Habitas AlUla Wellness Review: A Breathtaking Desert Sanctuary with an Identity Crisis

The journey to AlUla is a journey into an otherworldly landscape. Flying into Saudi Arabia's ancient desert valley, we were surrounded by spectacular sandstone cliffs and breathtaking canyons that felt like being on Mars.

This is the setting for Habitas AlUla, an eco-chic resort that has redefined luxury in the region. The resort is not a traditional hotel but a collection of 96 villas or cabins, 3D-printed and made from ethically-sourced organic materials, designed to blend seamlessly into the ancient oasis. The concept is built on sustainability, human connection, and wellness. We arrived for a three-night stay, deeply curious to see if the experience could match the magical scenery.

The Ambiance: A Tale of Two Retreats

Our experience at Habitas AlUla was one of profound contrasts. The resort's greatest asset is its peaceful and serene atmosphere. Mornings were our favorite time. We would wake up to perfect silence and the powerful view of the sun hitting the rock formations from our terrace. We used the provided (and very heavy) e-bikes to navigate the beautifully tended grounds, a dreamy experience that connects you to the sheer scale of the desert.

This healing tranquility, however, often gives way to a very different energy as the day progresses. The beautiful central infinity pool is the resort's social hub. We found it overcrowded with families and, most notably, a constant presence of influencers and selfie-takers. This scene was jarringly punctuated one morning by a loud DJ set at 7:00 AM, an apparent after-party for a local music festival. This high-end hostel vibe felt completely at odds with the resort's wellness and quiet retreat narrative.

The Villas: Sustainable, Not Sumptuous

We stayed in a Celestial Villa, the largest category, which was impeccable and well-decorated with comfortable, high-quality linens and a telescope for stargazing. The villas are designed for connection to the outdoors, featuring an indoor and outdoor shower.

However, true luxury is in the details, and this is where we found inconsistencies. There is no bathtub and, tellingly, no television. Our outdoor canopy had a big rip in it, the curtains didn't close properly, and the bathroom floors were showing wear. Most frustrating was the wildly fluctuating water temperature in the shower, which veered from scalding hot to ice cold without warning. While housekeeping was generally immaculate (a challenge in the desert), our room was missed entirely one day. This is a resort built for eco-minimalism, not for opulent, in-room cocooning.

Thuraya Wellness Center: The Soul of Habitas

Where Habitas truly finds its healing identity is at the Thuraya Wellness Center. This is not a grand, sprawling spa complex, but a series of impeccable treatment rooms focused on the practitioner.

We were told by fellow guests that Margarita, one of the therapists, was the North Star of the spa, so we booked our sessions with her. This was the best decision of our stay. We experienced her out-of-the-ordinary sound bath, a deeply restorative and much-needed ritual that realigned our senses. We followed this with a facial, where her wonders with moringa oil left our desert-parched skin feeling hydrated and revitalized.

We also started our mornings at the handsome yoga deck, an amazing space for sunrise Vinyasa that set a peaceful tone for the day.

Dining and Service: Highs and Lows

The resort has one restaurant, Tama, which serves a splendid breakfast buffet. We still dream of the best sourdough bread ever. The farm-to-table concept is strong, with fresh salads and dishes that infuse local Saudi and Middle Eastern spices.

However, for a multi-night stay, the dining became monotonous. The exact same menu is used for lunch and dinner, and for a resort at this price point, the lack of variety was a significant drawback.

The service, much like the ambiance, was a story of two extremes. We were deeply touched by the enchanting welcome ceremony. The food and beverage staff, particularly Riza, Evelyne, and Nur, were warm, attentive, and kind. The beverage manager, Joshua, was a highlight, an innovative mixologist who crafted surprising and delicious non-alcoholic creations from locally-sourced ingredients.

Conversely, our 3:00 PM check-in was chaotic, busy, and lacking in luxury. Calling for a buggy (a necessity given the resort's spread) was always a wait, even when booked in advance. While many individual staff members were wonderful, the overall service lacked attention and the professionalism one expects from a 5-star resort.

The Luxe Verdict

Habitas AlUla is one of the most breathtaking and unforgettable locations we have ever visited. The concept is inspiring, and the connection to the ancient, powerful landscape is undeniable.

However, the property is caught in an identity crisis. It preaches serenity but often delivers a social media scene. The eco-chic villas are showing wear, and the service, while full of warm individuals, lacks the polish and precision to justify its overpriced tag. We recommend it for the dreamy environment and the genuine wellness offerings, but advise travelers to be prepared for an experience that is more bohemian-chic than true, seamless luxury.

Habitas AlUla

Ashar Valley, AlUla 43511

Saudi Arabia

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