The ancient Saudi city of AlUla is fast becoming the Kingdom’s most coveted tourist spot, home to Nabetean ruins, otherwordly deserts, rocky landscapes, a historic Old Town with art galleries and cool pop-ups, and, in recent years, hosting fashion shows and polo matches. Along with a bevy of luxurious new hotels, AlUla has also had a rise in premium Airbnbs, some of which are stylish enough to rival the hotel accommodation. From a minimalist loft apartment to a rustic farm stay with transparent walls and a private pool, here are the best Airbnbs in AlUla to book now.
Dar Haifa – Studio Loft
Located in AlJadidah – AlUla’s arts and culture district near the Old Town – this charming Airbnb was designed with local aesthetics in mind. Situated on the upper ground floor, the studio lis decorated in earthy hues reminiscent of the sandy canyons, with design touches like gold lamps and a coffee table stocked with beautiful reads. A billowing white curtain separates a cosy alcove with a king-sized bed, and guests will also enjoy a fully functional kitchen, en-suite toilet and shower and a shared rooftop with views over the oasis and AlJadidah – with Old Town just a short walk away. Pets are also welcome and the loft can offer a pack-away crib for small families.
From AED923 a night; airbnb.ae
AlJadidah Rooftop & Dreamy Views
This white-washed AlJadidah apartment brings a touch of Greek island vibes to AlUla, with bleached walls, a cosy double bedroom, kitchen/dining space, and, best of all, its own generously sized rooftop terrace with greenery and plenty of plush seating offering views over the arts district. The space is chic, minimalist and fuss-free, with shelves with pots, colourful books and decorative lighting. There’s a small bathroom with shower plus a television, and the kitchen is stocked with necessary pots and pans to enjoy a home-cooked authentic AlUla dinner on the terrace.
From AED1,578 a night; airbnb.ae
Dar Haifa – Oasis Apartment
In the same Dar Haifa building, guests can enjoy a bit more space in the two-bedroom Oasis Apartment. Decorated in the same soothing, landscape-inspired shades with traditional Saudi design touches, the space shares the same Dar Haifa rooftop terrace with Old Town and desert views, but has a separate bedroom with king-sized beds, and a separate queen bedroom with ample storage. We love the coffee laden with books and ornaments and design touches like rattan, jute and wooden details. There’s one shared bathroom with a shower and a fully equipped kitchen – plus an option crib can be given if required.
From AED1,701 a night; airbnb.ae
Tarah, Extraordinary Farmhouse
Tarah, Extraordinary Farmhouse, is one of the most spectacular Airbnbs in AlUla – encased in transparent walls and nestled in AlUla’s luscious wadi. Surrounded by hundreds of date palms, this architectural wonder has a light-flooded open-plan living room filled with organic, rustic materials like stone floors, a stone staircase, wooden ceilings and a more glamorous white-washed living alcove, plus lots of cosy mood lighting. Upstairs, guests will find a fairytale-type bedroom with a four-poster bed, complete with billowing white drapes, and panoramic wadi views – plus a transparent ceiling for stargazing. Outside, there’s a large private seating area, private pool, outdoor shower, barbecue, fire pit, and other amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry services. This Airbnb in AlUla rivals the five-star hotels, so you’ll pray a premium – but for this incredibly unique space and privacy, it’s worth it.
From AED3,427 a night; airbnb.ae
Dar Haifa – Four-bedroom apartment
Part of the same beautifully designed Dar Haifa development, in the heart of historic Old Town and the AlJadidah disctict, this four-bedroom Airbnb is one of the most contemporary and stylish in AlUla. Located on the first floor of the building, it has three king-sized bedrooms and one queen, each with its own bathroom. There are three bright, shared living spaces and a fully-fitted kitchen with dining space. The highlight, however, is the private terrace overlooking AlJadidah, with stunning design details such as traditional textured and patterns offering views over AlJadidah. This apartment has been designed with the modern, aesthetic traveller in mind, and guests can expect Assouline coffee table books, decoration, dried flowers and a general curated vibe.
From AED6,611 a night; airbnb.ae
Tarah, Extraordinary Farmhouse
Cosy, rustic, peaceful, modern yet authentically decorated and design-led, this cabin in Tarah is a fantastic choice for an AlUla Airbnb with a difference. Perfect for couples or small families looking to explore the beauty and nearby sites of AlUla, it has an open-plan living area with modern sofas and traditional majlis-style seating and a kitchenette, and a separate small bedroom with a double bed and en-suite shower room. Outdoor space is where this property wins, and guests can enjoy ample space with outdoor seating, a barbecue, a firepit, sunloungers and a hammock.
From AED1,273 a night; airbnb.ae
