Latest
issue
GET SPA BUSINESS
magazine
Yes! Send me the FREE digital editions of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines and the FREE weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines and breaking news alerts!
Not right now, thanksclose this window I've already subscribed.
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Press releasesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
New opening
Banyan Tree AlUla

Banyan Tree enters Saudi Arabian market with tented desert wellbeing retreat


Banyan Tree has launched its first resort and spa in Saudi Arabia, ushering in the group’s debut in the Kingdom.

Banyan Tree AlUla is being operated by Accor on behalf of Banyan Tree, thanks to the two brands’ strategic long-term partnership agreement which was announced in 2016. The deal means Accor develops and manages Banyan Tree-branded hotels around the world.

Set against a striking desert backdrop and imposing rock formations, Banyan Tree AlUla has been developed in the Ashar Valley of the AlUla region – a historical crossroad of ancient civilisations and a popular resting place for travellers and traders since the 6th century BC.

The vision for the resort was inspired by the architecture of the Nabataeans – a nomadic tribe of Bedouins who occupied the area 2,000 years ago.

A subtle desert landscape
Banyan Tree AlUla’s 47 sand-coloured tents blend into the landscape, while a range of outdoor wellness experiences allow guests to connect with the natural surroundings.

Highlights include starlit open-air sound baths and a massage inside a hidden cave surrounded by precious minerals, incense and scented candles made with locally-grown ingredients.

Guests can also unwind in a rock pool with views of the valley on the horizon, while a signature Banyan Tree Spa offers traditional Asian healing therapies in one of five treatment spaces. Partners include Lemi, Talenti Spa and Pevonia.

A regular selection of yoga classes, retreats and workshops by world-renowned masters in their fields complete the offering.

Speaking to Spa Business, Banyan Tree revealed there are plans to expand the spa with thermal and wet facilities and a corresponding suite of rituals by Q4 of 2023.

More: www.banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2022 issue 4
The all-tented villa resort is being managed by Accor
The all-tented villa resort is being managed by Accor / photo: Banyan Tree AlUla
The three-bedroom pool villa
The three-bedroom pool villa / photo: Banyan Tree AlUla
The rock pool
The rock pool / photo: Banyan Tree AlUla
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

HPO Tech brings design-led hyperbaric systems to the spa floor
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has moved well beyond the clinic and spa operators represent the fastest-growing market for the technology. [more...]

Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Myrtha Wellness

Founded in Italy in 1961 by visionary Giorgio Colletto, Myrtha Wellness has become a global pioneer [more...]
HPO.Tech Hyperbaric Systems

Founded in 2020 in Istanbul, HPO.Tech combines 15+ years of expertise in hyperbaric technology, divi [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
10-12 Sep 2026

ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo 2026

MITEC Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Malaysia
+ More diary  
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
SPA BUSINESS
SPA OPPORTUNITIES
SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
New opening
Banyan Tree AlUla

Banyan Tree enters Saudi Arabian market with tented desert wellbeing retreat


Banyan Tree has launched its first resort and spa in Saudi Arabia, ushering in the group’s debut in the Kingdom.

Banyan Tree AlUla is being operated by Accor on behalf of Banyan Tree, thanks to the two brands’ strategic long-term partnership agreement which was announced in 2016. The deal means Accor develops and manages Banyan Tree-branded hotels around the world.

Set against a striking desert backdrop and imposing rock formations, Banyan Tree AlUla has been developed in the Ashar Valley of the AlUla region – a historical crossroad of ancient civilisations and a popular resting place for travellers and traders since the 6th century BC.

The vision for the resort was inspired by the architecture of the Nabataeans – a nomadic tribe of Bedouins who occupied the area 2,000 years ago.

A subtle desert landscape
Banyan Tree AlUla’s 47 sand-coloured tents blend into the landscape, while a range of outdoor wellness experiences allow guests to connect with the natural surroundings.

