AlUla is the desert’s most refined address in Saudi Arabia

AlUla doesn’t chase attention, it earns it quietly. Tucked away in northwest Saudi Arabia, this desert region has become one of the world’s most interesting luxury destinations by doing the opposite of what most places do: slowing everything down. Set against vast sandstone formations shaped over millions of years, AlUla feels like a living cultural landscape. Ancient civilisations, contemporary art and thoughtful, design-led hospitality come together in a way that feels rare, calm and deeply considered.

(Also Read: From Austria to Aspen, 9 luxurious ski havens for the world's elite)

Timeless landscapes, ancient power

At the heart of AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 100 monumental Nabataean tombs are carved with incredible precision into rose-toned cliffs, their colours shifting with the light through the day. Comparisons to Petra are inevitable, but what sets AlUla apart is its stillness. Close by, Dadan opens up an even older chapter of Arabian history. Once the capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, its rock-cut tombs, inscriptions and lion reliefs highlight their role as an important trade crossroads long before the modern world took shape.

AlUla’s contemporary cultural identity is shaped in part by Desert X Saudi Arabia, a site-specific exhibition that treats the desert as a collaborator rather than a backdrop. Sculptural installations rise naturally from canyons and plains, encouraging visitors to slow down and really engage with scale, space and time.Among the artists featured is Indian artist Vibha Galhotra, whose work explores ecology, resilience and human impact. Her presence adds a strong South Asian voice to AlUla’s growing global cultural conversation.

Maraya is one of those buildings that stops you in your tracks. As the world’s largest mirrored structure, it rises from the Ashar Valley and reflects the surrounding cliffs so completely that it almost disappears into the landscape. Inside, it hosts international concerts, exhibitions and cultural events. The rooftop dining is a highlight, especially as the light fades and the valley turns warm and amber-toned. Polo 2026 in AlUla adds another layer, bringing sport and style to the desert and blending historic surroundings with modern luxury and a fresh global outlook.

Designated an International Dark Sky destination, AlUla offers some of the clearest night skies in the region. Guided stargazing experiences reveal constellations, planets and the Milky Way with striking clarity. 

Where to stay

Banyan Tree AlUla

Set in the heart of Wadi Ashar, Banyan Tree AlUla is a secluded desert retreat for travellers looking for both wellness and a sense of discovery. Each villa comes with a private pool and terrace overlooking dramatic canyon walls, designed to feel intimate yet expansive. Interiors use natural stone, desert tones and handcrafted details for a quiet, tactile sense of luxury. Days move slowly here, with sunrise yoga, guided heritage excursions, private camel rides and dinners under the stars. 

Dar Tantora The House Hotel

Located within AlUla Old Town, Dar Tantora transforms 12th-century mud-brick houses into a small boutique hotel rich in history. Candlelit corridors and traditional courtyards create an atmosphere that feels timeless, while the suites balance heritage craftsmanship with modern comfort. Guests can join artisan-led experiences like bread-making, coffee rituals and local crafts. Staying here feels like being part of the Old Town itself, offering an intimate cultural experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Habitas AlUla

Habitas AlUla is a design-led eco-luxury retreat where tented suites, wellness programming and curated desert experiences create a close connection to the landscape.

The Chedi Hegra

The Chedi Hegra offers refined minimalism near Hegra, built around a restored heritage railway station and a historic train from the Hejaz Railway, giving a poetic nod to early desert travel.

Getting there

There are currently no direct flights from Mumbai or Delhi to AlUla, but easy one-stop connections are available via Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai or Doha with airlines such as Saudia, Flynas and Emirates.

(Also Read: The cool-cation trend is shaping Indian travel this winter)