Desert Oasis: Inside Banyan Tree AlUla Resort in Saudi Arabia

2023 Best of Year Winner for International Resort

Human habitation of the Ashar Valley in Saudi Arabia, its fertile desert soil and abundant water making it an oasis in the most literal sense, traces back to the Bronze Age. For Banyan Tree AlUla, a new resort there, AW2 Architecture & Interiors designed 47 villas on approximately 2 ½ acres that each consist of a simple platform structure covered by a canvas tent, their colors selected to blend into the surrounding sandstone. This “light touch” approach is intended to make guests feel one with the landscape, while interior spaces, which range from 800 to 2,500 square feet, are lavishly decorated with traditional Arabian handcrafts.

large sandstone formations at Banyan Tree AlUla

a pool lit up at night at Banyan Tree AlUla surrounded by sandstone

at Banyan Tree AlUla, with great sandstone formations in the background

PROJECT TEAM

reda amalou; stéphanie ledoux.

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