AlUla Wellness Festival has got your mind, body, and soul covered

In Saudi Arabia, wellness is just about everywhere. But, sometimes, what you want is a specific somewhere for an immersive, transcendental wellness sesh like no other. Fortunately, from 24 October to 1 November, that ‘where’ is iconic AlUla and its annual Wellness Festival. Fresh from the annual Azimuth music event, this truly unique blend of history and nature now welcomes those seeking to elevate mind, body, and spirit through everything from relaxing yoga to ultra-challenging, ultra-marathons.   

A Festival for Every Body 

First of all, despite that mention of ultra-marathons, the festival is designed as a truly inclusive welcome to wellness. So, if you’re just starting out on your wellness journey, there’s events for you as well as for the seasoned athlete out there; if you’ve been brought along by your parents, there’s plenty for you too. And, for the first time ever, the festival is adding mass participation events–so yes, you can go all out with a 24 hr ultra-marathon, but you can also sign up for shorter runs, cycling races, duathlon and triathlon formats (think: cycling, swimming, and even rowing), all set against jaw-dropping natural and heritage backdrops. 

Sweat, Strech, Repeat 

Of course, in addition to these new mass-participation additions, there’s also all the classic wellness sessions you’d expect. If full-body workouts are your bag, there’s legendary Les Mills workout routines set amidst iconic scenery including the natural formation of Elephant Rock, the Hegra archaeological site, and the breathtaking Maraya mirrored theatre. Alternatively, if the mind-body focus of yoga is more you, check out the 78 different yoga programs across different locations and approaches from mountain tops to lush date groves. And with classes focused on dance, art, meditation, and ladies only sessions, there’s so many different ways to really dip the well of wellness. 

Food, Fuel, and Full-Body Feels 

You can also rest assured that, when you need to refuel, there’s a whole range of restaurants onsite. These range from locally-sourced local cuisine to the best in international names in both food-van and traditional restaurant formats, so you can be sure that what you take in is as good for you as the effort you’re putting out. And because you’ll want to rest well between the wellness, AlUla also has about every kind of accommodation you could wish for, from hotels that embrace the aesthetic of AlUla, to lux-RVs, to glamping like nothing you’ve seen before.  

Beyond the Mat 

And what about when you’re not deep in a mind, body, or mind and body session? Well, autumn is really the best time to visit AlUla anyway and there’s a lot to take in both within the AlUla oasis itself and not-too-far afield such as the tranquility of the Sharaan Nature Reserve or the Khaybar Volcano Camp.  

So, what are you waiting for? Check out the AlUla Wellness Festival site to book your tickets, our own visa guide for how to get to Saudi itself, and get ready to feel good.