Ashar Valley, AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Our Habitas AlUla: Sustainable canyon sanctuary in the desert sands of Ashar Valley in AlUla with cliffside pool and Tama dining
Tucked deeply within the monumental ancient red-sandstone canyon cliffs of the Ashar Valley in the historic desert oasis of AlUla in northwestern Saudi Arabia, Our Habitas AlUla opened in November 2021 as a pioneer of sustainable desert hospitality. Embracing an eco-conscious ethos where modern 3D-printed modular villas were assembled with minimal impact on the desert topography, the 96-villa sanctuary is an architectural marvel. An iconic freshwater infinity swimming pool nestled directly between towering geological sandstone rocks, the Middle Eastern fine dining restaurant Tama, and the holistic Thuraya Wellness center establish Habitas as the cultural heart of AlUla.
Arrival introduces travelers to ancient Nabataean desert wonder: personal hosts welcome guests in the open-air canyon gathering space with warm Saudi cardamom coffee, medjool dates, and incense of frankincense. Day-one logistics focus on coordinating bespoke AlUla archaeological, astronomical, and desert adventure pursuits: exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra (Mada'in Salih) with its 110+ carved Nabataean monumental rock tombs (15 minutes away), touring the ancient mudbrick labyrinth of AlUla Old Town, visiting the awe-inspiring mirrored concert hall Maraya, stargazing under designated dark skies with resident astronomers, taking private e-bike rides through the canyon sands, and reserving dinner at Tama.
Canyon living balances desert exploration with soothing wellness: the Thuraya Wellness center offers outdoor yoga decks, sound meditation alchemy, and botanical therapies utilizing regional frankincense and date extracts. The canyon infinity swimming pool is carved into the natural rock basin. Dining is centered at Tama (meaning 'here and now' in Aramaic), serving farm-to-table Saudi and Levantine gastronomy, accompanied by craft mocktails and herbal infusions at the Moon Bar.
Accommodations comprise 96 standalone modular desert villas (Canyon, Alcove, and Celestial Villas) ranging from 45 to 100 square metres. Each villa features private wooden viewing decks framing sandstone cliffs, king beds, indoor and outdoor showers, and natural woven textiles.
Archaeology enthusiasts, design lovers, and luxury desert adventurers seeking sustainable canyon luxury, Hegra proximity, and Habitas cultural programming in Saudi Arabia should book Our Habitas AlUla without hesitation. Travelers seeking neon city towers should look elsewhere. Grounded review consensus confirms legendary standing with a 4.8 out of 5 on Tripadvisor across 540 reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 on Google across 620 reviews.
First day
- Arrive in the Ashar Valley and be welcomed with Saudi cardamom coffee and fresh dates.
- Check into your canyon villa, step onto the viewing deck, and take in the sheer sandstone walls.
- Dine on Saudi-Levantine cuisine at Tama under the desert stars.
What guests say
Hotel Flock Score
Exceptional
Based on 1.2k published ratings
Category breakdown
Guests Love
Ashar Valley Sandstone Magic
Guests revere the sheer canyon cliffs, dramatic pool between rocks, eco-modular villas, and peaceful desert atmosphere.
Thuraya Wellness & Tama Dining
Reviewers consistently praise the sound baths, delicious Middle Eastern food at Tama, and friendly Habitas staff.
Guests Warn
Hegra Archaeological Proximity
Visitors love being minutes from the Nabataean tombs and Maraya concert hall.
Spiritual Desert Serenity
Travelers celebrate the profound quiet and brilliant starry skies.
The overall score is a review-count-weighted average of named public platforms, normalized to /10. Category scores — including cleanliness and location — are Hotel Flock editorial readings of those reviews, not a platform's private formula. Hotel Flock is not affiliated with Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Trivago, or any other review site.
Awards & Recognition
Ashar Valley Eco-Luxury Landmark
Our Habitas
World Architecture Festival Winner
WAF
In the stay
- Full access to canyon swimming pool, Thuraya yoga classes, and sound meditation sessions
- Complimentary use of house electric bicycles and scheduled golf cart canyon transportation
- Full buffet and cooked-to-order gourmet breakfast daily and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout
Usually extra
- –Tama multi-course chef tasting dinners and private canyon dining setups
- –Thuraya Wellness customized body rituals, Hegra guided tours, and private stargazing guides
Good to Know
- The 96-villa eco-resort is tucked into the sandstone canyons of Ashar Valley in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
- Includes canyon infinity pool, Tama restaurant, Thuraya Wellness, complimentary e-bikes, and Hegra proximity.
- Located in Ashar Valley, a 35-minute drive from AlUla International Airport (ULH).
Editor's Note
Book a Celestial Villa with a private telescope on the viewing deck for night sky stargazing, and swim in the canyon swimming pool as the setting sun turns the sandstone cliffs glowing crimson.
Reviewed by Hotel Flock · Last updated September 2026