Latest news with #BanyanTree
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
AlUla unveils limited-time offers on summer escapes in its most coveted villas and suites
Each stay pairs AlUla's timeless landscapes with contemporary Saudi hospitality This summer, the luxury oasis destination of AlUla is offering guests the best value on hotels stays for the year, making it the perfect time to book the finest villas and suites. Trade busy cities for serene landscapes and star-filled skies while enjoying exceptional value on spacious, stylish stays designed for families, friends and couples seeking privacy and relaxation. From Nabataean-inspired pool retreats at Hegra to telescope-equipped hideaways deep in the desert, every five-star address in AlUla delivers generous indoor-outdoor living, sweeping views and an authentic sense of place. Here are the top suites and villas to enjoy this season: The Chedi Hegra – Two-Bedroom Pool Villa: Set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, this expansive sanctuary mirrors the ornate facades of ancient rock-cut monuments. Two king bedrooms with private bathrooms frame elegant Saudi-style living and dining rooms, finished in calming earthen tones and natural textures. Outside, a private swimming pool and terrace look onto golden sands and towering formations, while smart lighting, climate controls, custom amenities and round-the-clock butler service ensure effortless comfort. Banyan Tree AlUla – Three-Bedroom Villa: Experience the heights of opulence with a 240-sqm tented residence that blends desert tranquillity with refined design. The super-king master suite and two twin-queen bedrooms open onto a 10-seater dining area that flows onto a wide pool terrace lined with sun loungers. A dedicated room for personal staff guarantees discreet service, making the villa ideal for intimate gatherings and extended stays alike. Our Habitas AlUla – Celestial Villa: Created for night-sky enthusiasts, the Celestial Villa comes with its own telescope and generous spaces for lounging, entertaining and absorbing the drama of sandstone cliffs at sunset. It is a front-row seat to AlUla's famous dark skies and fiery horizons. While at the resort, guests can access daily mindfulness experiences and book luxury treatments at the Thuraya Wellness for ultimate revitalisation. Dar Tantora The House Hotel – Dar Al Oud: This ethereal heritage-inspired two-bedroom room circles a private terrace and channels centuries of local craftsmanship. Hailed in 2024 in TIME Magazine 2024 travel list of World's Greatest Places, the buildings in this special part of Old Town have been meticulously restored into the boutique-style eco-lodge. While the on-site spa completes its final touches, Dar Tantora brings wellness to the doorstep with bespoke in-room treatments. Cloud7 Residence AlUla – Deluxe Bungalow: Enjoy the accessible luxury of a 38-sqm top-floor retreat featuring a queen bed, cosy living room, fully equipped kitchenette and 55-inch TV with premium channels. Daily laundry, housekeeping and complimentary Wi-Fi add seamless ease, while a private balcony frames sweeping desert vistas. Shaden Resort – The Royal Suite (Charles Suite): Experience the opulence and privacy of a 250-square-meter private retreat set in AlUla's dramatic canyons. With five master bedrooms, a guest room - all with en-suite bathrooms - this luxurious suite features a private garden, swimming pool, kitchen, dining area and exclusive entrance. Offering total seclusion and elegance, it's designed for discerning guests seeking comfort, privacy and breathtaking views of natural landscapes. With unbeatable room rates, serene landscapes and a plethora of immersive cultural and night-time experiences, summer is the perfect time to recharge and reflect amid AlUla's restorative ambience.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Yahoo
27 Under-the-Radar Places to Visit Before They Get Too Popular, According to Travel Advisors
Want to avoid the crowds? Consider less popular destinations like Sardinia, the Baja California peninsula, and Laos. Travelers crave the opportunity to get away from the crowds, immerse themselves in local culture, and be the first to visit a place before it gets too popular. We asked our A-list travel advisors to share their favorite under-the-radar destinations before they become overly touristed. Sardinia, Italy "Sardinia is where Italians go to escape the hustle and bustle, and it's easy to see why: gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and wild landscapes that feel like stepping into a postcard. Big luxury resorts are just starting to appear, so travelers should experience the island's laid-back charm before it gets too crowded." — Angela Adto Tepper, AZA Luxury Travel The Baja California Peninsula, Mexico "The Baja California peninsula in Mexico has activities for all travelers, including the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe, the whale mating grounds of Laguna San Ignacio, and magical towns like La Paz, Todos Santos, and Loreto. The exceptional wines and cuisine of the north are a closely-held secret among southern Californians, but new luxury hotels like Banyan Tree are drawing attention." — Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico Madagascar "Madagascar can now be reached via Dubai, Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, while new luxury lodges like Voaara and Miavana means greater comfort. The country is home to a plethora of unique cultures, distinctive flora like giant baobab trees, and lemurs which are as cute and furry as you imagine. " — Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah Gargano, Italy "Gargano, in northern Puglia, is Italy's most overlooked coastline. Take a boat along the incredible faraglioni (rock formations), taste incredible southern Italian cuisine in the small towns, and visit the countryside for hiking and swimming. Don't skip Monte Sant'Angelo, which is said to have been visited by the Archangel Michael. " — Zoe Shapiro, Stellavision Travel Asturias, Spain "Asturias