Discovering Salalah Oman

Amy Lever, Reservations Consultant, describes Salalah, the second city after the capital Muscat, as a destination that immediately captured her heart. Located in the southern Dhofar region, she found Salalah refreshingly different from typical Middle Eastern destinations.

amy from beachcomber tours

By Amy Lever

Landing in Salalah was a delight. Our first stop was a shop where we sampled local fruits and produce. There was a vast array of exotic fruits, and although I’m usually not a fan of coconut, after the flights it was refreshingly delicious, the perfect welcome to Oman!

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Our first hotel stop was Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, set between a private beach and a freshwater lagoon. It’s the first and only pool villa resort in Salalah, and wow, the beach here stole the show for me.

The resort offers an impressive range of activities. Guests can enjoy water sports, yoga, tennis, cookery and mixology classes, and there’s also a kids and teens club. I was especially intrigued by the hammam, Salalah’s first, though unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to try the treatments this time a perfect reason to return!

Alila Hinu Bay Adventures

Our final stop in Salalah was Alila Hinu Bay, on the southwest coast. Set over 45 hectares of untouched beachfront with a dramatic rocky backdrop, this resort is the definition of natural beauty. My favourite part? The wide variety of activities available to guests.

We started our morning with an 8am kayaking session at the lagoon. I admit I was a little nervous at first, but once I settled into the kayak, all my fears melted away. Paddling gently, I soaked in the spectacular scenery as flamingos bobbed gracefully on the horizon against an unsullied sky. It was exhilarating, magical, and the perfect way to begin the day.

Next up was mountain biking, and this was definitely not for the faint-hearted. Off-road and on, we explored jagged rocks and undulating hills. I was so absorbed in the scenery and the thrill of the ride that I didn’t even notice my helmet was a little crooked – proof of how completely immersed I was in the experience.

Finally, we rounded off the morning with a mixology class. Who would have thought camel milk could taste so good? Watching everyone experiment with ingredients and the shaker was a lot of fun, and sampling our creations was the perfect reward after such an action-packed morning.

My short stay in Salalah was nothing short of magical. The combination of lush landscapes, pristine beaches, adventurous activities, and warm Omani hospitality makes it a wonderful addition to any Oman itinerary. Whether you’re exploring mountains, cycling along the coast, or relaxing by the sea, Salalah offers a glimpse of Oman that is truly enchanting.

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