Banyan Tree Euler Resort is situated just 15 kilometers from Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by AW² Architects within the framework of Al-Ula’s master plan and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the resort reflects the country’s forward-looking vision while harmonizing with the unique desert landscape, nestled between rock formations and ancient ruins.
The design emphasizes preserving the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the site, contributing to the travel, cultural, and economic development goals of the region.
The resort adopts a “light touch” approach to the land, featuring sustainable tent-shaped structures that protect the desert environment of Euler. The resort comprises 47 new tent-shaped suites, ranging from one to three bedrooms.
Public amenities include two gourmet restaurants and a luxurious spa. A standout feature is the iconic swimming pool, located in a natural crevice between rocks, mirroring the Wadis landscape that emerges at the base of cliffs during rainfall.
AW² employs an environmentally conscious “light touch” design to seamlessly integrate the resort with the natural beauty of Ashar Valley. Each suite features a simple terrace and robust construction that complements the surrounding rock formations.
Various sand-colored tent canvases are utilized to promote natural ventilation between the roof and interior spaces, while providing essential shade. The triple tent-shaped architecture not only creates soft rooflines but also blends the buildings into the existing landscape.
The architects carefully chose sand-colored canvas and terracotta paint to harmonize the buildings with the environment, effectively turning them into a natural extension of the landscape. The spa center’s facade is constructed from compacted sand with horizontal colored sand lines that echo the texture of the surrounding rocks.
AW² projects focus on crafting exceptional guest experiences. A vital design consideration was breaking down the large site to avoid overwhelming visitors, while allowing them to freely enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Privacy and architectural protection play key roles, ensuring an intimate environment that also incorporates spectacular views into the design.
The resort’s interiors are custom-designed to blend Nabatean nomadic themes with a luxurious international style. The interior design offers a modern interpretation of the Bedouin lifestyle, with patterns inspired by the Arab Nabataean nomadic tribes and traditional motifs that celebrate Ashar Valley’s rich cultural heritage.
The desert’s natural colors serve as the resort’s overall color palette, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere.
AW²’s integrated design approach extends to both architecture and interiors, aiming to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces and deepen guests’ connection with nature.
Guest room terraces extend outward from indoor spaces and are sheltered by canvas tents, enhancing this seamless transition.
Custom furniture reflects nomadic culture and continuously references Nabataean traditions, reinforcing the rich cultural narrative throughout the resort. The spaces combine modern elegance with authentic local experiences, meeting the highest standards of international luxury hotel design.
The resort’s design respects the natural landscape and minimizes its environmental footprint. To emphasize the “light touch” approach, roads and walkways within the resort are designed as desert trails, allowing guests to traverse sand dunes and engage closely with nature.
This strategy reduces the resort’s land use to a minimum while preserving the natural habitat.
Additionally, the project uses local resources, traditional processes, and mineral materials to minimize its carbon footprint.
Native plants suited to desert climates have been incorporated into the landscaping as part of the sustainable design strategy. Rainwater collection technology directs water to micro-catchment gardens, supporting vegetation growth on-site.
Given the risk of flash floods, the gardens also serve as natural flood protection during the rainy season.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
Plan of South Garden Pavilion
△ SPA Floor Plan
△ Plan View
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Plan View
Project Information
Architect: AW² Architecture & Interiors
Area: 10,000 m²
Project Year: 2022
Lead Architects: Stéphane Ledoux, Reda Amalou
Owner: Royal Commission of Euler (RCU) in collaboration with French Euler Development Agency AFALULA
Registered Architect: GAJ
Operator: Banyan Tree Holdings – Accor Hotels Group
Tent Supplier: FIOBCO
Furniture Supplier: Accor Hotels Group Procurement – AH2
Project Management: AECOM
Structural Engineering: Egis
Infrastructure: NESMA
Location: Euler, Saudi Arabia
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up