TIME has officially announced the winners of its 2024 “World’s Greatest Places” awards, spotlighting Dar Tantora The House Hotel as a must-visit destination. This exclusive list, curated by TIME’s editors and correspondents worldwide, features 100 exceptional locations to explore and enjoy.
Dar Tantora The House Hotel, which opened in May 2024, is the first property established in the historic AlUla Old Town. This city is renowned for its ancient mud-brick houses, dating back over 800 years, and was recognised as one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by UN Tourism (then UNWTO).
Located within AlUla’s desert oasis, Dar Tantora The House Hotel represents sustainable luxury. The hotel offers 30 guest rooms thoughtfully restored from historical buildings, providing visitors with a unique experience that blends traditional Bedouin culture with modern comfort. The design respects the original architecture, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region while incorporating eco-friendly practices.
Named after the traditional sundial, Dar Tantora provides visitors with both an accessible retreat and a deep dive into the history of the region. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the local mud brick architecture, reflecting the ancient building practices of the area.
The doors are heavy and wooden, complemented by ancient-styled rugs and antique pottery throughout the property. The rooms, hallways, and common areas are illuminated by over 1,700 candles, while bathrooms are equipped with electricity. The hotel features a pool, spa, cigar lounge, and two restaurants—Joontos, offering regional Saudi cuisine in an elegant courtyard setting, and Maqha, a more relaxed café.
Dar Tantora aims to immerse guests in the region’s rich history, offering traditional Bedouin experiences such as ancient breadmaking, coffee ceremonies, storytelling sessions, and timeless beauty treatments using healing Saudi oils and balms.
The CEO of Kerten Hospitality, Marloes Knippenberg, states that Dar Tantora is not just a place to stay but an opportunity for guests to engage with AlUla’s historical narrative. The hotel is part of Kerten Hospitality’s broader mission to deliver culturally resonant experiences to travellers worldwide.
Waleed Al Dayel of the Royal Commission for AlUla highlights the hotel’s commitment to sustainable regeneration, aiming to conserve and elevate the heritage of AlUla Old Town for both the local community and visitors.
Dar Tantora The House Hotel is a flagship for Kerten’s sustainable hospitality strategy, embodying their ESG philosophy ‘United. Building a Better Universe.’ The hotel champions local materials, community engagement, and sustainable practices.
Already active in the local arts scene, the hotel has initiated projects in collaboration with The Royal Commission of AlUla. It has become a platform for showcasing local artisans and their work, furthering the hotel’s commitment to cultural preservation.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the ancient sites, hikes through the dramatic landscapes, and stargazing in the clear desert skies. The region’s cultural heritage is further celebrated through art installations, music festivals, and traditional performances, offering a rich and immersive experience for visitors.
AlUla itself is a treasure trove of historical and cultural significance, making it an intriguing destination for tourists. The area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, an ancient Nabatean city known for its well-preserved rock-cut tombs, reminiscent of Petra in Jordan. AlUla’s landscape is characterised by stunning sandstone cliffs, lush oases, and striking rock formations, providing a dramatic backdrop for exploration.
TIME compiled the “World’s Greatest Places” list by soliciting nominations from its global network of correspondents and contributors, focusing on locations offering new and exciting experiences, including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more. The TIME brand is globally recognised and respected, and this prestigious accolade is a symbol of excellence in the travel industry.
Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are elated by the recognitions awarded to our destination’s offerings by TIME in their renowned World’s Greatest Places. The exceptional sentiments reflect the excellence and dedication of AlUla’s efforts to preserve and promote its unique cultural heritage through comprehensive and sustainable development initiatives rooted in the community.”
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and commitment to sustainable tourism, AlUla and Dar Tantora The House Hotel offer an unforgettable experience for travellers seeking to explore the wonders of Saudi Arabia.
…
Read also: Dar Tantora The House opens in AlUla
