Ashar Valley – the World’s New Bucket-List Desert Retreat

Set within the breathtaking surroundings of AlUla’s historic desert region, Banyan Tree AlUla welcomed its first guests on October 21, marking the completion of the luxury accommodation offerings in the spectacular Ashar Valley destination.

The five-star all-villa resort represents Banyan Tree’s first presence in this area and has been carefully created to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Inspired by Nabataean traditions and the lifestyle of desert nomads, the resort reflects Banyan Tree’s dedication to incorporating local culture, drawing inspiration from the dramatic landscapes and the Bedouin heritage that has shaped the region for generations. With 79 villas, the resort provides guests with a deeply immersive experience that engages the senses and celebrates the peaceful beauty of AlUla.

Alongside Banyan Tree AlUla is the nearby luxury retreat Habitas Resort AlUla, which opened in late 2021. The property focuses on sustainable and experience-based hospitality, emphasizing community, creativity, wellness, music, and art. These values perfectly match AlUla’s identity as a historic crossroads where different civilizations and cultures have connected for thousands of years.

In addition to its 96-villa resort, Habitas AlUla also provides Caravan by Habitas, an alternative accommodation concept designed for travelers seeking a more adventurous outdoor stay. Located in the valley overlooking the oasis, the luxury retro RVs combine a unique glamping experience with Habitas’ distinctive hospitality services and dining options.

Both resorts have been developed with careful consideration for the environment, maintaining a minimal impact on the desert canyon landscape. Natural-colored canopies and thoughtfully designed landscaping enhance the surrounding scenery while allowing the architecture to blend naturally with the desert.

The completion of accommodations in Ashar Valley places AlUla among the world’s emerging destinations for travelers looking for exclusive, authentic, and private experiences. Entry to the area is limited to guests attending events or staying at the resorts.

The extraordinary landscape of Ashar Valley has been shaped over millions of years. Towering canyons and remarkable rock formations create constantly changing views as sunlight moves from sunrise to sunset, revealing different colors and textures throughout the day.

Maraya Events and Entertainment

The resorts and Caravan by Habitas are ideally located for visitors attending events at Maraya, which is also situated within the Ashar Valley area. Recognized as the world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya serves as a multifunctional venue for concerts and cultural events. Its reflective exterior creates a stunning illusion, mirroring the surrounding mountains and desert dunes like a natural mirage.

Maraya currently hosts the AlUla Moments winter concert program and welcomes a wide range of performances and gatherings. Upcoming events include concerts by international artists such as OneRepublic and John Legend, along with professional events including the renowned Hegra Conference of Nobel Laureates and Friends.

Spa and Wellness Experiences in Ashar Valley

The quiet and expansive environment of Ashar Valley creates an ideal setting for relaxation and wellness, with the area becoming an increasingly recognized destination for luxury spa experiences.

Banyan Tree AlUla introduces a wellness concept inspired by its internationally acclaimed spa tradition. The experience focuses on the restorative power of nature, combining regional healing practices with Eastern wellness rituals. Guests can relax in the peaceful rock pool overlooking the valley after exercising or enjoying one of the resort’s signature treatments.

At Habitas AlUla, Thuraya Wellness takes its name from the star constellation traditionally used by Bedouins for navigation. The wellness center features a calming lounge, an alchemy bar, treatment rooms, a fitness area, an outdoor wellness space, and a yoga studio. Regular yoga sessions are available, while Thuraya Wellness massages have gained popularity among visitors throughout AlUla and the wider region.

Dining Experiences in Ashar Valley

With the introduction of Banyan Tree AlUla’s two restaurants, Ashar Valley now offers an expanded culinary scene featuring everything from regional specialties to AlUla’s first Thai dining experience, all set against remarkable desert surroundings.

Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant, presents authentic contemporary Thai cuisine prepared by Thai chefs. It brings the flavors of Thailand to Saudi Arabia through ingredients such as lemongrass, coconut milk, and aromatic spices, creating a distinctive dining journey in the heart of Arabia.

Harrat celebrates the heritage and flavors of northwestern Arabia through a diverse menu and artistic atmosphere. The restaurant offers dishes ranging from seafood and Middle Eastern mezze to pasta and grilled specialties. Its name comes from Harrat Rahat, the largest volcanic lava field in Saudi Arabia located in the Hejazi region.

At Habitas Resort AlUla, Tama restaurant—named after an Aramaic expression meaning “here and now”—serves carefully prepared meals and beverages inspired by the flavors of the Arabian Peninsula. Using spices historically traded along the incense route, the restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a beautiful setting overlooking the infinity pool.

Maraya Social, located on the rooftop of the iconic mirrored Maraya building, provides an elegant dining atmosphere. Open for dinner from Wednesday through Saturday, the restaurant serves a selection of seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes, along with specialty mocktails made using locally sourced ingredients.

Exploring Ashar Valley

Art is naturally present throughout Ashar Valley, from its dramatic geological formations and ancient canyons to creative installations placed within the landscape. Habitas AlUla’s surroundings continue to showcase artworks from the Desert X AlUla 2020 exhibition, including Manal Al Dowayan’s interactive trampoline installation “Now You SEE ME, Now You Don’t” and Lita Albuquerque’s striking blue sculpture “NAJMA,” depicting a woman seated in a meditative lotus position.

Few places provide a more spectacular setting for horseback riding than the canyons and valleys of Ashar. Riding a purebred Arabian horse through the silent desert landscape at sunrise or sunset creates an unforgettable connection with nature.

Walking trails and hiking routes throughout the valley reveal ancient rock carvings, inscriptions, and unique desert plants. Visitors can follow marked paths to discover famous examples of rock art or enjoy independent exploration with a picnic surrounded by dramatic scenery.

The resorts also offer a variety of special activities, including stargazing experiences, Bedouin-style camp dinners, canyon music events, and outdoor yoga sessions.

In the near future, new retail pop-up experiences will provide visitors with opportunities to purchase distinctive souvenirs and local products.

Traveling to Ashar Valley

Reaching AlUla has become more convenient thanks to international flights connecting the destination with Dubai and Cairo, as well as daily domestic flights from Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. Travelers can also access AlUla through connecting flights via Medina or Tabuk.