs carved into the sandstone, Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site. Visit with a guide.
Maraya: the mirror-clad building in the desert that reflects the cliffs around it.
Elephant Rock: a sandstone formation shaped like an elephant, best at sunset.
Stargazing: the desert sky is dark and clear for much of the year.
Read more in our Saudi Arabia travel guide.
When is the best time to visit AlUla?
The cooler half of the year, roughly October to March, is the most comfortable, with warm days and cool nights. Summer is extremely hot. Check the latest visa and entry rules before you travel.
When should you book?
October to March: high season, so book your villa well ahead, especially around festivals and holidays.
Combine: two or three nights in AlUla pair well with a few days in Riyadh or on the Red Sea.
Tours: book a guided visit to Hegra at the same time as the hotel.
Alternatives
Would you rather stay somewhere else?
An alternative in the same valley.
Frequently asked questions about AlUla hotels
Where is AlUla?
AlUla is in north-west Saudi Arabia, in a desert area of sandstone cliffs and canyons. It has its own airport with domestic flights.
What is Hegra?
Hegra is an ancient city with tombs carved into the sandstone by the Nabataeans, the same people who built Petra. It was Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site.
Where should I stay in AlUla?
Banyan Tree AlUla suits travellers who want luxury in a tented villa, Our Habitas AlUla those who prefer a calmer, more bohemian feel. Both are in the same desert valley.
How many days do you need in AlUla?
Two to three nights gives you time for Hegra, Elephant Rock, Maraya and an evening under the stars.
Can tourists visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists. Visa and entry rules can change, so check the latest information before you book.