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Travelers and traders have passed through AlUla since time immemorial, their camel caravans weighed down with exotic spices from distant lands, fragrant frankincense, and other precious goods. Millennia later, the extravagance now stops in this Arabian oasis, though the tented villas at Banyan Tree AlUla are an upgrade far beyond what those long-ago visitors could comprehend.

Opened in 2021, the property brings a level of luxe to this dramatic corner of the Saudi desert. Its 47 standalone villas have airy rooms with high ceilings, wall-height windows, and ancient-inspired design elements in their rugs and furniture. While many have their own private pools, the spectacular infinity pool sandwiched between two natural canyons is not to be missed.

You might not want to leave, but history and culture are right on Banyan Tree AlUla’s doorstep. Within walking distance, the mirage-like Maraya, the Guinness-certified world’s largest mirrored building, is a multi-disciplinary arts space crowned by a rooftop restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. And it’s just a 20-minute drive to Hegra, the kingdom’s crown jewel and the second city of the ancient Nabataeans, who built their immaculate capital at Petra in nearby Jordan.

Located along the Marasi Bay waterfront in Business Bay sits The Lana, an architectural structure that resembles interlocking fingers. Upon entering, guests are greeted by doormen in top hats and tailcoats as they’re enticed by the aroma of baked goods from Bonbon Café, a pâtisserie by Chef Angelo Musa.

The interior design features a feminine blend of pinks, golds, and beiges alongside black tones. The art collection, featuring pieces by regional and international artists, is impressive. Rooms, some with standalone tubs, feature Wildsmith Skin amenities stored in marble-like ceramic bottles, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies with panoramic views.

The contemporary hotel offers a diverse array of culinary delights and libations to its guests, including Basque cuisine at JARA, created by Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui; Riviera by Jean Imbert, featuring South of France-inspired dishes; British afternoon tea at The Gallery; and the glitzy High Society Bar, which boasts spectacular skyline views. Alongside the bar is High Society Pool, a vibrant rooftop infinity pool with private cabanas. The Lana is also home to Dubai’s first Dior Spa.

Adventure seekers can immerse themselves in the desert’s rhythm with curated experiences—such as camel treks at dawn, exhilarating dune bashing, horseback riding across the sands, archery challenges, or mountain biking trails.

The Mondrian Doha is a marvel of avant-garde design by Marcel Wanders. It presents itself as a falcon in flight, and the exterior has a distinctive symbol against the city skyline. Inside, the design philosophy is a fusion of luxury and extravagance. The lobby’s large golden eggs, emerging from white columns, create an unexpected visual spectacle, while the “tree of life” made of flowers and intricate mosaic tiles transforms a hotel stay into an exploration of art. The winding staircase in the center of the lobby is a standout complement to the host of architectural marvels present.

Beyond its stunning aesthetics, the hotel provides a full-service hospitality experience. Guests can enjoy a host of amenities, from the tranquil “secret garden” ESPA to the mosaic-tiled pool area. The property is a culinary destination, boasting eight fine-dining and nightlife venues that cater to a diverse range of tastes, from crafted Japanese cuisine at Morimoto to Mediterranean fusion at Walima.

The suites themselves offer a decadent retreat, ensuring every guest feels a sense of unparalleled luxury. Accommodations range from standard-sized rooms featuring eclectic modern furnishings to ten different opulent suite experiences and massive dreamlike penthouses that set the Mondrian Doha apart.

The founders of Our Habitas, who started out building camps at Burning Man, know a thing or two about the desert. Opened in 2021—and making the Fodor’s Finest list three times since—Our Habitas AlUla blends almost seamlessly into the sandstone cliffs of the Ashar Valley in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Habitas has imported its eco ethos and community spirit and now it sits atop the Saudi sand, as light as a fleeting footprint in the desert.

The canvas-tented terraces stand small amid the valley’s sky-scraping sandstone cliffs, devoid of the conspicuous glamour you might expect from a luxury property in Saudi Arabia. And that’s precisely the point. Our Habitas AlUla aims to celebrate the natural environment and ancient history here, rather than compete with them.

Located at the intersection of the Silk Road and Incense Route, the desert oasis of AlUla has attracted travelers for millennia. With Our Habitas AlUla as your base, you’ll be at a crossroads of ancient and modern, where you can nourish your body with locally sourced mezze, learn about traditional navigation while viewing constellations through a digital telescope, interact with Desert X art installations, and detoxify with an Arabian sand bath.

Rising from the legendary dunes of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara remains one of the world’s most iconic desert escapes.

A true oasis, the resort captures the spirit of Arabian heritage with sweeping vistas, ancient Bedouin inspiration, and 206 guestrooms, 14 suites, and 53 private pool villas, which feel seamlessly woven into the timeless landscape. The design is cloaked in Middle Eastern elegance, featuring an earth-toned color palette and unique local handicrafts set against breathtaking desert views. Each space is designed for indulgence, featuring deep soaking bathtubs, rain showers, pillow menus, and expansive terraces perfect for watching the sunrise or stargazing at the velvet vista.

Dining is equally enchanting: sip sundowners at the rooftop lounge Suhail as the desert sky turns crimson, then savor a starlit Bedouin-style feast at Al Falaj. For restorative moments, the Anantara Spa offers hammam rituals, desert-inspired therapies, and holistic wellness journeys, all set amidst calming courtyards and lush gardens.

When it comes to making a memorable first impression, the Raffles Doha has it nailed. Enter through the 20-foot-tall metal doors, and you reach a magical lobby filled with the world’s tallest kaleidoscope. Nine-hundred-seventy-four mirrored panels allow you to look into virtual space, with clouds gliding above you.

This 132-key property, with suites designed like an Arabian palace, all with walk-in “minibars” that come stocked with all your favorite treats, a butler on call 24/7, and even an alarm clock that wakes you up with subtle aromatherapy rather than harsh noises, but that’s not all. As a truly luxurious stay is often made by all the little extras on the side, at the Raffles Doha, you can dine at Alba by Enrico Crippa, the only restaurant by this Michelin-starred chef outside of Italy. The Spa offers private spa suites, each offering both an indoor and an outdoor infinity pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation corner, and a choice of treatments.

Then, there is the cocktail lounge and library, hidden behind a concealed wall panel. Inside, you’ll find a library filled with more than 200 books, with many first editions, such as a rare Hemingway tome. Guests can borrow them to read in their rooms, and gloves are provided.