The spectacular event featured live performances, tailored activities and a private concert by Mariah Carey

ALULA, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Banyan Tree AlUla hosted its grand opening with an elite list of international dignitaries, VIPs and celebrities in attendance. Guests embarked on an extraordinary night of celebrations, including a special private concert by music legend Mariah Carey.

The star-studded event was attended by celebrities and personalities such as Aseel Omran, Deema Bayyaa, Dilan Çiçek Deniz, Dorra Zarrouk, Lojain Omran, Mona Kattan, Stephanie Saliba and Jumana Mourad.

Guests gathered for an exclusive weekend to discover the destination and luxury of Banyan Tree AlUla, where they were greeted with unique experiences showcasing the resort's private villas and the stunning Ashar Valley.

Mirroring AlUla's iconic landscape, Maraya Hall welcomed guests for Mariah Carey's exclusive live performance, after which they were transported to the heart of the valley, where John Northen, Executive Director - Head of Hotels and Resorts, Royal Commission for AlUla, together with Sébastien Bazin, President and CEO of Accor and Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and CEO of Banyan Tree Group, officially opened the complex. This historic moment was marked by a moving performance by Sahwat, which included a choreographed musical routine and majestic Arabian horses. The impressive rock formations of the Ashar Valley were lit up with mesmerizing animation projections as Hala Ali AlHedithy told AlUla's inspiring and compelling story.

The evening concluded with a menu designed by Banyan Tree AlUla's Executive Chef, Ricardo Luján, showcasing dishes from Banyan Tree's Thai restaurant, Saffron, with traditional Saudi touches, blending the two in harmony.

Putting a twist on Khao Soi curry, Chef Luján created The King Crab Khao Soi Dumpling with a fresh, handmade rice paper roll stuffed with king crab and authentic Khao Soi curry sauce. The Massaman Lamb Curry, one of Saffron's signature dishes, highlighted AlUla's bold influences from Thai cuisine and rich indigenous ingredients.

Embodiment of Banyan Tree's pillars of sustainability, dedication to using locally inspired elements, romance and intimacy in a private sanctuary, AlUla creates the perfect home for the global brand. The resort ensures that guests feel a sense of being in a place through elements such as doors and wood finishes, which are reminiscent of traditional Bedouin houses, local crafts and earthy decorations.

The key principles of the villa complex are based on three concepts that allow guests to immerse themselves in the complex and its magnificent surroundings in a multi-sensory experience.

'In-villa' offers guests tailor-made dining, wellness and entertainment experiences by Banyan Tree's talented cast of hosts. 'In-valley' takes guests back to nature through exclusive open-air treatments, nomadic chef tables, active adventures and private events hosted in spectacular settings. Lastly, 'En-voyage' takes guests through insider dives crafted with local talent, continually discovering new facets of AlUla's rich heritage.

Guests have plenty to do and discover, from massages in secluded caves and relaxing sound baths under the stars to picnics in the sky aboard a floating hot air balloon. For a little more adrenaline, visitors can try the exciting adventures by plane or helicopter, flying over the places of AlUla, with the possibility of extending the trip to the Red Sea.

The Banyan Tree Spa is a sanctuary for the senses, a place for physical, mental and spiritual renewal with a holistic approach based on traditional Asian healing therapies. The resort's professionals seamlessly blend local and oriental rituals with time-honored traditions dating back centuries. Guests can also relax in the tranquil rock pool with views of the sprawling valley on the horizon after a gym session or signature spa treatment.

The perfect place for a special occasion, the AlUla region is a place to create unforgettable moments that last a lifetime. Romantic milestones, family reunions, and private celebrations with friends turn into dazzling parties with spectacular backdrops that magically materialize in a stunning desert setting.

"We are immensely proud to open this landmark property in such an iconic location. We wanted to create a getaway where guests could truly immerse themselves in the destination while enjoying Banyan Tree's hospitality. Thank you to our guests who have come from all over the world." to be a part of this momentous occasion," said CEO Antony Treston.

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ABOUT BANYAN TREE ALULA

This villa resort offers 79 luxurious tented villas in one of the world's most mysterious and exciting new destinations. Featuring elements of the nomadic nature of design and Nabataean heritage, the resort features one-bedroom villas with expansive outdoor spaces and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with private plunge pools offering stunning views of the rock formations of the Ashar Valley. Guests can also enjoy the resort's infinity rock pool, famed Banyan Tree Spa, and two fine dining restaurants, including Banyan Tree's Thai restaurant, Saffron. Embodying the brand's key pillars such as sustainability, a dedication to using locally inspired elements, and romance and intimacy in a private sanctuary, AlUla creates the perfect home for the global brand.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE

Banyan Tree offers a sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in stunning locations around the world. Rediscover the romance of travel as you travel to iconic destinations where authentic and memorable experiences await. With a villa concept, often with private pools, Banyan Tree offers genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE GROUP

Banyan Tree Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group") is one of the world's leading independent, multi-brand hotel groups, focused on the mission of stewardship and wellness, delivering exceptional experiences driven by design.

The Group's diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences boasts an ecosystem of 10 global brands, including award-winning Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, and Homm's highly anticipated new brands Garrya , Folio, and two new Banyan Tree brand extensions - Escape and Veya.

Created in 2008, with the aim of promoting the development of people and excellence in management, Banyan Tree Management Academy has trained more than 8,000 associates in 23 countries. The Group is recognized for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation. It operates 60 hotels in 15 countries and has 47 new properties in the pipeline.

CONTACT: Media Relations (Property), Sherif Marei, Director of Sales

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