in northern Spain is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Located between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa mountains, the region boasts lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and cute villages. The region is renowned for its food and unique cider, served with a traditional pouring technique. With new high-speed trains and new flights, accessing this captivating area has never been easier." — Nigel Hack, Madrid & Beyond The Southern Highlands, Australia "The Southern Highlands, just south of Sydney, is largely undiscovered by international visitors—yet the region provides a rich diversity of experiences. Hike to hidden waterfalls, tour historic townships, meet local winemakers, hunt for truffles, spot kangaroos, and more. Fabulous new boutique hotels like Osborn House and Moss Manor entice visitors to stay a little longer. " — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings Mongolia "Mongolia offers a blend of vast, pristine nature and unique cultural experiences, such as horseback riding with golden eagle hunters. It also boasts a growing fashion scene, highlighted by Michel & Amazonka, the brand that made headlines for its costumes at the Paris Olympics." — Undraa Buyannemekh, Nomadic Expeditions and Three Camel Lodge Bolivia "Bolivia has an amazing diversity of ecosystems, including the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni; the highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca; and the Amazon River. The local culture is diverse, with a large Indigenous population whose traditions and languages are deeply integrated into everyday life." — Carola Fresno, Timbuktu Travel The Craigieburn Valley, New Zealand "The Craigieburn Valley in New Zealand's South Island is rarely visited by foreign travelers. That means uncrowded mountain hikes, biking trails, horse riding, rock climbing, fly fishing, and stargazing. Luxury lodge Flockhill Station has 36,000 acres to explore, while direct flights from San Francisco to Christchurch (just 90 minutes from Craigieburn Valley) have made the region easier to get to." — Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings Antarctica "Antarctica is an exciting frontier with glacier hikes, emperor penguin encounters, helicopter rides, and futuristic basecamps featuring outer space-inspired pods and chef-prepared meals. Tour companies like White Desert, Ultima Antarctica, and Antarctica21 offer access via aircraft or smaller ships with under 100 passengers. " — Ruchi Harnal, Harnal Travel Northern Morocco "Tangier and, more broadly, northern Morocco, are wonderful up-and-coming destinations to visit. Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay on the Mediterranean and La Fiermontina Ocean on the Atlantic Coast offer world-class accommodations so travelers can explore the area in comfort. " — Michael Diamond, Cobblestone Private Travel Mozambique "Mozambique has transformed Gorongosa National Park, once a conflict-ravaged landscape, into a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Visitors can experience it through game drives, night safaris, waterfall hikes, and rare pangolin conservation encounters. Accommodations like the luxurious Muzimu Lodge and intimate Chicari Camp offer premium comfort and privacy deep within this reborn wilderness." — Karin Jones, Artisans of Safari Abruzzo, Italy "Abruzzo is where Italy's raw beauty comes alive. Gran Sasso National Park has trails that weave through medieval villages, crumbling castles, and valleys where wild horses still roam. On the Costa dei Trabocchi, wooden fishing platforms stretch into the sea, serving up the freshest catch in the most atmospheric setting imaginable. The Tirino, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, is perfect for kayaking." — Matteo Della Grazia and Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario - Discover Your Italy Onimichi, Japan "The Japanese city of Onimichi is experiencing an uptick, though it remains off the tourist circuit. The pioneer is Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman Resorts, who recently opened Azumi Setoda, a 22-room ryokan (Japanese inn) on the island of Ikuchijima. Visit extraordinary cliffside temples offering cinematic views, eat delicious food including ramen and pastries, island-hop via ferry or private boat, and explore the serene landscape by bicycle." — Mark Lakin, The Legacy Untold Travel Slovenia "Slovenia is quietly rising in popularity, with fairytale lakes like Bled, charming coastal towns like Piran, and a storybook capital, Ljubljana. What's truly special is the variety of activities offered in such a compact area. Alpine adventures, wine tasting, wellness retreats, and the Adriatic Sea are all within a couple of hours' drive. " — Laura Asilis, Travelwise Montenegro "Montenegro has the drama of the Amalfi Coast, the heritage of Croatia, and the laid-back charm of the Mediterranean—all without the crowds. Spend the morning exploring medieval towns like Kotor and the afternoon sailing through seemingly untouched bays. Luxury hotels are beginning to quietly move in, but it still feels like a secret." — Dasha Westerfield, River Oaks Travel Albania "Albania's stunning beaches along the Ionian Sea rival the Amalfi Coast (minus the crowds), while charming mountain villages like Theth offer untouched beauty. The food scene is wildly underrated. Think fresh seafood, homemade rakia, and farm-to-table everything. What makes it really special, though, is the warmth of the people." — Kristin Winkaffe, Winkaffe Global Travel Nafplio, Greece "Nafplio is the kind of spot Athenians escape to for the weekend, but it's still flying under the radar for international travelers. Located just two hours from Athens, it has neoclassical mansions, cobblestone streets, and Venetian fortresses perched above the sea. If you've already done Santorini and Mykonos and are craving something more authentic, this is it." — Desiree Norman, Onēra Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada "The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is