AlUla Wellness Festival (24Oct - 01Nov 2025)

AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sits deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country. It is an area rich in historical and geographical significance and for most travelers the biggest highlight of their Saudi adventure. 

To fully grasp its beauty upon arrival, let’s head up to the Harrat Viewpoint, a prime location for wellness activities during the AlUla Wellness Festival. Participate in one of invigorating Les Mills: Iconic Fitness classes, including BODYBALANCE and BODYATTACK, set against the stunning desert backdrop. These sessions offer a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training, all while immersed in the serene landscape of AlUla. After the workout, enjoy a guided meditation or sound healing session, allowing the tranquil surroundings to enhance the sense of peace and well-being.

Overnight in AlUla.

Note: Travel dates are flexible and can be tailored to match the schedule of the preferred activities.

Inclusions:

The morning is dedicated to AlUla’s signature endurance events, with options ranging from Duathlon and Half Marathon to Triathlon and Ultra-endurance Races. The atmosphere is electric, with athletes and spectators drawn together by the thrill of competition and the striking desert scenery. Each challenge is set against AlUla’s unique landscape, where towering cliffs and vast valleys create an inspiring stage for performance and resilience. After the high-energy morning, the afternoon allows time to slow down, enjoy the comforts of the resort, or simply take in the serene desert surroundings. 

Following the event, return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest, with time to relax, recharge, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Evening leisure can be spent embracing the calm that follows a day of adventure, with opportunities to relax under AlUla’s starlit skies.

Overnight in AlUla.

Note: Travel dates are flexible and can be tailored to match the schedule of the preferred activities.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 AlUla - Hegra (20 km): 20 mins Hegra - AlUla Historic Town (20 km): 25 mins AlUla - Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) (5 km): 10 mins

Start the day with exploring AlUla’s remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. Begin with the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. Today, visitors follow their ‘rawee’ or storyteller, to explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations scattered around the desert.

Next, head for the green zone that is AlUla oasis, situated beautifully amid the date farms. Take a stroll where lush palm trees sway gently and the smell of citrus fills the fresh air, adding to the oasis-feeling that AlUla still retains. Follow the winding, shaded Oasis Heritage Trail through the orange grove, hear birds and imagine how the nomads of the past found water and refuge from the desert here. Exit the lush oasis at AlJadidah, an area known also as ‘Art City’ which has a colorful vibe with street art and art exhibits spread out in its walking streets. Continue exploring AlUla historic city, often called ‘the Old Town,’ a charismatic place that once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, and that rewards a leisurely stroll. Recent renovations have turned it into a magical mix of ancient alleys and trendy restaurants and upmarket souvenirs shops. 

When the afternoon light turns golden, the journey continues to the majestic Elephant Rock, one of AlUla’s most iconic natural landmarks. The desert setting transforms into an open-air arena for high-energy workouts, from Les Mills fitness challenges to strength and conditioning sessions led by expert trainers. As the sandstone giant glows in warm hues, the atmosphere blends adrenaline and inspiration, creating an unforgettable fitness experience against one of AlUla’s most striking backdrops.

Overnight in AlUla.

Note: Travel dates are flexible and can be tailored to match the schedule of the preferred activities.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Wake early for a memorable hot air balloon over AlUla. Transfer to the launch site in the pre-dawn hush, where coffee awaits. Watch as balloons fill the sky with anticipation, then gently lift off as the sun rises, revealing stunning canyons, ancient tombs, and AlUla’s remarkable landscapes from above. After landing, savor a light snack and soak in the memories of this unique adventure before bidding farewell to the balloon pilot and crew.

Head out for a half-day hiking journey amid AlUla’s stunning valleys where desert trails and hidden passageways amid red sandstone create a labyrinth of trails to explore. The hike starts close to AlUla, after a surprising 4x4 drive through a scenery of yellow sand and red cliffs. Although it gets hot during the day, the steep walls provide shade. The two-hour hike follows the canyon floor on a surface of sand and rocks. Although there is no real trail, the guide will lead the way across small boulders and rocks, with an occasional scramble to reach the next section. 

The canyon’s red sandstone is easily eroded by water and wind, creating a path that penetrates deep into the steep walls. Trees and plants are surprisingly abundant, especially in the cooler months. Along the way, the guide will point out ancient inscriptions in the stone walls dating back to various times and civilisations. Animal prints, such as hare, birds and sometimes foxes and wolves, can also be found. At the end of the trail, relax on a bedouin carpet and enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea with a majestic view. Then, transfer back to the hotel for a short rest.

In the late afternoon, explore Maraya, the iconic mirrored landmark in Ashar Valley. Admire its stunning reflective façade of 9,740 glass panels and discover the cutting-edge design behind this world-class venue. Step onto the stage, tour its vast spaces, and experience the fusion of art, technology, and nature in this architectural masterpiece.

Then, take part in a calming sunset yoga session, where gentle movements and mindful breathing flow in harmony with the fading light. As the desert sky shifts from warm golden hues to the cool embrace of night, the practice nurtures balance, peace, and a deep sense of renewal.

As night falls, enjoy a special celebratory dinner at Maraya Social, on the rooftop of the spectacular Maraya Hall building. Owned by Michelin-starred chef Jaso Atherton, this acclaimed restaurant is one of Saudi Arabia’s finest, offering a dining experience that combines local flavors with modern sophistication, creating a memorable and fitting finale to the day.

Overnight in AlUla.

Note: Travel dates are flexible and can be tailored to match the schedule of the preferred activities.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 AlUla - AlUla airport (50 km): 45 mins

Before transferring to the airport for onward flight, enjoy the facilities of the hotel or continue your exploration of AlUla’s landscapes with other optional activities.

Departures are available from both Jeddah and Riyadh, international airports offering direct connections to destinations in Europe and Asia.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast