We left Riyadh in the rain and arrived in AlUla by accident at the Banyan Tree. Thirteen hours, one sandstorm and a string of fairy lights to the head later, we’d found luxury, laughter and the quiet beauty of Ashar Valley. A road trip that went wrong in all the right ways.
A practical guide to visiting AlUla from Riyadh without the luxury price tag. From the long desert drive to farm stays, free viewpoints and must-see landmarks like Elephant Rock and AlUla Old Town, here’s how to plan an unforgettable trip to one of Saudi Arabia’s most extraordinary landscapes.