Banyan Tree AlUla

  • Prize
    Jury's Favorite in Architectural Design - Hospitality
  • Company/Firm
    AW2 Architecture & Interiors
  • Lead Designer
    AW2 architecture & interiors, Paris - Stéphanie Ledoux & Reda Amalou
  • Architect
    AW2 Architecture & Interiors ; Godwin Austen Johnson
  • Interior Designer
    AW2 Architecture & Interiors
  • Const. Company
    EGIS
  • Photo Credit
    @Ales Vyslouzil ; ©Banyan Tree AlUla
  • Location
    AlUla, Saudi Arabia
  • Client
    Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with AFALULA (French Agency for AlUla Development)
  • Project Date
    October 2022
  • Project Link

Banyan Tree AlUla features 47 new tented suites as well as public areas that include two gourmet restaurants and a luxury spa. A signature swimming pool sits in a natural crevice in the rocks, reminiscent of the Wadis which appear at the foot of the cliffs during rain spells.

The interior design is a modern interpretation of the Bedouin way of life with patterns inspired by Nabataean nomadic Arab tribes and traditional motifs, evoking the rich cultural heritage of Ashar.
Spaces are designed to create an indoor-outdoor feel, to help guests feel connected to nature by experiencing spectacular vistas. AW² took an environmentally friendly, ‘light touch' approach to blend the resort seamlessly with the natural scenery of the Ashar valley.

AW² took an environmentally friendly, ‘light touch' approach to the design which aims to blend the resort seamlessly with the natural scenery of the Ashar valley. Various sand-coloured canvases were used to create natural ventilation between the roof and the tent, as well as providing sun protection. Privacy and shelter therefore go hand in hand at the resort, creating an intimate environment where the breath-taking views are individually framed.