Complete with infinity rock pool, desert banquets and sand dune spa treatments, the new Banyan Tree AlUla takes glamping to the next level in Saudi Arabia. Jenny Southan reports
Opened last month, the Banyan Tree AlUla has been designed by Parisian architectural firm AW² and is located 15km from the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra.
The Banyan Tree AlUla inhabits a “glampsite” that includes the revamped Ashar Tented Resort, as well as five Royal Villas, which are separate from the new property. (There are plans to redevelop these and add them to the Banyan Tree’s inventory for the 2023-2024 winter season.)
Rather than building a huge concrete building in the desert, the Banyan Tree has embraced a “light touch” approach to accommodation with tent-like structures that have a lower environmental footprint.
There won’t be any compromise on comfort, though – inside, guests will find proper hotel beds made up with pristine white sheets and free wifi.
The indoor-outdoor design is a “modern interpretation of the Bedouin way of life that helps guests feel connected to nature”. Throughout the resort, spaces feature bespoke furniture and patterns inspired by Nabataean nomadic Arab tribes, “evoking the rich cultural heritage of Ashar”, says Banyan Tree.
In this way, the footprint of the resort is reduced to a minimum and the site’s natural habitat is preserved. The use of local resources, craftsmanship and minerals further minimises the project’s carbon footprint.
The gardens also provide flood protection during the months of high rainfall when flash floods can occur in the region.
Reda Amalou and Stéphanie Ledoux, partners at AW², say: “Our architecture responds to the fragility of the Ashar site and aims not only to restore but also to protect it from future harm by consciously addressing the balance of man and nature.
“Our concept involves harnessing the natural beauty of the landscape with a project that seamlessly integrates into the site, a design that is adapted and adaptable to the cultural, historical and natural specificities of Ashar.”
Isabella Sullivan wrote: “To truly make the most of AlUla’s ethereal setting and most famous landmarks, there’s Destination Dining. Guests can enjoy dinner under the endless starry desert skies or canapés on a hot air balloon high above the valley.” She also says: “Open-air treatments like soothing massages in a hidden cave are available, accompanied by incense and scented candles, and workshops by visiting masters in their fields.”