Dar Tantora, The House Hotel

Dar Tantora, The House Hotel, is a 30-room restoration project within a maze of mud-brick and stone houses in 800-year-old Old AlUla village. Aside from the appeal of its stunning traditional design, one of the main reasons to stay at Dar Tantora is to immerse yourself in AlUla’s culture. During your stay you may witness traditional breadmaking, see coffee rituals being performed throughout the day, and, at dusk, watch the Dar Tantora team light hundreds of candles and lanterns. Throughout this ochre-coloured living museum you will find pouffes and rugs, along with heavy wooden doors crafted from palm wood, and beautiful traditional artefacts that evoke the sensation of Arabian village living.

Each of the 30 ensuite Dars (rooms) benefits from butler service. The rooms are unique in terms of design, with five-star touches, and have cooling fans but are not air-conditioned. In the evening, candles and lanterns are placed atmospherically within the rooms to magically compensate for the lack of electric lighting.

Appetites at Dar Tantora are catered for at Joontos, the all-day dining restaurant serving Saudi and regional Arabian dishes, while the items on the Maqha café’s menu offer snacks and light refreshments. A spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, while a rooftop swimming pool is surrounded by sun loungers and provides views over the oasis and mountains. Should you choose to venture out from Dar Tantora, the AlJadidah Arts District, with its shops and restaurants, is on your doorstep.