It is now possible to stay in the heart of the Saudi desert, namely in the destination AlUla, in an eco-friendly way thanks to the opening of the hotel Habitas AlUla.
On November 1st 2020, a new hotel address opened its doors in the AlUla destination called Habitas AlUla. This hotel brand, originating from Mexico, is positioned on the axis of sustainable development while offering its customers immersive experiences. The setting chosen for the construction of this accommodation matches its promise of immersive stays, as Habitas AlUla is located in the heart of a desert canyon in the Ashar Valley, overlooked by sandstone cliffs and palm groves.
Each of the 96 rooms is accessible by a pathway in the sand, for the moment only 60 rooms are open. These are divided into 3 categories and all offer different views and experiences:
- Celestial rooms which all have a private outdoor terrace with a telescope for viewing the starry sky
- Alcove rooms which also have a private terrace
- The canyon rooms offer a privileged view of the Ashar Valley
Guests can also enjoy a yoga terrace, a swimming pool overlooking the valley, wellness and fitness centres and a restaurant called Tama, which means "here" in Aramaic, which offers typical Arabian and Middle Eastern dishes using sustainable farming methods.
In keeping with its commitment to environmental responsibility, the brand uses only natural and ethically sourced materials, allowing the facility to integrate seamlessly into the local environment. Modular construction and low-impact design are both sustainable methods in Habitas' DNA.
Habitas AlUla's authentic immersion in the local culture and natural environment of the destination is based on the 6 pillars of the brand, which are music, adventure, wellness, learning, gastronomy and culture.
The hotel offers guests art and cultural walks, canyon hikes, yoga, meditation and breathing exercises. There are also weekly outdoor screenings of regional films and cultural documentaries, and for those curious to learn more about this historic region, there are lectures on local initiatives, culture and history.
Not surprisingly, guided tours through the remains of the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also on the programme. This site is the major tourist asset of the destination, which is just beginning to structure its tourist offer.