full of beautiful culture, rich history, and welcoming people. As the easternmost part of the country, it's full of stunning landscapes and beautiful cities like St. John's that are still relatively tucked away. " — Marc Telio, Entree Canada Laos "Laos, situated between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China, has beautiful landscapes full of mountains, waterfalls, and caves. And its cities—including Luang Prabang, Thakhek, Savannaket, and Pakse—are full of outstanding Laotian restaurants and French boulangeries." — Bob Preston, GlobeBley Milos, Greece "Milos is on the brink of becoming Greece's next 'It' island. For now, its lunar-like coastlines, secret coves, and authentic Cycladic spirit are beautifully unspoiled. Multiple high-end properties are being built, so now's the time to experience the raw, serene glory before the secret is out." — Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips The Pacific Coast of Colombia "Visit the Pacific coast of Colombia for humpback whale watching before it becomes more popular. The pristine area offers unforgettable natural encounters amid untouched beaches framed by lush jungle landscapes. Its remoteness and rich biodiversity promise a deeply immersive experience." — Boris Seckovic, Amakuna Travel Egypt "From the awe-inspiring Pyramids to the timeless Nile, Egypt combines deep history with modern comfort. The number of travelers has been low in recent years, providing an opportunity to fully absorb these iconic sites before they become bustling hotspots again. It's a rare and fleeting moment in one of the world's oldest civilizations. " — Chris Bazos, Travelous Greenland "First-time visitors to Greenland find themselves moved by the vibrant Inuit culture, spectacular landscapes, and the special charm that comes from being hard to reach. That sense of remoteness might erode after the recent introduction of direct flights from the U.S., but Greenland isn't the next Iceland—it's a different place entirely." — Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips Uganda "Uganda is emerging as an exciting destination that blends unique wildlife and top-tier accommodations. The opening of Erebero Hills in 2026 exemplifies this trend, offering luxury amid breathtaking mountains and forests. Additionally, the upcoming Gorilla Forest Lodge is set to further elevate Uganda's appeal to luxury travelers." — Candice Heckel, Africa Endeavours Phnom Penh, Cambodia "Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has a fascinating architectural blend of New Khmer modern, Art Deco and French Colonial. The style of the city is one of East and West, old and new, classic and casual. And since the average age of Cambodians is just over 25 years old, the city feels incredibly youthful and forward-thinking. It's a hopeful place. " — Ethan Crowley, Asia Desk Bhutan "Bhutan is one of the last truly untouched destinations, where culture, spirituality, and sustainability aren't curated for tourists—they're lived daily. The country's 'high-value, low-Impact' tourism model aims to protect its sacred heritage. And with high-class lodges like Six Senses, Gangtey Lodge and Amankora blending seamlessly into the Himalayan landscape, visitors can experience transformational moments without sacrificing comfort." — Jason Oshiokpekhai, Global Travel Collection Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Campaign ME
23-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Banyan Tree Dubai, Banyan Tree AlUla appoint Cluster Director of Marketing and Comms
Luxury, sustainability-first hospitality resorts Banyan Tree Dubai in the UAE and Banyan Tree AlUla in Saudi Arabia have appointed Laura Christian as the Cluster Director of Marketing and Communications. In this strategic dual-resort role, Christian will oversee all marketing, brand and communications activity across two of the region's most distinctive destinations. She will be responsible for strategic leadership, brand positioning and content strategy across the resorts, including their signature Banyan Tree Spas. Her focus will be to amplify Banyan Tree's continued success in the region while fostering alignment between these two unique destinations, united by the brand's pillars of sanctuary, wellbeing, and sustainable luxury. With more than 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality and marketing, Christian brings a strong track record of shaping brand narratives and driving performance-led campaigns across Asia and launching high-profile openings in both Dubai and London. Her career spans senior roles with some of the industry's most respected brands, including The Ned by Soho House & Sydell Group, Habtoor Hospitality, and The Mandala Group. With a business studies degree from the University of Leeds, Christian began her hospitality career in Dubai at Habtoor Hospitality, where she drove corporate-level marketing, PR and brand management across key openings including Al Habtoor City and La Perle. She built internal teams and managed the group's global presence at ITB and ILTM. She then moved to London in 2016 to head marketing and partnerships for The Ned's opening, crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy and solidifying the property as one of the key luxury destinations in London. After six years of success, Christian moved to Singapore as Group Director of Marketing and Partnerships for The Mandala Group, where she oversaw the marketing, strategic partnerships and cultural programming across their flagship venues and events in Singapore, as well as ventures in Bali and Japan. In January 2025, Christian returned to the UAE to take on the role of Director of Marketing and Communications for Banyan Tree Dubai, where she headed the 360-degree marketing and communication strategy both locally and internationally for the property. Laura's appointment reflects Banyan Tree's aim to strengthen its leadership in sustainable luxury hospitality in the Middle East and delivering authentic, immersive experiences to its discerning guests.
