Caravan AlUla by Our Habitas — Hotel in Medina Province

A Unique Wilderness Experience with Some Drawbacks

Staying in a caravan in the middle of Al Ula’s stunning rocky mountains is a fantastic way to experience the region’s wilderness. The hospitality of the staff was exceptional, making me feel genuinely welcomed. The caravan itself was well-equipped and comfortable, providing a cozy retreat.

However, due to the resort’s remote and expansive layout, internal transportation was limited to golf carts. While this maintained the serene atmosphere, it also meant that getting to the reception area or resort entrance required contacting the front desk and waiting around 15 to 20 minutes for a cart to arrive. Unfortunately, alternatives like bicycles or personal carts weren’t available, which could have improved mobility.

Another challenge I faced was the lack of convenient transportation to nearby locations. I chose this resort in part because it was close to the conference I was attending. Despite the proximity, the resort didn’t offer complimentary transportation. While they had their own cars for shuttling guests to another resort within the same group (Our Habitas), this service wasn’t extended to nearby venues like my conference location. Ride-hailing apps like Uber were rarely available due to the resort’s secluded setting, leaving the only option as a third-party limousine service with a steep starting fare of around 150 SAR per trip.

Moreover, when I initially requested transportation, I assumed it would be similar to the shuttle service. Unfortunately, the lack of clarity led to an unexpected charge at checkout, which could have been avoided with better communication.

Lastly, the WiFi connection was quite poor, compounded by weak cellular service in this remote location. Given the lack of connectivity, I would recommend the resort consider enhancing its internet infrastructure to provide a more reliable connection.

Overall, while the experience of staying amidst Al Ula’s majestic landscape was memorable, I believe improvements in transportation options, clearer communication, and better WiFi connectivity would significantly enhance the guest experience — especially for those without a...

For my first time ever in Al Ula, I am thrilled that I chose to stay at Caravan by Habitas. Al Ula itself is a truly unique gem. From its indescribable natural beauty, to its rich historical and cultural offerings, there is so much to explore and experience! Definitely take some time before your trip to research the different sights, activities and their whereabouts, to plan a schedule that will allow you to make the most of your trip. The points of interest can be quite spread out, meaning that transportation alone could take up a few hours of your day. As for the resort... I cannot say enough nice things about my stay. The whole experience was well worth the price point. The location puts you in the middle of some the breathtaking rock formations of Al Ula, complete with historical carvings from the Nabataean civilization. (Hint: carefully explore the swings area...!) In some corners, you can find yourself completely immersed in nature without ever having to leave the property. Another plus is its convenient location in Al Atheeb. Within 20 min or less, you can access multiple restaurants, attractions and tour operators. The resort's design is a beautifully executed blend of traditional Persian Gulf style and modern Western sleekness. The caravans are comfortable and well equipped, and the front desk does its best to provide anything you else you might need. I loved the whole philosophy of Habitas which encourages visitors to connect with nature, with others and with themselves. The cafeteria-style dining setup, multiple lounge spaces, and group wellness activities made it easy to spontaneously interact with people from all around the world. I was travelling solo, but there were also many couples there, as well as families and friend groups. Last but not least, the staff was incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming. Shout out to Maha, Ahmad, Thamer, Nayef, Tukey, Al Anood, Yulia, Waad, and Suheil, to name just a few of the incredibly warm, lovely people I met. Thank you for honoring the core Arab values of hospitality and generosity the way you do. I could go on, but words will never compare to your being there. As for myself, I cannot...

I stayed for two nights in a caravan, and while the location has potential, the experience fell far short of expectations, especially given the premium pricing.

Firstly, the caravan itself, though adequately sized, suffers from a poorly functioning air-conditioning unit that produces an astonishingly loud noise, comparable to a rocket launch. This not only disrupts sleep but also suggests a lack of attention to basic comfort. Adding to the frustration, the different caravan locations within the site are not disclosed during the booking process, leaving guests with little control over where they are situated.

The dining options are limited and cater almost exclusively to Western tastes, showing a surprising lack of local flavor or culinary authenticity. Prices for food and basic amenities are excessively high, so bringing snacks is a necessity to avoid being overcharged.

On a positive note, the buggy drivers and tent/restaurant staff near the pool were welcoming and helpful. However, this hospitality is overshadowed by the management staff, particularly local personnel, who seem entirely untrained in service standards. This lack of professionalism was glaring and detracted significantly from the experience, making interactions frustrating rather than enjoyable.

The pool is well-placed but ruined by loud visitors using it as a photo backdrop, turning what should be a relaxing area into a chaotic environment. There is no regulation or management of this space, making it unsuitable for guests who value peace.

The remoteness of the location compounds the issue, as personal transportation is necessary to explore. Without a car, visitors face shockingly high transport fees—350 SAR to Hegra and 420 SAR to the airport. AlUla’s lack of Uber, taxis, or public transport options is a serious shortcoming. If the local government intends to support tourism in any meaningful way, addressing the transport gap is essential. Currently, the lack of infrastructure and absence of affordable transport make this destination inconvenient, expensive, and ultimately not worth the high...