SEASONS CHANGE

For those of you eager to explore Oman’s Southern Dhofar region this summer, you’ll be thrilled to learn that the Khareef season from mid-June to mid-September in Salalah is one of the most breathtaking in The Middle East. So, deciding where to stay during your visit is imperative to making the most of your holiday; enter Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, a 5-star luxury resort with every comfort and convenience you could ask for.

KHAREEF SEASON
“Khareef,” a colloquial term meaning ‘autumn’ in Arabic, is when the rainy season comes to Salalah from June to September – bringing with it a beautiful blanket of green across the region. The fascinating weather pattern is not to be missed, and one of the best places from which to appreciate the beautiful scenery and intrepid activities is Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. An award-winning resort with five-star services that include the only private pool villas in Salalah, it’s the perfect choice as a base when visiting during the Khareef season. Not only is it one of the most luxurious hotels to stay at, but in comparison to the hot and humid summer days in Doha, a visit to Salalah is the perfect antidote with its pleasant climate and varied landscape of emerald green coastal plains and mountains. Led by the resort’s Salalah Guru, nature enthusiasts can venture into the verdant mountains and watch the region come to life with cascading waterfalls creating clear freshwater pools along with lush foliage and colourful wild flowers. Various wildlife, even camels, usually spotted near the sea can be found lazing in Salalah’s mountains – making the most of the cooler temperature.

LOCAL MEETS LUXURY
There are many reasons why Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara should be your choice of accommodation. The property draws on its local elements and surroundings, weaving Omani culture and Thai hospitality into its many soothing services, its remarkable décor and, of course, its rooms and villas. The resort has villas with or without pools, but our favourite would have to be the resort’s One-Bedroom Garden View Pool Villa. Here are just some of the great options, made to be enjoyed by couples, families, groups of friends and solo travellers all in search of an unforgettable Khareef adventure mixed with a little relaxation.

ONE BEDROOM VILLAS
No matter your preference of luxury, Anantara villas truly have it all. One can enjoy various views: the beach, lagoon, or a charming garden, which allows for complete privacy. Your spacious villa boasts unique comforts unrivalled amongst resorts in Oman. Lounge in tranquility, with your personal Villa Host on hand to take care of everything for you, including dining reservations and local excursions. Your villa interior features a large bedroom and separate majlis lounge. The grand bathroom features a huge rain shower and soaking tub. You can even access your outdoor private pool from the bathroom. Your villa exterior is without a doubt a secluded haven of indulgence and you cannot help but enjoy the refreshing climate that this season has to bring. Slip into your plunge pool and unwind, completely unseen, or drift into sleep on a poolside cabana. After a day out exploring all that the Khareef season has to offer, retreat to your villa for an al fresco meal on your private pool terrace. Then head indoors for a movie and a bubble bath drawn by your Villa Host. This stunning villa – perfect for a family of four – will make your Khareef holiday an unforgettable experience.

TWO BEDROOM GARDEN VIEW POOL VILLA
A generous retreat at this lush Salalah resort that blends the best of both worlds – quality time together and quiet spaces to cherish alone. Rise to a morning swim in your pool. Bask in your surroundings in the privacy of your courtyard. Gather for drinks served by your Villa Host in your lounge, then retire to en-suite havens. Accommodating up to four adults and two children, privacy is key as you get to pamper yourself with a private courtyard, private pool, two cabanas, sundeck and loungers, separate indoor lounge and two bedrooms, each with a luxurious bathroom.

THREE BEDROOM ROYAL BEACH VILLA
The royal villa boasts a prime position overlooking the Arabian Sea and lagoon. Step straight from your terrace on to a private white sand beach. Soak up the view of the mesmorising monsoon waves crashing ashore from your spacious terrace complete with 40sqm private pool. Share elegant meals together, taking full advantage of your beach villa’s indoor and outdoor dining areas, mini-kitchen and Villa Host service. Think ultimate sanctuary vibes and then times it by 100, as this 630sqm space comfortably accommodates six adults and three children.

THE SPA
Enter a world of indulgence at Anantara Spa, with Oman’s ancient beauty rituals, traditional Thai massage and the 5,000-yearold techniques of Ayurveda on offer. Discover hammam rituals that detoxify and soothe in the only luxury hammam in the region. Explore the healing properties of frankincense and pomegranate amongst other signature treatments that specialise in indegiounous ingredients, including coconut and banana. Talk about being at one with nature… it’s never smelled so yummy!

DINING DEFINED
Another great reason to make Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara your home during a trip to Salalah is down to one simple thing: food. A simple thing that this resort does exceptionally well. Indigenous ingredients, harvested from tropical plantations and the Arabian Sea allow visitors to explore exotic local specialities. And sample delights from East to West. Take a seat at one of these fabulous venues…

SAKALAN
Translating as ‘The Land of Frankincense’, Sakalan’s open kitchens and culinary stations dish up cuisines from near and far – served in the stylish dining room, or on the outside terrace beside the infinity pool. Breakfast is a brimming buffet of international favourites, healthy and exotic treats, live stations and bakery temptations. A la carte lunch dishes inspire a world of choice – from authentic Arabic dishes, to fiery Indian specials and contemporary western classics. New surprises excite at themed buffet dinners, as the resort’s chefs get creative with unique gourmet journeys.

MEKONG
The countries that border the Mekong River are renowned for their distinctive cuisines. Enjoy a voyage of discovery through Thailand, China and Vietnam – savouring age-old recipes and regional surprises. This is one of Anantara’s signature dining concepts that has grown popular at sister properties around the region too. We would highly recommend trying the Tom Yum Soup and tucking into the Mekong Sharing Platter!

AL MINA
Al Mina captures the vibrant Mediterranean in a relaxed ambience. Lunch on Italian, Greek and Spanish classics – each crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients and seafood catches. Choose your preferred spot – dining at a shoreline table, or lounging poolside. Evenings here feel fresh and sophisticated. Pair barbecue delights with a fine grape vintage. Unwind with shisha on a terrace under a blanket of stars. There’s also the famous Anantara tailored private service: Dining by Design, alongside cooking classes to tantalise your taste buds and teach you a few tips and tricks in the kitchen! Not to forget the resort’s Khareef Gourmet Picnics that they offer to guests who are spending the day looking at the many sites Oman has to offer. This comes with a choice of salads, sandwiches, mains and desserts. along with rental chairs, shades and carpets chairs, shades and carpets… and that is only the beginning. There truly is nothing Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara hasn’t thought of to amplify the experience of drinking in the spectacular scenery of Oman. ✤
GO: QATAR AIRWAYS WILL OPERATE DIRECT DAILY FLIGHTS FROM DOHA TO SALALAH THIS KHAREEF SEASON. VISIT WWW.QATARAIRWAYS.COM FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE INFORMATION