Mid East Info
23-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Mid East Info
ALULA WELLNESS FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS OCTOBER WITH NEW ENDURANCE AND FITNESS EVENTS - Middle East Business News and Information
AlUla will once again host the return of the AlUla Wellness Festival from 24th October to 1st November 2025, inviting visitors to unwind, reconnect, and take part in a wide range of wellness and fitness experiences across the region's iconic landscapes. As part of the AlUla Moments calendar, the festival focuses on physical and mental wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and community-based activities. The programme caters to all levels — from those seeking calm and stillness to those pursuing high-energy challenges — offering a balance of personal reflection and collective experiences in a uniquely natural setting. New Additions for 2025: Performance and Endurance Highlights This year introduces new mass participation events, sparking competition across running, cycling and swimming. AlUla Duathlon: The festival inaugurates with the introduction of AlUla Duathlon — a multisport event featuring Olympic, Sprint, and Kids' distances. Participants will run and cycle through AlUla's varied terrain, including desert, oasis, and mountain routes. The race village at Winter Park will offer food options and live DJ sets for both participants and spectators. AlUla Half Marathon: Taking place on Saturday 25th October, the AlUla Half Marathon includes 21.1km, 10km, 5km, 3km, and 1.5km children's races. The course runs through AlUla's scenic heritage areas, offering a unique backdrop for runners of all abilities. It also serves as an official lead-up to the 2026 Riyadh Marathon and will include entertainment and hospitality for attendees. Ashar Valley Triathlon: Set at the iconic Our Habitas AlUla swimming pool and decking area, this triathlon features a 3000m static row, 3000m static cycle, and a 300m swim. Participants will compete in timed waves, with a post-race breakfast provided. The event combines athletic challenge with a relaxed, premium setting. Ride with the Pros: Cyclists can train alongside professional riders from Team Jayco AlUla through a guided programme that includes two 90km rides, coaching sessions, and support from team staff — including mechanics, a doctor, and nutritionists. The experience gives cycling enthusiasts a rare look into the world of elite competition, all in AlUla's open-air terrain. AlUla 24-Hour Endurance Race: Teams and solo runners are invited to complete as many laps as possible of the 8km Camel Track within 24 hours. Open to groups of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 participants, the event offers a test of endurance, teamwork, and mental focus in an outdoor setting designed to challenge and inspire. Ongoing Wellness and Fitness Programming: In addition to endurance events, the AlUla Yoga Program will offer 78 sessions taking place at Banyan Tree, Our Habitas AlUla, Shaden Resort, and the Five Senses Sanctuary from 24 October to 1 November 2025. The Yoga Program will run alongside Les Mills fitness classes, hosted across AlUla's most iconic locations. A total of 22 sessions will take place at various landmarks including: Elephant Rock, Harrat Viewpoint, Maraya Rooftop, Heart of the Oasis, Hegra, and the Old Town Amphitheatre — giving fitness enthusiasts the opportunity to train with Les Mills and their elite-level instructors. Further details will be announced soon. Blending heritage, landscape, and wellness practices, the AlUla Wellness Festival continues to grow as a destination for those looking to reset both body and mind in a setting unlike anywhere else.
Nikkei Asia
19-07-2025
- Nikkei Asia
Singapore's new resort getaways blend comfort and nature
Bean pod–shaped "treehouse" villas at Singapore's Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree are designed to immerse guests in the natural surroundings. (Photo by Mayuko Tani) MAYUKO TANI SINGAPORE -- Think of a resort destination in Asia and Singapore likely doesn't come to mind as easily as Bali or Phuket, but two major hotel operators are showing visitors a more nature-rich side to the city-state. Singapore-based Banyan Group opened its first hotel in its home country this April with Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. The hotel sits within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a northern sanctuary that houses the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari and three other zoological parks. Overlooking a reservoir, the hotel is nestled in a secluded rainforest filled with lush greenery and abundant wildlife.
