A sophisticated and serene beachfront resort awaits visitors to Oman in the form of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Upon arrival into Salalah, Oman, it's immediately evident that everyone knows everyone — it would turn out that our first port of call, the hotel chauffeur, is related to multiple people we'd later run into while exploring the city. As such, Al Baleed Resort Salalah has an informal, easy-going vibe that quickly becomes infectious — where top-tier opulence and relaxation seamlessly go hand-in-hand.
The capital of the Dhofar region, Salalah is an intimate and subtropical town that owes much of its character to Oman's former territories in East Africa. And amid the coconut-fringed beaches and plantations of bananas lies the spectacular Anantara property — complete with an infinity pool, 250-metre long private beach, and a multitude of watersports on offer, from snorkelling and paddleboarding to surfing and dolphin watching.
As such, it's unsurprisingly popular with the region's cosmopolitan visitors, as well as the local expatriate community. However it remains important to the local population, as well as the beautiful resort itself, that guests are able to experience and celebrate the region's cultural treasures. After all, majestic and historical structures dominate the ancient port town's coast, which is littered with age-old archaeological ruins. Anantara recommends guests fully immerse themselves into the local culture with the help of the hotel's talented 'Guru', Hussain Balhaf, who gives tours around the various notable heritage sites, from Al Baleed Archaeological Park to the Land of Frankincense Museum. Salalah's 200-year-old frankincense trees provide a precious spice that was once considered more valuable than gold. Renowned for its healing qualitites, it is used in many of the resort's exclusive spa rituals, which are best experienced before wandering the property's tranquil garden walkways that are lined with tinkling water features. With some 136 rooms, villas and pool villas on offer, there's plenty to choose from depending on your personal needs and requirements, while the three on-site restaurants serve some of the best Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine in Salalah. Our favourite: Mekong boasts a serene al fresco terrace that overlooks a lagoon brimming with flamingos, which is perfectly lit at night with shimmering lanterns.
