The idyllic beach resort, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara combines the brand’s renowned hospitality principles with the region’s characteristics to provide guests a getaway that is truly fascinating
Southern Dhofar has been one of the most favourite spots to get away from the scorching summer months for not just residents of Oman but even people in the region. Together with the lushness of the region, the acclaimed Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara adds unparalleled service and luxury making Salalah a destination to get away this summer.
Led by the resort’s Salalah Guru, nature enthusiasts can venture into the verdant mountains and watch the region come alive with wildlife such as ibex, gazelles and hyena, and vast flocks of flamingos, herons and egrets. Even camels, usually spotted near the sea, can be found lazing in Salalah’s mountains – making the most of the cooler change in climate.
To experience Khareef to the full, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara offers a range of activities including wadi bashing, hiking and 4×4 expeditions to discover ancient villages and encounter nomadic tribespeople. All day excursions can be accompanied by a bespoke gourmet picnic, with a ‘make your own’ menu prepared by the chefs, allowing guests the chance to dine in some of Salalah’s most spectacular spots. The picnic baskets include sandwiches, fruit, pastries and soft drinks, or guests have the opportunity to create their own picnic hamper choosing from a variety of Arabic and international dishes.
Proceed towards the east and encounter the fishing village of Taqqah, an old town with an historical castle surrounded by watchtowers and stone houses. From there, guests can continue inwards to Khori Rori creek, the site of the ruined city of Samhuram, and capital of the ancient Arabian frankincense trade. Guests shouldn’t miss Wadi Darbat Natural Park, complete with majestic views of waterfalls, lakes, mountain, caves and lush green vegetation. The region also becomes a frankincense fragrant paradise just in time for the city’s annual Khareef Festival, which involves six weeks of concerts, traditional performances and cultural displays.
Back at the resort, guests can refuel at Al Mina, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara’s alfresco restaurant set by the shoreline. During Khareef Season it will be transformed into an atmospheric Arabian restaurant with live music, Arabic dishes and shisha.
To add to the season and experience at the resort, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara launched a new wellness programme featuring a unique ‘a la carte’ concept. ‘Balance Wellness by Anantara’ is designed to offer a transformative travel experience in the heart of one of Oman’s most stunning destinations.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara allows guests to pursue their wellbeing goals in a serene, idyllic environment. Delivering wellness packages tailored to each guest, the programme kicks off with a consultation to ascertain the needs and goals of the individual. Depending on the length of the stay, guests can then choose from a wide array of healthy cuisine, as well as activities, and therapies to suit them based on guidance from trained experts.
“In line with our fundamental approach to customer service at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, we really wanted to provide a bespoke experience for our wellness guests,” said Virginia Cogliati, Director of Spa. “In addition, we have the unique offering of private pool villas in which guests seeking more solitude on their journey to wellbeing can enjoy activities and meals on their own personal pool terrace.”
Available in three, five or seven-day packages, the retreats include rejuvenating spa treatments, purification therapy and nutritious cuisine along with individual activity sessions such as yoga and hiking the beautiful mountainous coast of Salalah. Full board dining centered on nutrition is designed specially to encourage good health and fuel the body efficiently. Guests will also receive additional discounts on all spa and wellness treatments depending on the length of their stay.
Hoping to dispel the myth that health retreats mean boring meal times, the Balance Wellness by Anantara menu has been created by renowned Italian vegan chef Valeria Agnelutto. Designed to detoxify and energise the system while delivering maximum flavour, dishes include Italian pasta e fagioli and chickpea burgers with rosemary and parsley and veggie mayo. The three-course meals also include delicious starters such as avocado tartare with cucumber and dates and raw tiramisu for dessert. Each dish comes with a detailed nutritional breakdown and is accompanied by vitamin-packed raw juice.
A highlight of the wellness programme is experiencing Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara’s luxury hammam, the only one in the region. Drawing on centuries of Arabian wellness – the ancient ritual starts with a muscle-relaxing steam bath in preparation for a black soap cleansing and kessa mitt exfoliation to sweep impurities. Once steamed and scrubbed, a Moroccan Rhassoul treatment richly nourishes and rehydrates, leaving the skin silky soft. Other healing therapies include Kundalini massage and Shirodhara – a unique Ayuvedic therapy focusing on the head, to harmonize the entire body.
Khareef, luxury and wellness. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara ticks all the right boxes that complete the perfect summer holiday for us!
