Rock formations and a desert landscape make for a striking backdrop / photo: Banyan Tree AlUla
Banyan Tree has launched its first resort and spa in Saudi Arabia, ushering in the group’s debut in the Kingdom.
Banyan Tree AlUla is being operated by Accor on behalf of Banyan Tree, thanks to the two brands’ strategic long-term partnership agreement which was announced in 2016. The deal means Accor develops and manages Banyan Tree-branded hotels around the world.
Set against a striking desert backdrop and imposing rock formations, Banyan Tree AlUla has been developed in the Ashar Valley of the AlUla region – a historical crossroad of ancient civilisations and a popular resting place for travellers and traders since the 6th century BC.
The vision for the resort was inspired by the architecture of the Nabataeans – a nomadic tribe of Bedouins who occupied the area 2,000 years ago.
A subtle desert landscape Banyan Tree AlUla’s 47 sand-coloured tents blend into the landscape, while a range of outdoor wellness experiences allow guests to connect with the natural surroundings.
Highlights include starlit open-air sound baths and a massage inside a hidden cave surrounded by precious minerals, incense and scented candles made with locally-grown ingredients.
Guests can also unwind in a rock pool with views of the valley on the horizon, while a signature Banyan Tree Spa offers traditional Asian healing therapies in one of five treatment spaces. Partners include Lemi, Talenti Spa and Pevonia.
A regular selection of yoga classes, retreats and workshops by world-renowned masters in their fields complete the offering.
Speaking to Spa Business, Banyan Tree revealed there are plans to expand the spa with thermal and wet facilities and a corresponding suite of rituals by Q4 of 2023.
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Rock formations and a desert landscape make for a striking backdrop / photo: Banyan Tree AlUla
Banyan Tree has launched its first resort and spa in Saudi Arabia, ushering in the group’s debut in the Kingdom.
Banyan Tree AlUla is being operated by Accor on behalf of Banyan Tree, thanks to the two brands’ strategic long-term partnership agreement which was announced in 2016. The deal means Accor develops and manages Banyan Tree-branded hotels around the world.
Set against a striking desert backdrop and imposing rock formations, Banyan Tree AlUla has been developed in the Ashar Valley of the AlUla region – a historical crossroad of ancient civilisations and a popular resting place for travellers and traders since the 6th century BC.
The vision for the resort was inspired by the architecture of the Nabataeans – a nomadic tribe of Bedouins who occupied the area 2,000 years ago.
A subtle desert landscape Banyan Tree AlUla’s 47 sand-coloured tents blend into the landscape, while a range of outdoor wellness experiences allow guests to connect with the natural surroundings.
Highlights include starlit open-air sound baths and a massage inside a hidden cave surrounded by precious minerals, incense and scented candles made with locally-grown ingredients.
Guests can also unwind in a rock pool with views of the valley on the horizon, while a signature Banyan Tree Spa offers traditional Asian healing therapies in one of five treatment spaces. Partners include Lemi, Talenti Spa and Pevonia.
A regular selection of yoga classes, retreats and workshops by world-renowned masters in their fields complete the offering.
Speaking to Spa Business, Banyan Tree revealed there are plans to expand the spa with thermal and wet facilities and a corresponding suite of rituals by Q4 of 2023.
Spa People: Marc Cohen
Leading medical, research, science and educational activities are all part of the new medical director’s role at the Peninsula Hot Springs Group in Australia
Menu engineering: At your service
Get inspired by the latest wellness services including a high-tech diagnostic circuit at SHA and a Zita West fertility programme at Bürgenstock
Interview: Stephan Wagner
As Saudi Arabia taps into tourism, the man heading up wellness at Amaala talks to Spa Business about what the major development is looking to bring to a previously undiscovered part of the Kingdom
Interview: Aradhana Khowala
The chair of the advisory board of the Red Sea – a Saudi development the size of Belgium – shares her passion for regenerative tourism with Spa Business
Sponsored: RKF: Dressed to impress
Following exciting new launches at Equip Hotel in Paris, including the new DresSoft line, RKF Luxury Linen is gearing up for an eco-friendly and fashion-conscious 2023
Everyone’s talking about...: Cold water immersion
A new scientific paper warns of the significant risk of cold water therapies. Spa Business investigates how operators can protect those taking part in extreme bathing programmes
Event report: Healing summit
Self-help and self-love were the key messages from this wellness event in Portugal, says Spa Business’ Lisa Starr
Sponsored: Comfort Zone: Effective by nature
Comfort Zone has revealed three new
products, including a new neck and
décolleté fluid, leveraging the power of
botanical bioactive extracts
Interview: Alex & Sue Glasscock
Editor-at-large, Jane Kitchen is put through her paces at The Ranch's new outpost in Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy and catches up with the owners
Event Report: Global Wellness Summit
The 16th annual GWS, held in Tel Aviv, Israel, homed in on the sector’s biggest issues following the pandemic. Spa Business reports on the highlights
Research: Wellness for all
A new study by the Global Wellness Institute provides a framework for businesses and governments to make healthy lifestyles accessible to all
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London Museum will open four new food and drink destinations when it launches its new home
at Smithfield on 28 November, making hospitality a central part of the visitor experience at one
of the capital's biggest cultural openings of the year.
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger
cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance,
hospitality and public programming.
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
