With limited flights each week, AlUla in Saudi Arabia still feels like a secret. We flew in from Dubai, and within moments of landing, a sleek hotel car had us gliding through the desert—45 minutes of cinematic landscapes that set the tone for what was to come. Some places just have that energy. Banyan Tree AlUla is one of them, seamlessly blending raw, untouched beauty with the kind of effortless luxury that doesn’t need to try too hard.
Check in: 10/10
From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was impeccable. A dedicated VIP supervisor greeted us, ensuring a seamless check-in process that was both swift and personalised. The staff’s attention to detail set the tone for the rest of our stay, making us feel genuinely valued.
Rooms: 10/10
We checked into one of the elusive Royal Villas—so exclusive that you won’t find them on any booking platform. With only five in existence, these three-bedroom, en-suite villas come with a private pool and an aesthetic that blends seamlessly into the surrounding desert. Earthy tones, soft linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows let the golden hues of AlUla’s landscape flood in. There’s a beautiful contrast between the rugged cliffs outside and the sleek minimalism within.
As night fell, the hotel staff set up a fire pit right outside our villa, complete with cozy seating for prime stargazing. And because luxury is in the details, they also arranged a shisha setup—because what’s a desert night without a little ritualistic indulgence?
Dining: 10/10
With multiple restaurants on-site, every meal felt like a culinary adventure. Whether it was feasting on delicate sushi, devouring an Arabic mezze spread, or savoring fragrant curries, the offerings were diverse and downright delicious. Every dish was plated with the kind of care that makes you pause for a second before digging in—just long enough to snap a photo.
Breakfast deserves its own moment: a sprawling buffet featuring Middle Eastern and Western favorites, with à la carte options for those who prefer a more tailored start to the day. Fresh juices, buttery pastries, and shakshuka so good you’d swear it was made by someone’s Lebanese grandmother.
Experiences: 10/10
Banyan Tree AlUla isn’t just a stay—it’s an immersion. The property is vast, but with complimentary bikes, exploring feels effortless. Riding through the silent desert, with nothing but wind against the cliffs, is its own kind of therapy.
Then there’s that pool—wedged between ancient rock formations, like nature’s own private oasis. Floating there, surrounded by sandstone, is peak main-character energy. And if deep relaxation is the goal, the spa is next level. From holistic treatments to singing bowl meditations under the open sky, time slows in the most delicious way.
A short stroll away, Maraya Concert Hall shimmers into the horizon, mirroring the desert so perfectly it almost disappears. With concerts, exhibitions, and art at its core, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop, stare, and stay a little longer.
Check out: 10/10
Nothing kills a good hotel stay like a chaotic checkout. But here? It took under a minute. No long queues, no frantic bill-checking—just a gracious farewell and the lingering scent of oud in the air.
Final Thoughts: A Stay That Lingers
Banyan Tree AlUla isn’t just about luxury—it’s about immersion. It’s about waking up to landscapes that feel ancient and untouched, indulging in experiences that reconnect you to yourself, and feeling like time slows down (in the best way possible). Would we return? In a heartbeat. But until then, we’ll be chasing that golden AlUla glow.
Prices start from INR 55,000 + taxes (approx). Book here.