YOUR SLICE OF HEAV EN
Need to escape it all for a few days of bliss? Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has the right mix of stay, play and leisure for an idyllic mini-vacation
Ask any UAE resident about their travel bucket list, and Salalah usually sits somewhere on the top. And for good reason – wadis dotted with frankincense trees, coconut palm-fringed beaches and a wealth of archaeological sites makes the city one of staggering natural beauty. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has just made it easier to take in the area’s charms, with a curated list for spending 48 blissful hours in Salalah. With the resort’s Extend the Fun package, you can explore the beauty of the Dhofar region from the luxury of a pool villa resort at best available rates including daily gourmet meals and (very) late checkout.
Nestled between a private beach and a freshwater lagoon, and bordering the historic Al Baleed Unesco archaeological site, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara offers everything from water and beach sports to boat trips that include fishing and dolphin watching. There are activities galore to keep you entertained: Sunrise yoga? Check. A safari where you can explore historic fishing life, castle towers and stone houses? Check. A magical movie night and dining experience under the stars? Check. An encounter with Wadi Darbat’s wildlife plus a stop at Sumhuram to see ancient ruins, including the Queen of Sheba’s Castle? Check, check, check.
The fun doesn’t stop whether you decide to stay inside the resort or explore the great outdoors. After a day out on an adventurous hike to Teiq cave, which sits atop one of the largest sinkholes in the world, and exploring the city and Omani heritage, head to Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara to luxuriate in spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, rain showers, walk-in dressing rooms and your own terrace or balcony. The onebedroom and two-bedroom pool villas are perfect for couples and families, with separate living areas as well as private temperaturecontrolled swimming pools. In the mood to splurge? Plump for the exclusive three-bedroom Royal Beach Pool Villa – a free floating space greets a shoreline terrace with an infinity sea panorama.
If you ever manage to get out of those comfy beds, the resort offers up a variety of thrills. You can go paddle boarding, play tennis, go kayaking, then flex some muscle in the kitchen and whip up a meal with the Spice Spoons Arabic or Asian cooking classes. The resort even has its own camels – on call for a ride along the beach!
Parents, unwind with a couple’s full-body massage without a worry about the kiddos – teens and kids are well cared for at the resort. The Alshirae Teens Club offers karaoke, painting classes, board games, table tennis, foosball, billiards and air hockey. There are also themed activities such as an underwater treasure hunt, movie night, pajama night, disco night and karaoke nights. For the younger ones, there’s the Al Bahhara Kids Club with trained staff and facilities including an outdoor area complete with a play set, sandpit, a children’s splash pool and mini-loungers.
All that activity is sure to build up quite an appetite. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has open kitchens at all-day dining restaurant Sakalan with flavours from around the world. For more specific flavours, there’s Asian restaurant Mekong with Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Then go for sundowners and barbecue delights at Mediterranean beach bar and restaurant Al Mina.
It’s the perfect end to a pictureperfect 48 hours.