AlUla, located in north-western Saudi Arabia, is offering a  retreat from the heat and busyness of the city this summer with the ancient desert offering untold stories for visitors.

AlUla also boasts low humidity and temperatures that are between 5C to 10C cooler than other cities in the gulf region, making it an ideal summer escape.

Visitors can take advantage of less crowds, enticing offers and indulge in a luxurious stay at one of the desert resorts complete with curated cultural experiences, holistic wellness treatments, walkable scenic oases, and thrilling adventure activities.

With easy access to the heritage sites which are open all year round, Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town, visitors can learn stories about the people who have called AlUla home.

Whether it’s a much-needed vacation, or a remote work getaway, AlUla’s resorts and hotels offer tranquility and revitalisation from day to night. From luxurious eco-hotels and whimsical glamping experiences, special offers on summer stays are available at Banyan Tree AlUla, Habitas AlUla, Cloud7 Residence and Shaden Resort.

A three-night package with Habitas AlUla features visits to the lush oasis and iconic Elephant Rock, among other experiences; and a two-night package with Shaden Resort includes a Land Rover tour of Hegra and more, each with an enticing pool to refresh at any time of day. While Banyan Tree presents an irresistible offer: Stay for 2 nights and get the 3rd night free, including a complimentary breakfast for 2 at Harrat Restaurant and is applicable on all villa categories.

AlUla is the perfect destination for wellness and rejuvenation. World-class well-being and mindfulness experiences are available to revitalise both body and mind with luxurious spa treatments on offer at the resorts.

A new addition to AlUla this summer is Daimumah, a beautiful garden-landscaped area comprising fertile farmland, shade-giving palms and boutique eateries for visitors to relax and experience natural beauty in the heart of the oasis.

For the more active visitor, adventure experience on offer this summer will create stories to share that last a lifetime. Whether it’s discovering AlUla’s epic landscapes on a buggy, a mystical stargazing hike, or the exhilarating Adventure Hub activities – there are many active options to ignite the senses and explore ancient archaeological sites that hold epic stories from centuries past.

New adventure options this summer by expert adventure operator, Warrior, include the AlUla Stairway, a 45m suspended ladder stairway leading to an exhilarating zipline descent back to the valley floor. The Giant Swing features a 100m Via Ferrata climb to the launch site followed by a 70m heart pounding drop and swing through stunning canyon walls.

Husaak is the leading hike specialist with many summer options to choose from in the morning or the evening through a diversity of desert and oasis landscapes. The stargazing tour is unmissable, in the remote area of Gharameel this unforgettable night under a sky filled with stars, with the storytelling of the expert tour guides and the possibility of witnessing shooting stars.

For those who find rejuvenation through food, AlUla presents a wide range of fine dining options this summer such as Banyan Tree’s stunning Thai food at Saffron, or Middle Eastern cuisine at Harrat. Habitas’s Tama restaurant never fails to deliver; and the food and atmosphere at newcomer, The Heart of the Oasis is a must do. Other casual dining spots include Circolo, Daimumah Restaurant and Moon Shell. – TradeArabia News Service