For decades, Saudi Arabia existed on most travelers’ maps as a kingdom wrapped in mystery. That’s changing rapidly, and nowhere is the transformation more dramatic than AlUla, where ancient Nabataean tombs carved into rose-colored cliffs rival Petra for sheer archaeological magnificence. Habitas AlUla positions you directly in the heart of this awakening wonder, offering front-row access to one of the world’s most significant heritage sites that almost nobody knows exists yet.
The resort itself reads like a love letter to desert minimalism. Canvas-walled villas hover above the canyon floor on elevated platforms, creating the impression of floating between earth and sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, framing views of the dramatic rock formations that have stood sentinel over this valley for millennia. At night, these same windows become portals to some of the clearest night skies on the planet, the Milky Way so vivid it casts shadows.
Inside, the aesthetic embraces warm neutrals and natural materials: raw wood, woven textiles, polished concrete. Everything feels tactile and grounded, a deliberate counterpoint to the otherworldly landscape outside. King beds with luxurious linens. Deep soaking tubs positioned to capture the view. Private terraces where you can sit with morning coffee while the rising sun paints the cliffs in shades of amber and rose.
The communal spaces continue this philosophy of refined simplicity. The main restaurant serves cuisine that bridges Middle Eastern tradition with contemporary technique, showcasing ingredients from local farms and regional suppliers. Think spiced lamb paired with vegetables grown in nearby oases, flatbreads still warm from the oven, dates harvested from ancient palm groves. The wine list favors natural and biodynamic producers, while the cocktail program incorporates Saudi ingredients like cardamom, saffron, and rose in unexpectedly brilliant combinations.
But cuisine and design, impressive as they are, serve primarily as prologue to AlUla itself. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains Hegra, the first property in Saudi Arabia to receive that designation. The Nabataeans, those master builders who created Petra, left an equally stunning legacy here: over 100 monumental tombs carved directly into sandstone outcrops, their facades adorned with columns, pediments, and inscriptions in an ancient script.
Habitas organizes private sunrise visits to Hegra, allowing you to experience these monuments in the ethereal morning light before other visitors arrive. You’ll stand before tomb facades three stories high, marveling at the precision with which ancient craftsmen carved doorways and decorative elements from solid rock. The silence is profound. The scale is humbling. And the realization that you’re witnessing something that’s been hidden from Western tourists until very recently adds an undeniable thrill of discovery.
Beyond Hegra, AlUla offers layer upon layer of history and natural beauty. The Old Town, a labyrinthine maze of mudbrick houses abandoned in the 1980s, tells stories of life in the desert before modernity arrived. Elephant Rock, a natural sandstone formation that genuinely resembles a pachyderm, rises improbably from the desert floor. Rock art sites reveal prehistoric carvings of cattle, ibex, and human figures, proof that this valley has sustained life for thousands of years.
Habitas curates experiences that go beyond standard tourism. Private stargazing sessions with astronomers who can identify constellations visible only from this latitude. Desert walks at dawn when the temperature is perfect and the light turns everything golden. Visits to local farms where you’ll meet Saudi families still practicing traditional agriculture in the oases. These aren’t packaged tours but thoughtfully designed encounters that foster genuine connection with place and culture.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability runs deeper than greenwashing. Solar panels generate much of the power. Water conservation measures are rigorous in this arid environment. The architecture itself was designed for minimal impact, with structures that can be removed without scarring the landscape. This isn’t just eco-consciousness; it’s respect for a place that has remained largely unchanged for millennia.
There’s something profoundly moving about being among the first wave of travelers to experience a destination this significant. You’re not following well-worn tourist trails but helping establish them. You’re not visiting sites that have been photographed millions of times but discovering monuments that even most avid travelers haven’t heard of yet.
Saudi Arabia’s opening to tourism represents one of the most significant shifts in global travel in decades. The kingdom contains extraordinary cultural and natural heritage that’s been inaccessible to outsiders for generations. Now those gates are opening, and AlUla stands at the forefront of this transformation.
Habitas AlUla offers the rare opportunity to be part of this story from its opening chapter. To experience a world-class archaeological site before the cruise ships discover it. To sleep under desert stars in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged since ancient caravans followed the incense route through these canyons. To witness a country reimagining itself while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage.
This is for travelers who pride themselves on being first, who seek out destinations before they appear in every guidebook. Who understand that true luxury travel isn’t about going where everyone else goes but about gaining access to places that remain genuinely rare.
The Details:
- Canvas villas with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Location in AlUla UNESCO World Heritage site
- Private terraces with desert and cliff views
- Farm-to-table dining with Middle Eastern influences
- Curated experiences including private Hegra tours
- Stargazing programs and desert activities
- Sustainable architecture and operations
- Year-round operation with seasonal considerations
