Ashley Gallo

I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia with Travel + Leisure Academy to experience firsthand all this fascinating country has to offer—especially the mesmerizing ancient city of AlUla. I had long dreamed of visiting The Kingdom, particularly during my years living in the UAE, but until recently, it remained closed to tourism. The 10 days I spent exploring its vast landscapes and rich culture will forever hold a special place in my heart.Our journey began in Riyadh, where I checked into the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. Though our time in the capital was brief, I was immediately taken by the city’s blend of old-world tradition and modern innovation. A highlight was visiting the Al Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Saudi state. Wandering the open-air museum and learning about the kingdom’s early history was truly captivating.One of the first things that struck me—besides the depth of the culture—was the food. Between the warm hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine, I knew I was in for a culinary adventure. From dining on roasted camel at Najd Village to savoring inventive Saudi fusion dishes at Takya, each meal was a flavorful discovery.After two days in Riyadh, we flew to AlUla and were whisked away by private luxury transfer to Habitas AlUla, an eco-luxury resort nestled in the stunning Ashar Valley. I spent five magical nights there, soaking in the beauty of the desert landscape, the art installations from Desert X, and the farm-to-table delights at Tama.Our first full day in AlUla brought us to Desert X 2022, where artists from around the world presented works around the theme of “Sarab,” inspired by mirages and oases. Later, we lunched at a locally-owned patisserie that originated in Jeddah and now thrives in Riyadh and AlUla. The food was among the best I’ve tasted anywhere.That afternoon, we visited Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans—the same people who built Petra—Hegra features more than 100 tombs carved into rock. It was one of the sites I had most looked forward to, and it exceeded every expectation.The day ended with a glamorous dinner at Annabel’s, the legendary London club that operates a seasonal pop-up in AlUla. The next day brought more cultural immersion, starting with a visit to Madrasat Aldeera, a former girls’ school turned artist hub. I loved meeting the mostly female artists and hearing how they’re preserving traditional techniques while embracing modern expression.Later, I experienced my first helicopter tour over the Ashar Valley—soaring above Hegra, Elephant Rock, and the ancient city of Dadan. It was surreal to see these sites from above, offering a whole new perspective on the scale and beauty of the region.That evening, we ventured into the desert to a Bedouin camp, where we were treated to traditional storytelling, Arabic coffee, and a magical stargazing session under the clear desert sky.Over the next few days, we hiked through the dramatic landscapes of Jabal Ikmah, swung through the Oasis, and attended a live concert of traditional Arabic music. We explored Old Town AlUla, dating back to the 12th century, where I climbed to the top of AlUla Castle for sweeping views of the ancient city. One of the natural highlights was seeing Jabal Alfil (Elephant Rock)—a massive sandstone formation shaped over millennia by wind and water to resemble a giant elephant.Our final evening in AlUla was spent dining under the stars at Maraya Social by Jason Atherton, set inside the world’s largest mirrored building. With over 9,000 reflective panels, Maraya blends seamlessly into the desert surroundings, creating...