Habitas, a fast-growing, global eco-hospitality group, announced its newest travel experience in its latest “home” — the AlUla region in northwestern Saudi Arabia. AlUla is an ancient city of unprecedented historical and cultural significance, with 200,000 years of human legacy. As of October 2020, AlUla and the lost city of Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are open to international travelers for the first time ever. Previously, less than 5,000 Saudis visited Hegra each year, and foreign tourists needed to obtain special permission from the government to visit, which fewer than 1,000 did annually.

© Kleinjan Groenewald

In March 2022,  Habitas introduced Caravan by Habitas, the firm’s first immersive glamping experience for travelers seeking adventure, surprise and making human connections. Known for its experience-led hospitality and environmentally conscious designs, Caravan AlUla will use airstreams to further demonstrate Habitas’ sustainable philosophy and access to unique locations.

The 22 Caravans are chic Airstreams, offering a variety of scenic views, each equipped with a private outdoor deck, air conditioning, WiFi, a queen-sized bed (or two single beds), an indoor lounge, a kitchenette with snacks and private shower and bathroom. The Caravan rooms also feature a variety of hidden details such as disco lights and a sound system, curated books, Theragun Massagers and scalp massagers.

© Kleinjan Groenewald

Caravan AlUla’s gathering spaces are influenced by the Bedouins who traveled the region’s incense routes. At the center of the U-shaped formation of the Airstreams is the Gathering Tent, a communal place for guests to come together, explore, play and connect. Inspired by living spaces in traditional Saudi homes, whose interiors are ornamented with colorful antiques and Saudi heritage crafts, Caravan AIUla incorporates such designs and layouts.

At night, a large fire pit with circular seating invites guests to sit under the star-flooded sky. True to Habitas’ six programming pillars — music, wellness, adventure, culture, learning and culinary — the experience will feature cultural discourse, performances, interactive art installations and an immersive adventure programming, which includes Canyon Crossing, Desert Trekking, Arabian Horse Treks, Stargazing and Desert Survival Skills.

© Kleinjan Groenewald

Guests can move around the resort by off-road electric bikes and discover the pleasures at Thuraya Wellness, located at the main Habitas AlUla property, a three- to five-minute drive from the caravans. The site includes an alchemy bar, spa treatment rooms, a fitness center, an outdoor wellness agora and yoga, as well as activities like the Bedouin Sound Sensorama, the Desert Clay Circle ceremony and candlelit stargazing yoga.

In addition to AlUla, Habitas offers experiences in Tulum and Bacalar, both in Mexico, and in Namibia. Habitas sites in Bhutan, Los Cabos, San Miguel, Santa Teresa and Todos Santos will soon open.