Across the Arabian Peninsula, the significance of the oasis is both historical and symbolic, serving as a lifeline in the harsh desert environment and acting as a catalyst for the population’s transition from nomadic to settled communities.  

A key example is AlUla, which was once a vital waypoint on the historic Incense Route, which linked Arabia, Egypt, and India, turning the area into a crossroads for cultural and commercial exchange. 

The fertile soils of the AlUla oasis also led to the establishment of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, which thrived between 800 and 100 BCE, followed by the founding of Hegra, the most southern city of the Nabataean kingdom, which today stands as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO Heritage Site.

Honouring water as the very elixir of life, AlUla’s ancient inhabitants used advanced engineering techniques to thrive in the arid landscape. These innovations made AlUla an agricultural hub, producing abundant quantities of dates, citrus fruits, figs, wheat, and barley.

Today, this ancient oasis city, a biodiverse haven with over three million date palm trees and a wide array of flora and fauna, offers even more than historical significance and scenic beauty. 

Modern scientific research  underscores the health benefits of natural settings, linking time spent in green spaces with improved mental focus, reduced stress, and overall increased happiness. Concepts like biophilia illustrate our deep-rooted connection to nature, shaped by evolutionary needs, while attention restoration theory highlights nature's capacity to replenish our mental reserves.

In AlUla, these principles come to life from 17th October to 2nd November 2 during the AlUla Wellness Festival, which invites guests to embark on a holistic retreat within the city’s serene, historic landscapes. 

Experience true revitalisation

This 17-day festival pays tribute to AlUla’s rich legacy as a place of rest, rejuvenation and revitalisation, with an expanded line-up of events and activities that celebrate holistic living and transformative practices. 

Visitors can indulge in pampering spa services using all-natural ingredients at AlUla’s luxury resorts, including Banyan Tree AlUla, Our Habitas AlUla and Dar Tantora The House Hotel, or explore alternative therapies such as energy work and sound baths. 

For a more hands-on approach, attendees can take part in wellness workshops, yoga sessions, and holistic healing modalities that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. 

The opportunities to connect with nature are endless, taking attendees on a journey into AlUla’s untouched landscapes to enjoy activities and wellness pop-up experiences.

A standout feature of the festival is the return of the Five Senses Sanctuary, where sensory wellness experiences come to life. From yoga sessions to art therapy, and inspiring talks from leading experts—soon to be revealed—this sanctuary offers a unique space for deep relaxation and personal growth. The AlUla Wellness Festival promises to be a haven for those seeking to refresh both body and spirit amidst the timeless beauty of this ancient oasis.

By embracing its rich past and protecting and regenerating its historical and ecological assets, AlUla offers more than just an escape, acting as a blueprint for integrating nature and wellness into the travel experience, and setting a benchmark for how destinations can craft transformational luxury experiences. 

With each visit designed to enrich the body, mind, and spirit, AlUla transforms travel into a deeply personal and authentic journey – offering a transformational and meaningful experience that resonates long after the visit ends.

To book your sessions at AlUla Wellness festival, click here