Ramadan Under the Stars: Extraordinary Luxury Escapes in AlUla and The Red Sea

Monday, Feb 23, 2026 0

Where night skies, coastal calm, and design-led stays shape the season

Ramadan is often associated with a gentler rhythm, but in AlUla and The Red Sea, that shift feels like stepping into another world of luxury, one shaped by vast landscapes, cool evenings, and experiences that unfold effortlessly from day to night. These destinations transform the season into an escape: It is a time when luxury stays open up in a new way, shaped not by mindfulness and presence, an invitation to reconnect with nature, indulge in exceptional hospitality, and let beautifully designed spaces frame every moment.

Culture, Heritage, and Luxury

Daytime in AlUla brings its history and landscapes into focus. Visitors explore Hegra’s monumental tombs, wander the alleys of Old Town, or discover archaeological and natural sites such as Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and the Hegra Wildlife and Nature Tour. Wellness finds its place, too, with yoga, stretching, and slow spa sessions blending seamlessly into the calm of the season. Sculpted cliffs, palm‑filled valleys and vast landscapes form a backdrop that feels expansive and grounding at the same time.

As evening arrives, experiences range from artistic installations like Arduna and Desert X, to cultural moments including the award-winning Incense Road Experience, “A Place of Remembrance” and Old Town Ramadan Memories. Playful options like the Old Town Escape House offer story-driven challenges, while heritage sites including Daimumah, Elephant Rock, and Hegra are softly illuminated for evening exploration, and Maraya will host its first-ever Ramadan Iftar and Suhoor, complete with a cultural bazaar and live oud performances curated by Banyan Tree AlUla.

By night, AlUla shifts into a different rhythm. Its certified Dark Sky territories, Manara, Al Gharameel, and Sharaan National Park create ideal conditions for world-class stargazing.

AlUla’s dining scene follows the flow of the day. Cafés like Joontos and Pink Camel offer relaxed daytime breaks with light dishes and pastries, while Charcood and Pizza Bar IOI create memorable afternoons with smoky grills and cliffside views.

After sunset, Iftar unfolds at Villa Fayrouz, Tofareya and other restaurants offering comforting Saudi cuisine. For slower, post‑Iftar evenings, spots like 7Ribs, Minzal and Rock Café keep the atmosphere easy and welcoming.

This Ramadan, that sense of place is elevated even further as AlUla introduces exclusive seasonal offers across its premium hotels, spas, heritage experiences and wellness activities. Value-led hotel packages, long-stay perks ideal for remote workers, and curated Iftar and Suhoor menus across top resorts make this period one of the most compelling times to experience the oasis. With up to 20 weekly direct flights and cool winter temperatures ranging from 24°C by day to 7°C at night, the season invites visitors to explore the destination at its most serene.

AlUla’s luxury stays gain added depth from their surroundings. Banyan Tree AlUla’s villas sit between glowing desert formations; Our Habitas AlUla opens fully to the outdoors; Ashar Tented Resort and Shaden offer private pockets among cliffs; Chedi Hegra and Dar Tantora immerse guests in restored heritage settings. Many properties introduce seasonal Ramadan pricing or curated inclusions, making the season an ideal time to experience these one‑of‑a‑kind stays.

Clear Skies and Outstanding Natural Beauty

In The Red Sea, days stretch across 28,000km² of protected environments and more than 90 untouched islands. Calm lagoons, coral reefs and quiet coastlines invite swimming, sailing, guided snorkeling, diving, and marine discovery. Light plays across dazzling turquoise water, setting the tone for a retreat centered on nature.

Evenings arrive gently. At Shebara, steel‑skinned villas reflect the shifting light, while Desert Rock reveals sculptural contours under subtle illumination. Culinary experiences define the night, Saudi cooking classes at Basalt, intimate dining at Observatory and Cave Gallery, and limited‑edition tasting menus like Chef Matthias’s seasonal creations at Nyra. Wellness integrates naturally, from music‑led therapies at The Listening Room to slow, sensory spa evenings.

The Red Sea’s culinary approach is refined yet grounded in place: seafood-led menus, chef‑driven concepts and elevated Iftar and suhoor offerings, particularly on the Ummahat Islands, at Nujuma, the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and InterContinental Red Sea. Meals feel curated, intimate, and shaped by the surrounding landscape.

Shebara and Desert Rock offer 20% savings on stays of three nights or more during Ramadan. On the Ummahat Islands, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort delivers world class stargazing and Nujuma refined calm, while InterContinental Red Sea introduces a more active rhythm with included transfers, activities and dining. At Six Senses Southern Dunes, guests receive 30% off plus a “Stay Two Nights, Get the Third Free” option, with Iftar and suhoor seamlessly woven into the stay. You can find more Red Sea activities and cultural experiences throughout the season here.

Where the Season Becomes an Escape

In AlUla, Ramadan is defined by majesty, presence, and some of the world’s best protected night skies. In The Red Sea, it is expressed through water, light, and architectural symbiosis with nature. Together, they offer travelers a new kind of seasonal escape, one where luxury is unhurried; landscapes feel cinematic, and each day and night unfolds as an experience in itself.