AlUla travel guide

SherryStay Destination Guide

AlUla

Saudi Arabias open-air museum — Nabataean tombs at Hegra amid red-rock desert.

Saudi Arabia

About AlUla

AlUla is a geological wonder where canyons of red sandstone, extinct volcanoes and a green desert oasis of millions of palms all meet in one place — and the hotel you choose here is not just somewhere to sleep, it is the way you absorb this powerful desert energy. The hidden sandstone canyons (Ashar Valley) are the most futuristic and luxurious AlUla — home to the famous mirrored concert hall, Maraya: the resorts here are built inside hidden valleys between giant cliffs, the villas blending almost invisibly into the sand and rock, and staying in them is for anyone seeking extreme exclusivity, a mesmerising desert silence that wraps around you from every side, and the feeling of living inside another planet, futuristic and mysterious. The heart of the green oasis is the absolute opposite of the dry sands — the agricultural and historic heart of AlUla, where underground springs feed groves of dates, citrus and ancient spice plants: staying in the designed, eco-minded boutique villas here is for anyone who wants to wake to birdsong, smell the damp earth, walk on foot among the ancient mudbrick ruins and experience the desert through its life, colours and greenery. The basalt plateau and volcanoes (Harrat) are the highest and most dramatic part — here the landscape turns black, powerful and volcanic, and the temperatures are far cooler than in the valley: staying at the lookouts and luxury glamping here suits lovers of astronomy and endless space, the perfect place to watch the stars at night with no light pollution at all and look down from above on the dramatic canyons stretching beneath you. At SherryStay we understand that the desert is not just sand: we have mapped only the resorts and villas in AlUla whose architecture respects nature rather than scarring it — to give you a deep, authentic and inspiring connection to this dramatic destination.

Sherry's Take

Book Hegra (Mada'in Salih), Saudi's first UNESCO site, well ahead through the official Experience AlUla site — entry is by timed guided tour only. Pair it with the Old Town, Elephant Rock at sunset, and a stay in the Ashar Valley resorts.

Best For

HeritageDesertLuxuryCouplesStargazing
Go in
NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch
Avoid if possible
JuneJulyAugust

Where to Stay

Ashar Valley

Luxury desert resorts among sandstone cliffs

AlUla Old Town

Restored mudbrick village, cafés, crafts

Hegra area

Nabataean tombs, archaeology, guided tours

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1Bundle sites with an Experience AlUla pass rather than booking each tour separately.
  • 2The free hop-on shuttle links the Old Town, Winter Park and visitor areas.
  • 3Eat at the Old Town and AlJadidah Arts District cafés instead of resort-only dining.

Getting Around

  • 1AlUla (ULH) airport has direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and seasonal Dubai; ~35 min to the resorts.
  • 2A rental car or resort transfers are needed — sites are spread across the valley.
  • 3Hegra is accessed only by official timed shuttle/guided tour, not self-drive.

Most Common Mistake

Turning up expecting walk-in entry to Hegra — it sells out and requires a pre-booked timed tour. Reserve before you fly.

Ideal Stay

24 nights

Combine with
  • Khaybar (2h)
  • Medina (3h drive / short flight)

Hotels Sherry Recommends

Useful Local Hotel Phrases

Arabic
  • HelloمرحباMAR-ha-ba
  • Thank youشكراًSHOOK-ran
  • Pleaseمن فضلكmin-FAD-lak
  • Check-inتسجيل الدخولtas-JEEL ad-du-KHOOL
  • Check-outتسجيل الخروجtas-JEEL al-khu-ROOJ
  • HotelفندقFUN-duq
  • Receptionالاستقبالal-is-tiq-BAAL
  • Breakfastفطورfu-TOOR
  • Wi-Fiواي فايwai-fai
  • TaxiتاكسيTAK-see
  • Airportمطارma-TAAR
  • Train stationمحطة القطارma-HAT-tat al-qi-TAAR
  • Helpمساعدةmu-SAA-a-da
  • How much?كم السعر؟kam as-SI'R
  • Where is...?أين؟AY-na