Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara opened its doors last October 2016, in the Sultanate of Oman, bringing the luxury hospitality brand Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas to the stunning coastal location of Salalah in the southern province of Dhofar on the Arabian Sea.
Situated between a long, scenic beach and freshwater lagoon, bordering the historic Al Baleed UNESCO archaeological site, the resort introduces a new level of luxury and refinement to the region, allowing discerning guests to discover the unique charms of southern Oman. Conveniently located just 15 km from Salalah International Airport, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara sits within easy reach of an abundance of cultural treasures and thrilling escapades.
Famed for the riches of its wadis dotted with frankincense, coconut-fringed beaches, a wealth of archaeological sites and a profusion of tropical greenery during the summer monsoon season, Salalah offers intrepid travellers a unique destination of breathtaking natural beauty. Guarded by the Dhofar mountains and edged by the shimmering blue waters of the Arabian Sea, the resort has been designed with the simple grandeur of the region’s iconic coastal fortresses in mind. Striking and authentic architecture is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with walkways framed by 750 coconut palms and eye-catching water features to create an air of tranquillity and serenity.
The resort comprises 136 guest rooms and villas offering views of the ocean, lagoon or picturesque gardens. The 40 premier and deluxe rooms offer luxurious handcrafted furnishings and rich textures, whilst the eight one-bedroom villas and 88 one- and two-bedroom pool villas entice with personalised villa host services and separate living areas. The pool villas invite with private temperature-controlled swimming pools, the first of their kind in Salalah. Three exquisite dining venues showcase an array of vibrant cuisines. All-day dining restaurant Sakalan presents world flavours served by open kitchens, while South East Asian restaurant Mekong takes guests on a journey along the legendary river with vibrant Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.
Al Mina, a relaxed Mediterranean beach bar and restaurant serves well-crafted cocktails, barbecue delights and shisha. Rooted in Thai philosophy with influences from Arabia, the world-acclaimed Anantara Spa takes guests on a holistic journey, offering the only hammam in Salalah alongside rejuvenating treatments using indigenous ingredients such as pomegranate, coconut and frankincense. The resort also offers wellness programmes that are customised for each individual’s lifestyle with options including weight management, revitalisation, relaxation and de-stressing, detox, general wellbeing and rejuvenation that run over three, five or seven days. Guests also benefit from a state-of-the-art fitness centre, water sports centre, tennis court, beach volleyball court and stunning infinity pool.
A separate kids and teens club offers fun-filled activities, whilst the Safar Boardroom and Al Hosn Ballroom host business meetings, conferences and intimate weddings for up to 120 guests. During their stay, guests can enjoy an array of authentic experiences, from hiking up rocky cliffs to catching fish for dinner, saluting the sunset during a yoga session or simply slipping out of their beachfront villa into the ocean. Situated in the heart of the 6,000 year-old frankincense trail, there is plenty for those with a passion for culture and history to discover such as visiting ancient ruins and heritage sites or sauntering around a souk. Meanwhile an array of thrilling experiences allow guests to explore the fort-dotted mountains, rugged wadis and pristine beaches, with active travellers well served by diving, trekking, kite surfing and fishing.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara was developed by Musstir, the hospitality and property development company of MB Group in Oman, and its 50% local joint venture partner, Omran, the Sultanate’s master developer for tourism destinations and urban communities.