Book the Banyan Tree AlUla with VIP Benefits

The Banyan Tree AlUla Hotel is in the heart of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. This property offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional Arabian hospitality. This review will provide you with an in-depth overview of the hotel.

You're planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or business trip. The hotel is sure to impress with its beauty and top facilities. Join us as we examine what makes this hotel a must-visit destination.

Overview

Banyan Tree Al Ula is an example of a resort that combines heritage with luxury. It's located in Ashar Valley, near AlUla Jabal Ikmah (Saudi Arabia). The resort is inspired by humanity's 200,000-year history and the scenery of the largest living museum in the world. It also offers an unmatched luxury tenting experience. The resort sits next to Maraya, the World's Largest Mirrored Building. This emphasizes the resort's dedication to luxury and sustainability.

The 10,000-square-meter resort has 47 luxury tented apartments. They range from one-bedroom dune villas to three-bedroom pool villas. It is based on the ancient Nabataean tribes that once inhabited these lands. Their nomadic lifestyle inspired the resort's design.

The resort integrates into the surrounding desert landscape, rock formations, and heritage sites. This resort was built as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. It aims to preserve the natural beauty, rich history, and heritage. It also supports the region's long-term economic, cultural, and tourist goals.

Service and Facilities

Banyan Tree AlUla Resort is famous for its eco-friendly approach. Its tents preserve the beauty of the desert and provide luxury accommodation. This retreat includes two gourmet restaurants, a spa, and the resort's signature pool. The swimming pool is in a crevice that resembles the Wadis, which appear beneath the cliffs after rains.

Moreover, the interior design and architecture reflect modern interpretations of Bedouin culture. This creates an indoor-outdoor atmosphere that connects guests with nature. Besides, the furniture and décor throughout the resort reflect the rich culture of the Ashar Valley.

Banyan Tree AlUla also offers a range of amenities and activities. The restaurant Saffron offers Thai, local, and international cuisine. Other activities include hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Guests can also gaze at Ashar Valley's beautiful landscapes and make memories.

The resort's spa facilities are geared towards well-being. This includes massages and sound baths beneath the stars. You can also take a dip in the Insta Worthy rock pool. It sits between two sandstone mountains and offers sweeping views over the valley. Banyan Tree AlUla also offers vintage plane and helicopter rides over AlUla's historical sites.

Villas

The 47 tented villas are huge (77 to 240 square meters) and spacious. Their color scheme reflects the desert outside. They feature sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. A batwing canopy also shelters the villas, providing natural ventilation and shade against the hot desert sun.

The views are also breathtaking. Around half of the villas look out at the rock formations, and the rest face Maraya. This is the largest mirror building in the world. It is also AlUla's most impressive modern masterpiece.

The interior of each villa is minimalistic and relaxing. The details on the ceilings are designed to mimic the Nabataean steps at Hegra, which were meant to take the soul up to heaven. The sand-and-terracotta color scheme is also a perfect backdrop for the works of Saudi artists. They use elements like Sadu fabrics, Bedouin dresses, and local plants.

The bathrooms are warm and tactile. They feature terrazzo bathtubs with giant rims, the perfect place to indulge in Banyan Tree's famous bath ritual. The bathroom also has a brick courtyard with an outdoor shower. It's a great place to wash off after swimming in the pool, but it isn't private enough to replace the indoor shower.

Dining

Saffron is the best Thai restaurant in Egypt. It offers a unique dining experience. You will find it in the Ashar Valley thanks to the Banyan Tree. Thanks to the entire Thai kitchen staff, the food flavors are also authentic and delicious. Although it might seem odd to first have green curry or tom yum in the desert, this works. Moreover, in a garden outside the restaurant, chefs grow their Thai herbs.

Harrat is the resort's second outlet. It serves Middle Eastern flavors and other international cuisine. Saffron has a more extensive menu, while the one at Harrat is a bit limited. Saudi Arabia is also an alcohol-free country. This means that the drinks are softer.

Spa and Wellness

Banyan Tree prioritizes wellness. Spas offer treatments like massages, scrubs, and facials. They are done in serene spaces lined with sand walls, which reflect the colors of deserts as they shift throughout the day. Soon, treatments in a cave will also be available, along with sound baths, meditation, yoga, and other activities.

The highlight of this spa is its infinity-edge rock pool. It sits between two towering rock walls. It also offers breathtaking views over the valley. AlUla's dramatic rock pool is unmatched anywhere. This is a beautiful adults-only retreat to unwind after treatment or go swimming at any time.

Family-Friendly

There are few activities for families at the resort. However, there are plenty of activities to entertain adventurous kids for several days. This is especially true if your villa has its very own private pool. There is also free riding available every day between 3 pm and 6 pm on Arabian horses. Besides, guests can hire ponies for small children.

Moreover, it is fun and educational to learn about the Rock Art Trail. Identifying some of these animals is a great way to have a good time. If the sky is clear, you may also see shooting stars. Astronomers will be on hand to provide guided stargazing for anyone interested. They can also teach you how ancient Arabian nomadic tribes navigated using constellations.

Takeaway

The resort is in the heart of the Arabian Desert in Saudi Arabia. It offers a unique experience for travelers seeking luxury and cultural heritage. The Banyan Tree AlUla Hotel is a hidden gem waiting for you. Book your stay today and discover why it should be at the top of your travel bucket list.