Salalah, which lies on the southern coast of Dhofar is famous for a lot of things. Some of which include its coconut-fringed beaches, frankincense groves, and spectacular ancient landscapes. If on one fine day you decide to make headway towards Oman, then be prepared to discover and experience the breathtaking natural beauty of this emerging destination. Oman has come to be known as one of Arabia’s best kept secrets. And the recently opened five-star Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara promises a new level of luxury and refinement. I call it the elegant base from which you can discover the beautiful secrets of Oman from.

Making Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara your Oman Home Base

During Khareef, which is the region’s period of intense rainfall that transforms the coast and mountain into tropical jungle, visitors flock the area. When it’s all over, Salalah is left relatively undiscovered throughout the remainder of the year. However, with endless dunes, historic forts and citadels, untouched beaches and vibrant bazaars, this spellbinding Omani enclave is a year-round destination. It will take you on a colorful journey intertwined with legends and history; not forgetting that it’s just a very short flight from Dubai!

At Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, you’ll also find the Salalah guru, who grew up in a nearby village. He has unsurpassed knowledge of the area, and will happily give you a true taste of local life, as well as get you in touch with the surrounding history, culture, and landscape. With the Guru’s assistance, the secrets of Salalah can be unearthed with a tailor-made itinerary. This will provide countless stories making an Omani getaway the perfect holiday escape for family and friends.

Blissful Beaches and Fertile Cobalt Blue Waters

If you are a beach lover, then Salalah is a must see. The miles and miles of dramatic coastline, and multitude of deserted ‘Robin Crusoe’ style beaches are like a scene from a movie. The picture-perfect Al Fazayeh Beach is reached through a steep winding road, and is a serene refuge strewn with large granite boulders and sheer cliffs. These are contrasted by white sand and cobalt blue waters, with just the odd pod of humpback dolphins or fishing hut for company.

On the other hand, Mughsail Beach is a long stretch of beautiful sand backed by the rugged limestone mass of the Jebel Al Qamar plunging into the sea. There are nearby blowholes that spit and hiss as the tidal waters swell into the cliff’s cracks below. And at Taqah Beach, you can watch as villagers pull in nets full of sardines and leave them to dry under the scorching Arabian sun. Brimming with marlin, mahi-mahi and hammour, the waters of Dhofar are ideal for fishing, with a Sea Festival in Taqah every March. This celebrates the local livelihood, with net making and fish catching competitions alongside music, dancing and traditional food.

Spectacular Landscapes

So you know, the only traffic to be found in Salalah is a caravan of camels wondering across the road. This is why it is the perfect place to get off the beaten track and witness hypnotizing landscapes and towering sand dunes. You can venture out to the mountains to spot wildlife including gazelles and striped hyenas, whilst birdwatchers can witness vast flocks of flamingos, herons and egrets. If you are looking to venture further, you can take a trip to the Empty Quarter – one of the world’s largest deserts – and camp under the stars and immerse yourself into traditional Bedouin life. That’s if you need a break from the luxury of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

Frankincense Trail

Salalah is also home to the revered frankincense tree which has filled the area with an intriguing past steeped in myth and folklore. According to legend, the Queen of Sheba derived great wealth through trading frankincense from her coastal palace, Samhuram at Khor Rori, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This story is best told in the Land of Frankincense Museum, located adjacent to Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Here you will be able to see an impressive collection of artifacts from all stages of Arabian settlement. Neighboring Al Baleed Resort is Al Baleed Archaeological Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient ruins belonging to the 12th century trading port of Zafar.

Since it will take you days to uncover the secrets of Salalah, you will enjoy it more when you retreat to the luxurious surroundings of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Here you can relax in your villa, complete with a private pool, which is a first of its kind in Salalah.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is inspired by the traditional villages of Dhofar. The resort reflects traditional Omani design whilst incorporating modern and contemporary elements to give a better-than-expected retreat by the Arabian Sea.

xoxo