Ventur – Travel Diary
Discovering AlUla – Saudi Arabia’s Hidden Jewel
By Briony Rennison, Ventur Luxury Travel
Ventur Travel specialist Briony Rennison recently embarked on a journey to one of Saudi Arabia’s most captivating destinations – AlUla. From ancient wonders and desert landscapes to modern luxury and cultural experiences, AlUla offers a truly unforgettable escape. In this exclusive travel diary, Briony shares her personal highlights, insider tips, and unforgettable moments from her incredible adventure.
Day 1: Stepping into History at AlUla
There’s something special about arriving somewhere new in the quiet heat of the day, when the sun casts golden light on the landscape and time feels slower. That’s exactly how it felt when we touched down in AlUla – a destination that feels more like stepping into a storybook than just another luxury getaway.
Our journey began in comfort with Qatar Airways, touching down in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s heritage. Greeted by a convoy of sleek black Chevrolet Tahoes, we were whisked away to our first stop: Dar Tantora The House Hotel, nestled within the ancient mudbrick alleys of AlUla Old Town. Picture this: candlelit rooms, incense trays on arrival, and a hotel built inside the bones of history – without compromising on comfort.
Later, we wandered Market Street, tranquil under the midday sun but humming with energy by nightfall. A guided tour of the old town offered a glimpse into traditional winter living – two-story houses, narrow winding alleys, and the golden-hour light that made every snapshot look like a magazine spread.
Day 2: Echoes of the Nabataeans
The morning air was cooler, perfect for a 4×4 safari to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine Petra without the crowds – over 100 intricately carved tombs and monuments, whispering secrets of the ancient Nabataean civilisation. It’s humbling and otherworldly.
Lunch and a site inspection at Shaden Resort followed – where villas with private pools offer royal-worthy comfort (literally, King Charles stayed here once). We wrapped the day with a sunset pilgrimage to Elephant Rock, its massive form glowing against the desert sky, and tucked into juicy burgers at Salt, a local favourite.
Day 3: Oases, Art, and Architecture
Our morning began with a 3km walk through the AlUla Oasis – date palms, ancient summer homes, and the slow rhythm of a life once lived simply. Lunch at Tawlet Fayza introduced us to farm-to-table dining, a philosophy rooted in the local land.
Next up, a visit to Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building. It’s hard to describe how surreal it is until you see it reflect the desert around it – a stunning marriage of modernity and landscape. We ended the day with dinner and a site tour at The Banyan Tree in Harrat, known for its beautiful candle-lighting ritual at dusk.
Day 4: Ancient Carvings and Celestial Calm
Exploring Dadan and Jabal Ikmah brought us deeper into AlUla’s spiritual side – Lion Tombs carved into cliffs, and inscriptions thousands of years old, waiting for archaeologists to uncover their stories.
That evening, we checked into Habitas AlUla, a design-led eco-luxury resort with a deep focus on wellness and art. The welcome ceremony made us feel at home instantly, and dinner under the stars was followed by a sound bath that lulled us into meditative stillness.
Day 5: Skies and Surprises
Nothing compares to drifting above the desert in a hot air balloon, watching the sunrise wash the rock formations in pink and gold. After landing, we explored AlUla’s adventure activities – think ziplining, rock climbing, and more – proving the destination offers thrill alongside tranquility.
Dinner at Somewhere, a hidden oasis of a restaurant, wrapped our trip up perfectly – warm, welcoming, and absolutely delicious.
Where to Stay in AlUla
Dar Tantora The House Hotel: Romantic, traditional, and atmospheric. Candlelight, incense, and cultural authenticity.
Shaden Resort: Lavish villas, private pools, and regal touches. Slightly slow service, but full of charm.
Habitas AlUla:
Our top pick. Instagrammable, tranquil, and deeply immersive.
Other visits:
Banyan Tree (luxury), Habitas Caravans (boho desert), and soon, Chedi Hegra – a standout in the making.
Travel Tips for Visiting AlUla
When to visit
September through March for cooler weather.
Getting there
Qatar Airways offers seamless connections via Doha.
What to pack
Days are hot, nights cooler – bring layers.
Book early
AlUla is rising in popularity; luxury stays fill fast.
Dive in
Enjoy the sound bath, local eats, and your guides’ enriching stories.