In association with: Royal Commission for AlUla and If Only
Initiatives to protect natural landscapes and traditional buildings are ensuring AlUla’s treasures can be enjoyed for years to come
Home to sites oozing with cultural and historical significance, the Saudi Arabian desert region of AlUla has plenty to explore and more than 200,000 years of history to uncover.
With such a rich historical legacy, protecting and preserving these environments is of the utmost importance. Thanks to various sustainability initiatives and a growing number of environmentally-conscious boutique hotels across AlUla, you can ensure that your clients enjoy a five-star, eco-friendly getaway to this unique destination.
Sustainable stays
Flanked by the sandstone cliffs and palm groves of the Ashar Valley, Habitas fuses five-star comfort with sustainable hospitality. It has 96 guest villas, all built using ethically sourced organic materials. The hotel also runs an activity programme that fosters an appreciation of the local surroundings, including culture walks and outdoor film screenings.
New to the roster, Dar Tantora by The House Hotel will open in the Old Town next year, bringing a new lease of life to the region’s mudbrick houses. These traditional buildings are symbolic of AlUla and have been sensitively restored. The 30 rooms at Dar Tantora by The House Hotel will feature traditional decorative elements, capturing AlUla’s heritage and bringing visitors closer than ever to its culture.
The Hegra Boutique Hotel, a one-of-a-kind heritage hotel set in the Unescodesignated site, will also open next year.
Going green
Aside from ensuring that its hotels offer stays that are both luxurious and sustainable, AlUla has a number of initiatives in place to protect its natural landscapes.
The Oasis has undergone a regeneration project, which mainly focused on the five-mile stretch of palm groves and farmland connecting the Old Town, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah. It now grows fresh produce, including dates and 29 varieties of fruit, which can be sampled at the array of excellent restaurants that serve up local dishes.
Explore more with If Only
Your clients can spend three days relaxing in Dubai before heading to AlUla to soak up the rich culture and uncover its centuries of fascinating history. If Only’s packages start from £5,369 per person, based on two adults sharing, and include three nights at the One&Only Royal Mirage Arabian Court in Dubai and three nights at AlUla’s Shaden Resort (pictured), plus flights, transfers and selected meals and activities.
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