Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Habitas, a sustainability focused hospitality group with a “commumity centric conscience” made its Middle East debut in the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia at the end of last year. Nestled in an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, “experiential accommodation” includes Celestial Villas with private outdoor terraces featuring telescopes for stargazing; Alcove Rooms surrounded by cliffs and offering private terraces with expansive desert views; and Canyon Villas tucked into the sandstone cliffs featuring a majlis-style outdoor terrace. Facilities include Tama restaurant serving authentic local cuisine, a yoga deck, wellness and fitness centres and a swimming pool. Guest programming includes art and culture walks and lectures, canyon trekking, yoga, meditation and breath work, camel rides, mountain biking, stargazing, weekly outdoor cinema screenings showcasing regional cultural films and documentaries and guided walks of the ancient city where the Nabateans once lived. True to Habitas brand hallmarks, the property’s modular, low-impact design protects the environment and uses sustainable construction methods.