Our Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia

All photos: Courtesy of Our Habitas AlUla

Overview

Set within the sweeping desert canyons and towering sandstone formations of Ashar Valley, Our Habitas AlUla is a rare kind of luxury—one shaped not by glittering excess but by the quiet power of landscape, culture, and design that dissolves into its surroundings. Opened in late 2021 as the first Middle Eastern property from the global Habitas portfolio, the resort marked a major moment in Saudi Arabia’s emerging hospitality scene: a commitment to creating experiences that feel meaningful, soulful, and genuinely connected to place rather than simply grand.

Here, luxury is woven into stillness. Arrival typically begins at AlUla International Airport, followed by a scenic drive through desert terrain that grows more cinematic with every passing mile. When you enter Ashar Valley, the world seems to widen—golden cliffs rise like ancient sculptures, palm groves cast shadows across the sand, and the resort appears almost camouflaged among the rocks. That intentional invisibility is the point. Habitas was designed with low-impact building methods, modular construction, and materials chosen to blend seamlessly with the valley floor.

The concept is rooted in community, creativity, and connection. Habitas properties around the world center on six pillars—wellness, adventure, culture, art, music, and learning—and AlUla amplifies each one against the backdrop of one of the world’s most historically rich landscapes. The region itself has become an international travel fascination, appearing in publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, and Architectural Digest for its breathtaking desert scenery, UNESCO heritage sites, and ambitious arts initiatives. The resort has therefore earned attention not only as a luxury escape, but as a cultural landmark within Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation.

Habitas AlUla is known for its ability to create intimacy on a grand scale. The valley is vast, but the experience feels personal; the desert is silent, but the atmosphere is warm; the design is minimal, but the emotional impact is full and textured. It is a place for slow mornings, golden-hour hikes, unexpected creativity, and evenings spent beneath a sky that feels impossibly wide.

Rooms

The resort features 96 villas, each positioned to honor the contours of the terrain and offer uninterrupted views of the desert beyond. Rather than building outward or upward, the design sinks softly into the landscape, using earthy tones, natural textures, and local materials to keep the visual footprint subtle. Villas are separated into categories—Canyon, Alcove, Celestial, Art, Wellness, and Arabian—each offering a slightly different perspective on the valley.

Inside, the design is warm and inviting, grounded in handcrafted detail and contemporary minimalism. Think muted desert hues, woven textiles, ethically sourced wood, and understated design accents that echo the region’s aesthetic heritage. Many villas include expansive outdoor decks, shaded lounging areas, and open-air showers that allow nature to become part of the daily ritual.

Despite the minimal aesthetic, each room feels quietly indulgent: plush bedding, thoughtful lighting, luxurious linens, oversized bathrooms, curated art, and intentionally placed seating that encourages lingering. The effect isn’t flashy; it’s cinematic. It’s the kind of room where time stretches, where sunrise feels like a personal performance, and where the valley’s natural silence becomes its own form of comfort.

Dining

Habitas AlUla’s main restaurant, Tama, draws inspiration from the region’s culinary heritage while weaving in global influences. The name means “here and now,” an apt reflection of its ethos: seasonal ingredients, local sourcing wherever possible, and a menu that honors flavor without unnecessary complication.

Meals unfold against a backdrop of sandstone cliffs and desert light—breakfast with soft morning glow filtering through palm fronds, lunch beneath shaded terraces, dinner under the shifting colors of sunset that give way to glittering desert skies. Dishes often highlight Middle Eastern flavors: grilled meats and vegetables, aromatic spices, bright salads, warm breads, and dishes designed to be shared or savored slowly.

The atmosphere is relaxed but refined. Service is intuitive; the presentation is thoughtful; and the experience strikes a perfect balance between rustic desert charm and contemporary polish. It’s the type of dining that feels aligned with the land—nourishing, expressive, and beautifully simple.

Experiences

Experiences at Our Habitas AlUla unfold like chapters in a story shaped by desert light, ancient landscapes, and a creative spirit that runs through the entire valley. Everything is intentionally curated to help guests engage with the land—not as spectators, but as participants in a place where nature, culture, and introspection meet.

Days often begin slowly, with sunrise yoga on elevated decks that overlook sandstone cliffs glowing apricot in the early light. The air is cool, the valley still, and there’s a sense of awakening that feels almost ceremonial. Throughout the morning, guests drift into desert hikes that weave between towering rock formations, guided by local experts who share stories of AlUla’s history, ecology, and Bedouin heritage. The scale of the landscape lends a humbling, grounding energy to each step.

For those craving movement, the resort offers trail biking, guided canyon treks, and moments of gentle adventure—from exploring hidden passages carved by centuries of wind erosion to horseback rides through soft sand paths lined with ancient palm groves. And for the curious explorer, visits to AlUla’s UNESCO-recognized sites—Hegra, Dadan, and the Old Town—reveal the region’s role as a crossroads of civilizations, bringing depth and dimension to the stay.

Art is another integral thread. AlUla has emerged as one of the world’s most ambitious open-air cultural destinations, and Habitas embraces this spirit wholeheartedly. Scattered installations sit both within the resort and throughout the surrounding desert, inviting guests to wander, reflect, and engage with creativity in a landscape that already feels like a natural sculpture garden.

Evenings take on a new rhythm—slower, softer, and more intimate. Guests gather around fire pits for live local music, storytelling, or stargazing beneath one of the clearest night skies on the planet. With almost no light pollution, the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. Some nights feature open-air film screenings or workshops, from calligraphy to sound healing, blending culture and creativity with immersive quietude.

Wellness flows naturally throughout the experience. Treatments at the spa incorporate desert botanicals, ancient healing traditions, and grounding rituals that mirror the landscape’s calming effect. From aromatherapies to restorative massage, each session feels like an invitation to slow down and reconnect with the present moment.

What makes the experience programming here so compelling is the balance: the resort gives guests space to be still, but also offers endless pathways into discovery. It’s a choose-your-own-rhythm destination—one where you can chase adventure at sunrise, wander through art installations at midday, sip mint tea beneath canyon walls in the afternoon, and end the night listening to music by the fire.

Here, the desert is not just a backdrop—it’s the central character, shaping every moment with quiet power and effortless beauty.

Other notes

• The resort is about a one-hour drive from AlUla International Airport, making it surprisingly accessible despite its remote aesthetic.

• Electric buggies and bikes are used throughout the property to reduce noise and environmental impact.

• The modular build minimized disruption to the valley floor and reflects Habitas’ sustainability ethos.

• The property often appears in international publications for its design-forward approach and cultural significance within Saudi Arabia’s tourism evolution.

• The atmosphere is ideal for travelers who appreciate quiet luxury, immersive landscapes, and design that feels both modern and rooted in place.

  
  

Velle Ranking: $$$$ — Ultra-Luxury.