Our Habitas AlUla

Our Habitas AlUla, a Michelin Key Selected property, is lauded as a breathtaking eco-luxury resort nestled amidst the ancient desert landscapes and dramatic sandstone canyons of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. It offers a unique blend of sustainability, wellness, and cultural immersion, making it a compelling destination for those seeking a distinctive retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Our Habitas AlUla is largely positive, with many guests describing their stays as "stunning," "magical," and "unreal." Booking.com reviews show ratings ranging from "Exceptional" to "Disappointing," with some aggregated scores around 8.0 to 9.0 out of 10. Agoda reflects an impressive overall rating of 9.5, with facilities and cleanliness both scoring 9.7. However, this high praise is often tempered by recurring feedback regarding service inconsistencies.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are consistently captivated by several aspects of Our Habitas AlUla:

• Location & Design: The resort's unparalleled setting within the Ashar Valley, with villas seamlessly blending into the natural sandstone cliffs, is a major draw. The eco-chic design and thoughtful integration with the environment are frequently highlighted.
• Amenities & Experiences: The comprehensive wellness center, featuring yoga, meditation, a spa, and a 24/7 gym, is a popular amenity. The stunning infinity pool, art installations from DesertX, and a variety of complimentary daily programs focusing on art, culture, wellness, adventure, learning, food, beverage, and music are also highly appreciated. Guests can also enjoy unique experiences like Hegra tours, stargazing, camel rides, and sound baths.
• Transportation: Electric bikes are provided for each villa, offering a fun and convenient way to navigate the spread-out property, alongside on-demand golf cart service.

3. Room Quality

Our Habitas AlUla offers 96 villas across three categories: Canyon, Alcove, and Celestial, with Celestial Villas being the most spacious at 100 square meters. The villas are described as minimal and earthy, designed to harmonize with the desert landscape using natural colors and stone textures. They are built using a modular approach to minimize ecological impact.

Each villa features comfortable king-size beds with premium bedding, air conditioning, separate sitting areas, and a private balcony or terrace offering breathtaking views of the canyons. Amenities include a coffee station, minibar, and a well-appointed bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers, bathrobes, and premium toiletries. Notably, there are no in-room televisions, aligning with Habitas' ethos of encouraging community and connection. While some guests find the Canyon villas "not very big" compared to other luxury properties, the overall comfort and design are well-received.

4. Dining Experience

The resort's primary restaurant, Tama, meaning "here and now" in Aramaic, is a highlight. It offers a fusion of global and Middle Eastern cuisine, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and farm-to-table menus. Tama has been recognized by the Michelin Guide 2025 for its distinctive culinary excellence. Situated near the pool, it provides a beautiful dining view.

Breakfast, included with the stay, is served at Tama from 7:00 AM to 11:45 AM. It typically starts with a mezze platter of bread, butter, fruits, and vegetables, followed by a choice of two dishes from the menu and a beverage. Popular breakfast items include Shakshuka, Levantine eggs, TAMA Salmon Eggs Benedict, and traditional Bedouin breakfast options. Portions are generous and the food is consistently praised for being fresh and made-to-order.

Tama also offers all-day dining, beverages, and desserts. While room service is generally not available as guests are encouraged to dine in the central social hub, food trucks from the sister property, Caravan AlUla, sometimes visit, offering additional dining choices. A point of criticism, however, is the reported lack of vegetarian and vegan options by some guests.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff at Our Habitas AlUla is mixed. Many guests commend the staff for being warm, professional, genuinely kind, attentive, and helpful, promptly addressing requests and resolving issues. Specific mentions include efficient golf cart service and friendly restaurant staff.

However, a significant number of recent reviews highlight inconsistencies and areas for improvement. Common complaints include slow check-in processes (some reporting up to 45 minutes) and rooms not being ready on time. Guests have experienced long waits for services like golf carts or coffee at breakfast. There are also criticisms regarding untrained personnel, a perceived lack of motivation, and communication difficulties due to some staff not being fluent in English, which can lead to miscommunication. Some guests feel that the level of service does not consistently meet the expectations set by the luxury price point of the hotel.

6. Location & Accessibility

Our Habitas AlUla is strategically located in the Ashar Valley, a dramatic setting surrounded by sandstone cliffs, offering a deep immersion in AlUla's ancient desert landscape. The resort is well-positioned for exploring AlUla's rich historical and cultural attractions.

• Nearby Attractions: Key sites such as the Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (approx. 9.5 km / 5.9 mi), Jabal Ikmah (12.7 km / 7.9 mi), and AlUla Old Town (about a half-hour drive) are easily accessible. Elephant Rock is also within reasonable distance (26.4 km / 16.4 mi).
• On-Site Transport: Guests navigate the expansive resort using complimentary electric bikes or by calling for golf carts, which are generally prompt.
• External Transport: The hotel can arrange airport transfers, or guests can take a taxi. Some guests note the area's remote nature can make ride-sharing services like Uber challenging to find.

7. Value & Pricing

Our Habitas AlUla is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Nightly rates can vary significantly, ranging from approximately $370 in the off-season to over $1000 during peak season (November to February). Expedia lists prices starting around $673 for a night in March 2026, while Trip.com shows prices from US$642.

The perception of value is mixed. Many guests feel that the unique setting, stunning design, and immersive experiences justify the cost, considering it an unforgettable and magical getaway. However, a recurring sentiment is that the luxury price tag sometimes does not align with the inconsistent service levels experienced, leading some to question the overall value.

8. Common Complaints

While highly praised, Our Habitas AlUla does receive some recurring criticisms:

• Inconsistent Service: This is the most prevalent complaint, encompassing slow check-in procedures, delays in golf cart service, long waits for food and beverages, and instances of perceived untrained or unprofessional staff. Communication issues due to language barriers with some front desk staff have also been noted.
• Flies: Guests have mentioned flies as a nuisance in AlUla, wishing for more effective management by the hotel.
• "Influencer" Presence: Some visitors express annoyance with a noticeable presence of "influencer" types, particularly around the pool, sometimes impacting the relaxing atmosphere with photoshoots.
• Limited Room Service: The absence of in-room dining, with guests encouraged to dine at Tama, is a point of minor dissatisfaction for some.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Options: A few guests have highlighted a scarcity of suitable vegetarian and vegan food choices.
• Room Size & Privacy: While generally good, some find the standard villa sizes (Canyon, Alcove) relatively small compared to other luxury options, and there have been isolated comments about housekeeping staff disrupting privacy.

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