Banyan Tree AlUla sits in Wadi Ashar, among the sandstone cliffs, in the middle of AlUla’s protected landscape. The resort is made up of desert villas, from one-bedroom villas to three-bedroom pool villas, and it is the area’s clearest splurge. Guests get a spa, a choice of restaurants including Saffron and the all-day Harrat dining room, stargazing with an astronomer and a rock-art trail on site. Maraya is about three minutes away by car and Hegra is about sixteen kilometres away.
Location and getting around
The resort is in Ashar Valley, a quiet setting away from the town, with Maraya a three-minute drive and Hegra about sixteen kilometres away. There is no public transport nearby, so guests rely on taxis, rental cars with or without a driver, and the Kaiian ride-share app, which the resort advises booking at least thirty minutes ahead. Old Town and the main restaurants are a drive away, so most guests combine on-site dining with a few outings.
The villas
All have king beds. The Dune One Bedroom Villa is about 77 square metres without a pool, and the One Bedroom Pool Villa adds a private pool and an external fire pit. Two- and three-bedroom pool villas run to about 138 and 240 square metres and sleep four and six, which suits families and groups. Dining includes Saffron, Harrat All-Day Dining, in-villa and Bedouin tent barbecues and a floating breakfast. The spa offers massages and facials, and the Rock Pool is a natural pool reserved for in-house adult guests.
Good to know
Check-in is at three in the afternoon and check-out at noon, with facilities usable before check-in and after check-out. Valet parking and Wi-Fi are complimentary. Desert nights from December to February can fall to roughly five to ten degrees Celsius, so a pool villa is best enjoyed in the daytime and with a fire pit in the evening. Rates are high, particularly in the winter season, so book early.
Why stay here
- ✓Private-pool villas
- ✓Saffron and Harrat dining
- ✓Banyan Tree Spa
- ✓Natural Rock Pool (adults)
- ✓Stargazing with astronomer
- ✓Rock-art trail
- ✓Valet parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
How far is Banyan Tree AlUla from Hegra?+
About sixteen kilometres by car. Maraya is only a few minutes away.
Do the villas have private pools?+
Several do, including the one-, two- and three-bedroom pool villas, while the Dune One Bedroom Villa has no pool. Check the room type when booking.
Is there public transport?+
No, public transport is not available nearby. Guests use taxis, rental cars with or without a driver, or the ride-share app, booked ahead.
