Since the Saudi crown prince announced the country's new long-term strategy focusing on tourism, wilder and wilder development plans have appeared on the Internet.
They aim to attract tourists by using Saudi Arabia's vast natural lands and eye-popping constructions and to try to replicate the success of the UAE.
For now, most of the Kingdom's mega projects only exist in the virtual world. However, there are some exceptions.
The Middle East's mysterious places have long attracted visitors. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the ancient archaeological site of Petra, and the holy land of Jerusalem are all too familiar.
While Saudi Arabia's Mecca welcomes millions of pilgrims annually (Hajj/Umrah), it is only for followers of the Islamic faith. But with the new, more accessible visa regulations and new flight connections, the country's attractions are open for discovery.
So what does Prince Mohammed bin Salman's goal of reducing oil dependency mean to travelers?
For one, the appearance of globally renowned hospitality brands, like Habitas, the sustainable luxury hotel chain with its flagship project in Tulum, Mexico.
Secondly, it opens the possibility of exploring the expansive Arabian Peninsula. To put things into perspective, Saudi Arabia is six times the size of Germany.
So, how about starting with a land of ancient civilizations in the Saudi Arabian desert? Habitas AlUla is located in the Ashar Valley on a UNESCO heritage site.
Each of the 96 eco-consciously built villas uses the natural colors of the surrounding habitat to blend in.
They are connected to each other, plus the main building with a swimming pool by pretty pathways dotted with candlelights.
The air-condited villas offer magical canyon views, and they are equipped with super comfortable king-sized beds, indoor and outdoor showers, and large outdoor lounge decks.
In front of each villa, an electric fat bike is parked that you can use during your stay. Thanks to those bulky tires, you can pedal even on soft sand.
If you prefer to move around without sweat, an electric car can drive you between your villa, the lounge, and the restaurant.
Habitas' spa focuses on natural healing. You can take part in unique wellness experiences like sound healing and meditation.
The airy Tama restaurant serves a fusion of international and Middle Eastern classics prepared from fresh local ingredients and spices. The restaurant's name means "here and now" in Aramaic, which is an ancient Semitic language.
If a luxurious Mars colony existed, it would probably look something like this.
The otherworldly terrain is unlike anything you've seen before.
The on-site yoga shala offers daily exercise of asanas on solid wood parquet flooring and a beautiful desert panorama.
The art installation of colored rocks is reminiscent of the Moroccan Tafraoute.
Ashar Valley, AlUla 43511, Saudi Arabia
