Banyan Tree AlUla

Liked: Our room was a villa with a private pool which we used extensively since it was one of the hottest weekends of the year. There were sand dunes built up on each side of our villa to provide very high level of privacy without obstructing the view from the pool or from the villa. There were several free workshops/activities to do that ranged from painting to yoga to story time. They provide plenty of free bottled water in your room along with a nespresso machine with pods and several varieties of tea (both caffeinated and decaf). The breakfast was included with our room and was not a buffet but was ala cart and had lots of choices: traditional Arabic, Indian, Thai and Western. All were really good and the staff made sure you left with a full tummy. The Staff goes out of their way to try to make your visit as pleasant as possible.

Disliked: The dinner prices were quite expensive. During our visit (late August) only one reception/restaurant building was open but the restaurant was serving from both menus (Arabic and Thai). I would say the Arabic food was worth the price as it was probably the best I've had in my 1.5 years of living in KSA. However, the Thai menu was not worth the price as I've had better Thai food here in KSA for 1/3 of the price. Also of note, the famous "rock pool" is out of service and they are building a new one but it is not complete yet. I believe they are letting guests use the pool at their adjacent property which is just a quick ride within the valley but we did not use it as we had our own private pool.

Staffs were great, exceptional service. They have daily activities that travellers are free to join, nice breakfast. Highly recommended 🫶🏻 I can say that this is a good place to unwind. ☺️

Liked: Desert elegance, May weather was incredible, perfect to enjoy private pool and incredible suite inside our tent. Our daughter was in heaven for our four days here. The Thai restaurant, Saffron was a wonderful surprise as I did not expect the level of talent and hospitality Chef Tina delivered. Our family returned three nights to sample nearly the entire summer menu!

Disliked: Staff members in their eagerness to please drive a bit too fast when shuttling guests around the property on golf carts. Highly recommend limiting their maximum speed.

Liked: Comfort, facilities and staff

Disliked: Expensive- food and spa

Liked: everything was perfect and excellent mostly was the receptions and the staff in the restaurant also are perfect. The villa was amazing comfortable and all clean inside. Also, the pool was also clean even it was outside pool. That was excellent.

Disliked: as I said before, everything was perfect maybe just one note about the cushions in the outside area they weren't that clean because of the birds

It was an unsurpassable experience. The room’s luxury and cleanliness, the magnificent view from the room, the comfort, the pool, the delicious food, and the staff’s service — everything was perfect, and I spent the richest time of my life. In particular, while in the villa you don’t see any other people at all, so having the vast scenery of Al Ula all to myself was an indescribably blissful time. The add-on options, like the stargazing experience, were also wonderful, and I definitely want to go again.

Liked: Attention to small details, amazing staff, design, breakfast. And so on

Disliked: Everything was great but the fact that the Rock pool was closed for maintenance was a bit of a bummer.

Liked: Location and quality of villa.

Disliked: Gym facilities could be better.