ALULA – The start
« Wow, I’m going to Saudi Arabia!!!¨ »
That is all I can think of, when I learn the destination of my business trip. I have to wait two years. The decision was taken in 2002, but the actual event would happen only in 2024.
I decided instantly, that, not only I would have enjoyed Riyadh, but I would have added an extra week to travel across the country.
I did not anything about Saudi Arabia. I asked my colleagues.
« You need to go to Alula ».
I have a look in Internet. It is in the middle of the desert and looks like it is on the moon, with those rocks sculpted by the wind. A landscape clean and powerful was calling me.
As I would be travelling solo, I am obliged to pay attention to safety and that’s why I decide to book nice hotels. When the moment came, after having a look at the reviews, I opted for the Banyan Tree.
The Banyan Tree is not just a luxury hotel. In the case of AlUla, is a whole experience. It is super pricey for my wallet, but, damn, it’s going to be a one in a lifetime. So I gifted myself with 4 nights in one of their villas. Yes, the villas. The Banyan Tree in AlUla is formed of villas scattered across a large portion of desert. They have space, they use it. While I’m paying in advance with my credit card, I feel thrilled and exhilarated. This is going to be a One and a thousand nights adventure.
Once I book the hotel, I start booking the tours, the attractions and the internal flights.
The official website is Experience AlUla and it offers a vast assortment of options, from the Camel Cup to the star gazing, to Hegra to the Elephant Rock.
I managed to book one or two tours per day. The only attraction that is fully booked is the Elephant Rock. It looks like I’m not going to see the most iconic site in AlUla area.
Experience AlUla
The remainder of my week would be in Jeddah.
For once, I will see the Arabic side of the Red Sea, rather than the Egyptian one.
