All the events and activities happening at AlUla Wellness Festival 2023
From free workshops to high-end experiences…
The AlUla Wellness Festival is back for its third edition. Focusing on the healing power of silence, art and nature, the largest festival of its kind in the Middle East will take place from Thursday October 19 to Saturday November 4.
Organised by AlUla Moments, the two-week festival features a wide range of holistic workshops and activities aimed at fostering the well-being of the mind, body and soul, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city.
From free workshops to full-board couples retreats, there is something for every wellness, sport, and nature enthusiast. Here’s all you need to know about the activities headlining the AlUla Wellness Festival 2023.
October 19 to November 5: The Five Senses Sanctuary Experience
The flagship event – The Five Senses Sanctuary – returns with renowned practitioners offering yoga sessions, guided meditations, sound healing, and fitness designed to provoke the senses, activate conversations and inspire change. Set in a stunning and tranquil landscape of AlUla Fresh Farm and led by global experts in their field, classes and workshops can be enjoyed on a day pass or longer – for those seeking a fully transformative experience.
There will be mindfulness workshops led by world-class wellness experts, such as Sarah Farhoud, Sul-Ao Lado, Nassib Bouchebel, Ayman, Yogestu Akasaka, Yogi Dali, Wasaif Alhenaki, Horeya Gashgari, Master Can, and more who will guide participants towards a deeper understanding of themselves. Speakers Hala Kazim, a life educational coach and public speaker, and her son Anas Bukhash, an entrepreneur and interviewer, will also be giving a talk on the first day of the event.
The Five Senses Sanctuary, 7am to 7.30pm. The price starts from SAR200, but to make the most of the Five Senses Sanctuary, book your seven-day pass for SAR 950.
October 19 to November 4: Art Experiences by Yayoi Kusama
This year’s Wellness Festival edition will feature a one-of-a-kind art installation: a mesmerising Infinity Mirror Room by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Set within AlUla’s Al Jadidah District, the art installation reflects the deep connection of the AlUla landscape and will transport you into a vision of endless reflections. Entry is free, inviting all to experience the magic of Kusama’s art.
Yayoi Kusama – The Brilliance of the Souls, Oct 19 to Nov 4, daily 4pm to 11pm, AlJadidah Arts District. No ticket required.
October 19 to November 4: Detox Mind, Body & Soul itineraries
Holistic detox itineraries have been carefully curated for this year’s festival to cleanse the mind, body and soul of all attendees. These programmes include access to the Five Senses Sanctuary for yoga, detox-focused food plans, health consultations and revitalising spa treatments.
October 19 to November 30: Heritage Restoration Experience
Enjoy a hands-on experience learning about AlUla’s famed mudbrick houses. Bury your fingers in soft mud and discover the art of building these traditional dwellings, as well as immersing yourself in the heritage and culture of the people who once lived in them.
Heritage Restoration Experience, Central Daimumah, Oct 19 to Nov 30, Sun to Thu 2.30pm to 4pm, Fri & Sat 11.30am to 1pm & 2.30pm to 4pm. SAR50 per person. Book your experience here.
October 19 to March 10: Anyah Cooking Classes
Create special memories with your partner, family or friends while learning how to cook incredible food at the Anya Cooking Class experience. These four chef-led cooking classes are inspired by the region’s rich culinary heritage and produce grown in AlUla’s very own Oasis. Anyah will offer four types of live cooking classes, capped at six participants for each category: Group Journey, Family Journey, Saudi Coffee Journey and Romantic Journey for couples. The duration of each class varies between two and three hours.
October 20 to February 24: Eco-Gardening Tourism
Connect with the lush natural environment of the Oasis in this eco-gardening experience. Learn all about the flora and fauna that thrive in this unique agricultural area, meet some of the farmers and animals they keep, and do some sowing of your own.
Eco-Gardening, Oct 20 to Feb 24, 10am to noon. Book your free experience here.
October 26 to 30: Couples Retreat
This four-night retreat is designed to strengthen your bond with your partner through shared workshops and meaningful activities, embarking on a shared journey of reflection and personal growth. Facilitated by a specialised therapist, you’ll play, learn, relax and reflect with your partner as you build a better connection together. The package for this transformative four-night retreat includes one tent per couple, airport pick-up and drop-off, breakfast, lunch and daily dinner, as well as one romantic dinner in a canyon and activities like the Hegra tour and stargazing experience.
Couples Retreat, Oct 26, 3pm to Oct 30, 2pm. SAR11,500 per couple. Book your spot here.
Tickets for the AlUla Wellness Festival 2023 are available here. @alulamoments
Images: Provided / Experience AlUla website