Ashar Valley AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Opened
2022
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Banyan TreeTented canyon outpost
A hush settles over the wide valley floor, where lantern-lit sand paths connect silent canyons under vast, star-swept desert skies.
“The villas are generously sized … with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Batwing canvas canopies and compressed-earth villas designed to blend seamlessly into towering sandstone canyon rock formations.
Remarkable
Dedicated personal villa hosts, private plunge pools, and signature terrazzo tub soaking rituals infused with local citrus.
Notable
On-site ancient petroglyph rock trails, Sadu-patterned textiles, and Bedouin-inspired architecture set deep within the Ashar Valley.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Its 47 freestanding villas are draped in tent-like shades, but are solid, permanent structures, containing accommodations that are as luxurious as any resort in the world.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Ancient petroglyphs line on-site sandstone trails, while the carved Nabataean tombs of Hegra sit fifteen kilometres across the desert.
The rooms
Sand-toned villas open onto private terraces with fire pits and oversized terrazzo tubs, with most extending to secluded plunge pools.
The rock pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The infinity pool is carved into a sandstone crevasse between sheer cliffs that look across the valley.
The spa and gym
Spa treatments incorporate native Moringa peregrina and dates, and the gym hosts morning sound baths and yoga.
At the table
Harrat serves regional dishes using local valley produce, and Saffron introduces contemporary Thai dining to the desert.
Unfolding over 35 rooms, which were originally old houses, ... the hotel slots seamlessly into the sweeping desert landscape.
How it began
Parisian studio AW2 shaped the low-impact retreat to mirror nomadic Bedouin encampments without disturbing the surrounding desert ecosystem.
“Forty-seven villas—a mix of one, two, and three bedrooms…are spread out across nearly two miles of the valley.”
Good to know
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Banyan Tree AlUla
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AlUla
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.