The MICHELIN award highlights Kerten Hospitality’s philosophy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences rooted in culture, community, and the power of place
AlUla – Dar Tantora The House Hotel, the heritage-led property by Kerten Hospitality in the heart of AlUla Old Town, has been awarded One MICHELIN Key in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection for exceptional hospitality, design, personality and guest experience.
For Kerten Hospitality, this represents more than simply an international accolade for a single property. It is a reflection of the group’s wider philosophy: That the future of hospitality lies in creating places with a strong sense of identity, where culture, community, creativity, wellbeing and human connection are embedded into the experience, rather than added as an afterthought.
Founded on the principle of creating hospitality that is bespoke at scale, Kerten Hospitality operates a growing portfolio of hotels, residences, restaurants and lifestyle concepts across the Middle East, Europe and beyond. Each is designed to respond to its surroundings, bringing together local stories, people, creativity and contemporary hospitality to create experiences that could not simply be replicated somewhere else, with Dar Tantora The House Hotel a powerful example of this.
Located in the heart of AlUla Old Town, the property brings heritage architecture, contemporary hospitality and local culture together within a living destination. Its 30 restored mudbrick Dars, art programme, culinary experiences, collaborations and connections with local artisans and communities reflect Kerten Hospitality’s belief that place should be the starting point for hospitality, not simply the backdrop.
Alongside numerous other international awards, Dar Tantora The House Hotel’s signature restaurant, Joontos, was recognised in the Michelin Guide 2025 with the prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction for offering exceptional cuisine that seamlessly blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean/Spanish fusion cuisine using local ingredients sourced directly from the oasis.
“Receiving the Michelin Key is incredibly meaningful because it reflects what we are building at Kerten Hospitality,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. “We have never believed in hospitality that wants to replicate beautiful hotels in new destinations, for us, it is about truly understanding and acknowledging a place with authentic, sustainable and meangingful guest engagement and thoughtful storytelling.
“Our ambition is to create hospitality that has a soul, that gives people a reason to connect with a destination, and provides something unique for the communities and creative ecosystems around it,” she added.