Highlights include starlit open-air sound baths and a massage inside a hidden cave surrounded by precious minerals, incense and scented candles made with locally-grown ingredients.

Guests can also unwind in a rock pool with views of the valley on the horizon, while a signature Banyan Tree Spa offers traditional Asian healing therapies in one of five treatment spaces. Partners include Lemi, Talenti Spa and Pevonia.

A regular selection of yoga classes, retreats and workshops by world-renowned masters in their fields complete the offering.

Speaking to Spa Business, Banyan Tree revealed there are plans to expand the spa with thermal and wet facilities and a corresponding suite of rituals by Q4 of 2023.

More: www.banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula

Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine

View contents of Spa Business 2022 issue 4
The all-tented villa resort is being managed by Accor
The all-tented villa resort is being managed by Accor / photo: Banyan Tree AlUla
The three-bedroom pool villa
The three-bedroom pool villa / photo: Banyan Tree AlUla
The rock pool
The rock pool / photo: Banyan Tree AlUla
LATEST NEWS
UK updates physical activity guidelines with focus on daily movement
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Sauna advocate Becky Pelkonen drafts global public sauna-bathing charter
Becky Pelkonen, the sauna advocate and researcher, has unveiled the draft of a global public sauna-bathing charter.
Marriott International partners with Fitwel for wellness solutions across its residential portfolio
Marriott International has partnered with Fitwel, a healthy building certification system that aims to optimise occupant health.
Anna Bjurstam steps down from Six Senses to build new company Wahayla
Anna Bjurstam has left her role as Wellness Pioneer at Six Senses Hotels and Resorts and launched a new wellness, longevity and “consciousness consultancy” called Wahayla.
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, opens with spa philosophy of ‘Wellness without Walls’
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has opened today (10 July) in the Northwest of England with a 1,715sq m Fairmont Spa that has been designed using a ‘Wellness without Walls’ concept.
'Minor wellness hotels' recorded the strongest growth across top KPIs in 2025, finds RLA Global
Wellness hotels generating less than US$1 million (€932,700, £785,200) – or 10 per cent of total revenue from wellness and leisure – recorded the strongest RevPAR and TRevPAR growth in 2025 across categories when compared with 2024, according to the latest Wellness Real Estate Report by RLA Global, produced in partnership with P and L benchmarking firm HotStats.
Lefay Resorts introduces emotional dance classes to offer experiences that foster connection
Lefay Resorts, the portfolio of two luxury wellness properties in Italy, has added emotional dance classes and group cold plunge sessions in response to market demand for social connection.
Robert Thurman: a life dedicated to enlightenment
Robert Thurman, an expert on Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual director of Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Woodstock, has died, aged 84.
BBSpa Group to launch holistic bathhouse Atera in Glasgow
International spa, wellness and longevity consultancy, BBSpa, will launch a new bathhouse called Atera in Glasgow, Scotland, in September.
Ananda in the Himalayas publishes Ayurvedic cookbook
Ananda in the Himalayas, India, has published its first cookbook, built on the wellness retreat’s 25 years of Ayurvedic cuisine expertise.
Minor Hotels appoints Aditya Saluja as commercial director for MSpa International
Aditya Saluja, an industry leader in luxury wellness hospitality, has been appointed as commercial director of spa and wellness for the spa management division of Minor Hotels, MSpa International.
Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort to unveil new spa in February 2027
Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort, a destination resort and spa in Naturno, South Tyrol in Italy, will reveal a new spa in February 2027, which has been designed by wellness expert and consultant Patrizia Bortolin.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

HPO Tech brings design-led hyperbaric systems to the spa floor
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has moved well beyond the clinic and spa operators represent the fastest-growing market for the technology. [more...]

Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Myrtha Wellness

Founded in Italy in 1961 by visionary Giorgio Colletto, Myrtha Wellness has become a global pioneer [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
10-12 Sep 2026

ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo 2026

MITEC Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Malaysia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS