Famed for the riches of its frankincense groves, coconut-fringed beaches and spectacular ancient landscapes, Salalah, on the southern coast of Dhofar offers intrepid travellers an emerging destination of breathtaking natural beauty.
(TRAVPR.COM) OMAN - June 20th, 2017 - March 2017: Famed for the riches of its frankincense groves, coconut-fringed beaches and spectacular ancient landscapes, Salalah, on the southern coast of Dhofar offers intrepid travellers an emerging destination of breathtaking natural beauty. One of the recently opened five-star hotels in Salalah, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara brings a new level of luxury and refinement to the region, providing discerning guests with an elegant base from which to discover one of Arabia’s best-kept secrets.
While visitors flock during khareef, the region’s period of intense rainfall that transforms the coast and mountain into tropical jungle, Salalah remains relatively undiscovered throughout the remainder of the year. However, with historic forts and citadels, endless dunes, untouched beaches and vibrant bazaars, and just a short flight from Dubai, this spellbinding Omani enclave is a year-round destination that takes guests on a colourful journey intertwined with history and legend.
Having grown up in a nearby village, the Salalah Guru at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has unsurpassed knowledge of the area, giving guests an authentic taste of local life and putting travellers in touch with the surrounding culture, history and landscape. With his assistance, the secrets of the land can be unearthed with a tailor-made itinerary, providing countless stories and the perfect holiday escape for friends and family alike.
Blissful Beaches & Fertile Waters
With miles of dramatic coastline, a multitude of deserted ‘Robin Crusoe’ style beaches await, ensuring Salalah is a must-see on any beach lover’s bucket list. Reached via a steep winding road, the picture-perfect Al Fazayeh Beach is a serene refuge strewn with large granite boulders and sheer cliffs, contrasted by power white sand and cobalt blue waters, with just the odd pod of humpback dolphins or fishing hut for company. Meanwhile, Mughsail Beach is a long stretch of beautiful sand backed by the rugged limestone mass of the Jebel Al Qamar plunging into the sea, with nearby blowholes spitting and hissing as the tidal waters swell into the cliffs cracks below. At Taqah Beach, travellers 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 to celebrate the local livelihood with net making and fish catching competitions alongside music, dancing and traditional food.
Spectacular Landscapes
A place where the only traffic to be found is a caravan of camels wondering across the road, Salalah is the perfect place to get off the beaten track and witness hypnotising landscapes and towering sand dunes. Intrepid travellers can venture into the mountains to spot wildlife including gazelles and striped hyenas, whilst birdwatchers can witness vast flocks of flamingos, herons and egrets. Wadi Darbat offers excellent trekking as it carves its way through the hills, whilst Tawi Atayr (Well of the Birds) and the Taiq Sinkhole are also destinations to tick off the list, the first showing off various dramatic sinkholes that dot the porous limestone of the Salalah mountains, the second, even more impressive, is the world’s third largest sinkhole. Those looking to venture further afield can take a trip to the awe-inspiring Empty Quarter, one of the world’s largest deserts, to camp under the stars and immerse themselves into traditional Bedouin life.
The Frankincense Trail
Home to the revered frankincense tree, the cause for celebration, revelation and trade for millennia, Salalah has 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, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, not only is it used in medical practice, its fragrant scent pervades every shop, alley and mosque, with guests able to pick up bags to take home. The story is best told in the Land of Frankincense Museum, located adjacent to the resort, where guests can see an impressive collection of artifacts from all stages of Arabian settlement. Also neighbouring the resort is Al Baleed Archaeological Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient ruins belonging to the 12th century trading port of Zafar. Guests can pay a visit and wonder through the site, before heading out to explore other historical gems including the 19th century Taqah Castle and the Mirbat Fort. Those who would rather shop can visit the chaotic souks to get a authentic taste of local life and browse a treasure trove of Omani art and cultural curios whilst soaking in the heady aroma of frankincense.
After days uncovering the secrets of Salalah, guests can retreat to the luxurious surroundings of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and relax in their villa complete with private pool, the first of their kind in Salalah. Inspired by the traditional villages of Dhofar, the resort reflects traditional Omani design whilst incorporating modern and contemporary elements to deliver a stunning retreat by the Arabian Sea. Days can be passed by strolling along empty white-sand beaches, indulging in locally inspired treatments at the acclaimed Anantara Spa, indulging in culinary delights at a choice of three restaurants, or taking part in one of the many watersports on offer.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit: http://salalah.anantara.com/
Editor’s Notes:
About Anantara:
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.
From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise, currently boasting over 35 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar and Oman, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.
For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.
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