Dar Tantora The House Hotel: A Historic Eco-Retreat in AlUla

Located in the heart of AlUla Old Town, Dar Tantora The House Hotel offers a rare blend of history, culture, and sustainable luxury. Operated by Kerten Hospitality and designed by Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy, this boutique eco-community features 30 rooms thoughtfully integrated within a network of 12th-century mudbrick and stone buildings, surrounding an ancient 10th-century fortress.

The hotel’s design honors the traditional architectural methods and materials used in AlUla Old Town’s 900 surviving houses. Situated at the southern edge of this heritage site, the project revitalizes several original structures, converting them into elegant, multi-level accommodations that preserve the authentic character of the town while offering modern comfort.

AlUla itself is a historically significant region in Northwest Arabia, inhabited for over 7,000 years and known as a key hub along the ancient Incense Road trade route. During the Islamic era, AlUla Old Town was developed as a new city center, located near a lush oasis surrounded by wells, which provided respite for pilgrims traveling to Mecca.

Dar Tantora’s offerings include 30 earth-clad suites, an infinity pool, a gym, yoga and meditation studios, a spa, and a restaurant. The hotel is a pioneering example of low-impact sustainable hospitality. Built using traditional construction techniques, it incorporates original irrigation and ventilation systems that reduce energy consumption. Lighting is primarily by candlelight, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Fahmy’s team collaborated closely with Dr. Mounir Neamatalla, founder of Environmental Quality International (EQI), to ensure the project’s ecological integrity.

Fahmy, a Harvard Fellow and one of Phaidon’s architects shaping the future of Arab architecture, worked with skilled local craftsmen and restoration experts to preserve key historical features. These include the mudbrick walls, stonework, windows, and colorful murals that adorn the buildings. The murals are of particular cultural importance—they were traditionally painted as wedding gifts to newlywed couples and depict local flora, fauna, household items, festive traditions, calligraphy, and symbolic patterns celebrating abundance and happiness. Using natural pigments, the team restored these artworks, reviving a centuries-old community practice.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, JOONTOS, embraces a farm-to-table philosophy by sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers. Through close partnerships and an agricultural training program, JOONTOS supports growers cultivating a diverse range of produce including citrus fruits, dates, mangoes, pomegranates, and root vegetables. The kitchen operates with a zero-waste policy, further emphasizing the hotel’s environmental values.

Dar Tantora takes its name and design inspiration from the traditional “Tantora” sundial, located at the property’s entrance. This sundial has for centuries been central to life in AlUla Old Town, marking time and guiding agricultural activities based on sunlight and seasonal changes. This concept shapes the hotel’s design, influencing temperature regulation and the flow of natural light.

The rooms reflect the traditional layout of Old Town homes, with bedrooms on the upper floors and living or working spaces below. Terraces, rooftops, and the infinity pool offer stunning views of the surrounding oasis and desert landscape, perfect for stargazing or enjoying sunrises.

Cultural heritage is woven throughout the guest experience. The nearby Madrasat Addeera school, which trains students in traditional arts adapted for modern contexts, exhibits student work at the hotel. Installations curated by Creative Dialogue and pieces by artist Gregory Chatonsky feature “Sadu,” a Bedouin embroidery technique using handwoven camel hair dyed in geometric patterns.

Many staff members have deep roots in AlUla Old Town, having lived there until the 1980s. For example, the hotel’s baker grew up in one of the mudbrick houses where family life happened upstairs and livestock were kept below. Her personal stories connect guests with the living history of the place.

The hotel also celebrates local traditions such as the annual Tantora Celebration, held every December 21st to mark winter’s arrival. This community festival features traditional music, dance, and feasting, preserving a centuries-old seasonal ritual.

Located within walking distance of AlUla’s Incense Road Market, AlJadidah Arts District, and Oasis, Dar Tantora offers convenient access to local boutiques, galleries, and restaurants including Tawlat Fayza, Suhail, Somewhere, and Heart of the Oasis. These venues provide a range of local and international culinary experiences set against AlUla’s unique historic backdrop.

Visitors seeking deeper exploration can book tours with Rawis—local guides who share stories and history of nearby archaeological treasures like Hegra, Dadan, and Jabal Ikmah. Throughout the year, AlUla hosts numerous events including the Winter at Tantora Festival, AlUla Arts Festival, Azimuth music event, AlUla Skies Festival, Wellness Festival, and Ancient Kingdoms Festival.

Dar Tantora The House Hotel offers guests a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience sustainable luxury intertwined with the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of one of Arabia’s most remarkable destinations.