AlUla Wasn’t Just a Destination—It Was a Feeling

There Are No Words for AlUla – But We’ll Try Anyway!

 

There are places that are beautiful—and then there’s AlUla, where the beauty feels otherworldly. No exaggeration: there were moments where we just stood in silence, soaking it all in, unable to describe what we were feeling. It’s a place that reconnects you to the Earth, to history, and to something deeper than words.

We spent 4 nights and 3 full days exploring this magical part of Saudi Arabia, and it’s easily one of the most emotionally powerful destinations we’ve visited. From ancient tombs to canyon soundbaths, it’s a place where every experience feels sacred.

Where is AlUla and How Do You Get There?

A Desert Wonder in Northwestern Saudi Arabia

AlUla is in the Madinah Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia, surrounded by vast desert, red sandstone canyons, and archaeological wonders that date back thousands of years.

How to Get to AlUla

  • Fly into AlUla Airport (ULH) from major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam.
  • We highly recommend renting a car for maximum freedom.

We hired a car in advance through Budget at the airport, despite reading online that pickups from town were smoother. In our experience, there were no issues—we waited about 45 minutes, which was totally fine. Having a car gave us the freedom to explore on our own terms and made the whole experience even more immersive.

Where We Stayed: Caravan by Habitas in Ashar Valley

We stayed at Caravan by Habitas, and wow—what a place. Nestled in the stunning Ashar Valley, the setting is like stepping into a Martian dreamscape, with luxury airstream-style caravans surrounded by towering red cliffs.
 
Caravan guests also have full access to the main Habitas AlUla resort, which was a huge bonus. That meant:
 
• Relaxing by the pool with canyon views
• Access to the gym and yoga space
• Giant trampolines and swings with desert backdrops
• Dining at Tama, their incredible onsite restaurant
 
Our stay felt both grounded and luxurious—like glamping with soul. At night, the silence of the desert wrapped around us, especially during the Canyon Soundbath under the stars, which set the tone for a truly unforgettable trip.

Top Things to Do in AlUla

Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)

AlUla’s iconic sandstone formation. We went at sunset when the golden hour lit it up like fire. Lounge seating, food trucks, and ambient music made it a vibe.

Hegra (Madain Salih)

Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO site, filled with Nabataean tombs carved directly into rock faces. We did a day tour—100% worth it for the history and scale of it all.

Dadan & Jabal Ikmah

Ancient inscriptions, lion tombs, and the legacy of pre-Nabataean kingdoms. It felt like walking through history—intimate, raw, and incredibly well preserved.

 

AlUla Old Town

We explored the town twice—by day for the architecture and craft shops, and by night for the lantern-lit alleywaysand cultural charm. It’s where past meets present beautifully.

AlUla’s iconic sandstone formation. We went at sunset when the golden hour lit it up like fire. Lounge seating, food trucks, and ambient music made it a vibe.