Discover Habitas AlUla, an immersive luxury resort in the desert canyons
Habitas AlUla is the brand’s first property in the Middle East…
The magical landscape of AlUla, with its dramatic sandstone cliffs and archaeological remains of Hegra, draws visitors from around the world.
So, when the sustainable hospitality brand Habitas launches a new hotel there in November 2021, preserving the natural balance is key.
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Set within an oasis in the canyons of the Ashar Valley, Habitas AlUla offers a luxury gateway to ancient cultural and desert wonders in breathtaking natural settings.
A room with a view
The property, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves, features 96 guest rooms that are sustainably designed to embrace the natural surroundings of the Ashar Valley.
The rooms are divided into three categories, and all offer different views and experiences. The premium Celestial Villas provide spacious living quarters and an outdoor terrace that invites guests for evenings of stargazing, while the Alcove Villas sit among the canyons of AlUla, surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and infinite ochre-red sunsets.
The Canyon Villas are immersed in the natural wonders of the Ashar Valley, surrounded by cliffs and sprawling desert views.
Within the modular hotel, there’s also a yoga deck, a swimming pool, wellness and fitness centres, and a restaurant called Tama, which marries Saudi and Middle Eastern cuisines using fresh ingredients from local farms.
Sustainability plays a fundamental role
Of course, environmental consciousness is woven into every element of the Habitas philosophy. When creating Habitas AlUla, each of these spaces is constructed from ethically-sourced organic materials, which blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings.
The resort is made of a minimally invasive build model and designed with a low impact that does not harm the environment.
Expand your mind
Key to the whole experience is the unique Habitas model, which centres the hotel around shared rituals.
Habitas AlUla’s authentic immersion in the destination’s local culture and natural environment is based on the brand’s six programming pillars: music, wellness, adventure, culture, learning, and culinary.
The hotel offers guests art and culture walks, canyon trekking, yoga, meditation and breathing exercises. There are also drum circles dance, agora gatherings with live music, plus weekly outdoor screenings of regional films and cultural documentaries.
For those who would like to learn more about the region, there are lectures on local initiatives, culture, and history.
Numerous arts and culture activities, such as the hosted artworks of Mohammad Ahmed Ibrahim, Superflex and Nadim Karam, complement these learning experiences. This also includes a guided walk through the remains of the ancient city where the Nabateans once lived.
Habitas AlUla, Ashar Valley, AlUla. Canyon rooms at Habitas AlUla start from SAR2,250 per night. Visit: OurHabitas.com
Images: Provided