Saudi Arabia is rapidly opening up to tourism and is offering e-visa for more than sixty nations. This visa allows a stay of 90 days for leisure, business or Umrah purpose. Saudi Arabia is not only the religious hub for millions of Muslims around the world but is now transforming itself into the haute tourist destination of the Middle East. The top attractions in Saudi Arabia include Al-Ula’s ancient tombs, Red Sea diving and Riyadh’s modern bustling city life. One can travel to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia with their family in order to explore all these attraction sites along with performing Umrah by opting for the Umrah packages all-inclusive. These packages cater to all your needs including the itinerary, flights and other amenities considering the family and children.
Slow Travel in Saudi Arabia
Slow travel in Saudi Arabia offers an immersive journey through ancient and uncrowded landscapes that allow for a deep cultural connection, serene desert stillness and authentic artisanal experiences. If the travelers move through the kingdom at a slower pace, the travelers can experience the profound silence of the desert, explore the oasis of AlUla and enjoy the local clean and flavorful cuisine. This will foster a more mindful, restorative and personal connection to the Kingdom.
Key aspects of slow travel in Saudi Arabia
There are several key aspects and advantages that you can gain by opting for a slow and mindful travel through the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There is no doubt that during a vacation you have to follow a certain timeline and reach your goal no matter what, but opting for the slow and serene travelling experience can give you a very different and calm experience. Some of the aspects that can change your experience for the good are mentioned as follows.
Immersive cultural experiences
One can engage in the Bedouin traditions in Al-Madinah and can experience various things like camel milk tasting and witness the bee keeping practices.
AlUla’s Tranquil pace
One can embrace a slow and intentional pace in AlUla’s oasis, with time to appreciate the natural surroundings along with the ancient, preserved and uncrowded rock art.
Sustainable and Local Foods
You can also experience the ‘Slow Food Travel’ through the authentic, locally sourced and traditional dishes. Getting to try their local cuisine and various street foods can give you a reintroduction of the region.
Mindful Wellness and Nature
You can find stillness as well as rejuvenation in the quiet, expansive, and intense silence of the Saudi desert and the Red Sea.
Road Trips and Exploration
One can explore the country’s diverse landscapes from the Red Sea’s turquoise waters to the mountains of Abha at your own pace. There are well-maintained road maps in Saudi Arabia that make the car travel a great and flexible option. The trusted Islamic Travel provides you with the Ramadan Umrah packages that will take care of the itinerary, transport and accommodations that you will stay at along the way.
Essential Relaxation Spots
There are several types of oases in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but if you want to experience the best one, you must start at the Oasis Heritage Trail. This is a 3km path which is clearly marked and is quite easy to navigate. The trail connects the Dadan archaeological site to the Old Town and is lined with the mudbrick walls while being shaded by the dense canopy that keeps the path pretty cool.
You may also visit Daimumah for the more curated experience. This area blends the art, nature and dining into one seamless environment that feels like a boutique botanical garden.
Walking the Heritage Trail
This is a self-guided journey and usually no tickets are required. As a tourist you can enter at multiple points. It is suggested to start near the Old Town entrance for the best views.
Daimumah
Daimumah can be described as a point where the art meets Earth. It is a reclaimed area where the old farmsteads have been turned into quiet workspaces and cafes.
Hidden Gems of Saudi Arabia
There are several places beyond the main paths that showcase the true secrets if the oasis. You can spend countless hours while exploring the deeper sections where the tourist crowds will rarely be observed.
One of the favorite founds of the tourists was Date Palm Hammocks. In the specific northern sections of the oasis, locals have set up public hammocks for the afternoon napping. Another must-see location is the Ancient Qanats. These are mainly the subterranean irrigation channels. You can observe the access points along certain parts of the trail which will showcase the AlUla’s water mastery. Some other hidden gems are mentioned in the guide as follows.
Pink Camel Pastry Boutique
Tucked away at the edge of the groves, the pink camel pastry boutique café is a legendary spot. It is recommended to try their Oasis tea paired with a date-flavored macaroon while sitting on their wooden deck.
The Silent Groves
When heading towards the Aljadidah district, you’ll find reading nooks built into the landscapes. These spots are perfect for the travelers who are seeking total silence away from the cafes.
Luxury Wellness Spa Retreats
If any of you share the idea of relaxation that involves more than just a walk, AlUla’s luxury resorts offer incredible wellness day passes that you can avail and enjoy for a serene experience.
Habitas AlUla
The Habitas AlUla is world-renowned for its ‘Thuraya Wellness’ center. They offer sound baths, yoga sessions and retreatments using the local essential oils like moringa and myrrh.
Banyan Tree AlUla
The Banyan Tree AlUla offers a high-end spa experience nestled between the rocks. Their rock pool is perhaps the most photographed and most relaxing spot in the entire valley.
Proper planning is the key to ensuring that your relaxation is not interrupted by the logistical hurdles. The oasis is quite huge and walking the whole thing in one go is quiet tiring. The tourists can use Careem app or the AlUla hop-on-hop-off bus. Electric bikes are also available at the oasis entrance and are a fun way to cover ground.