Location: You’ll find Habitas in the remote Ashar Valley, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. This unique hotel is only a 45-minute drive from AlUla airport, but it feels like the middle of nowhere. This is still very much an untouched tourism destination, and flights are few and far between, but you can get to AlUla direct from Paris, Dubai or Doha, or via internal connections in Jeddah or Riyadh.

First impressions: The Mars-like terrain of AlUla will take your breath away as you come into land. The drive from the airport to the hotel is just as mesmerising, with an endless reel of giant rocks looming over you as you zip through the landscape. On arrival, the deep aromas of oud and mastika fill the lobby during a welcome ceremony where staff present guests with a string bracelet to welcome you ‘home’.

Relaxation mode activates immediately. Habitas is achingly cool – in fact, at times I felt like I was at Burning Man festival as I cycled around the desert landscape on an electric bike, the blazing hot sun beating down on my shoulders.

The facts: Habitas is home to 96 villas spanning three categories – Celestial, Alcove and Canyon. The villas are relatively basic and are modular in design, but this is in keeping with the brand’s sustainable ethos. The idea is that if the property were ever removed, there would be no visible impact on the environment and the landscape would appear as it did prior to the hotel opening in 2021.

There’s one restaurant, Tama, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the food would likely be a little repetitive for anyone staying longer than a few days (the menu doesn’t change), the culinary offering blew me away with a great selection of Middle Eastern dishes and international fare. All ingredients are sourced from local farmers around AlUla.

The restaurant sits at the top of the valley – alongside the dreamiest infinity pool. Those less confident using the aforementioned bikes can call for a buggy. Wellness is key here, and the Thuraya Wellness spa (named after a star constellation that Bedouins used for navigational purposes) is divine. Art installations can be found throughout the site and include a Falling Stones Garden, a piece made up of 320 rock-like multicoloured sculptures. There’s also an electric-blue statue of a lady sat atop a giant rock.

Other unusual features include a series of trampolines dotted throughout the sandy terrain and a set of swings on top of a dune. The hotel also manages the neighbouting Caravan by Habitas, a very trendy glamping site with 45 Airstream trailers and three food trucks.

Ideal for: Those seeking quietness and relaxation. The property’s wellness offering is its biggest USP and guests will leave feeling fulfilled and rested. The aesthetic and newness of the property mean it’s currently attracting influencer types in their droves, so expect to watch endless photoshoots by the pool. Adventurous clients with an eye for culture will likely get a buzz from being one of the first travellers to explore this newly opened destination.

Explore: AlUla is essentially one giant archaeological site, with new discoveries constantly being made. There’s a lot to see and do, but the nearby Unesco site of Hegra is the ultimate must-see. It’s home to remains of the ancient Nabataean civilisation and clients should explore the area in vintage Land Rovers with expert guides. The Maraya concert hall – the world’s largest mirrored structure – is just 10 minutes’ drive away.

Wow: The experiential side of Habitas is truly impressive. A notice board is placed outside the lobby and restaurant each day, highlighting the various wellness-led activities available. From sunrise yoga and tai chi sessions to TRX workouts and desert cinema screenings – the offering is extensive. My personal favourite was the nighttime sound bath and meditation sessions, which were held each night under a ceiling of twinkling stars. Spectacular!

Book it: Prices start from £330 a night ourhabitas.com/alula