Friday 19 / April / 2024
To offset urban stress, city dwellers are increasingly seeking anxiety-busting experiences, combining high-energy with complete relaxation. Leading the current trend is Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, which offers guests a wave of high adventure activities, followed by Zen-inspired pampering. With an array of on-site and off-site adventures available in Salalah, the team at the region’s first luxury pool villa resort is on hand to tailor active pursuits alongside a programme of chilled-out experiences for guests to enjoy the ultimate ‘Adrenaline & Zen’ experience.
Get Active
Whether maxing out on marine sports on Dhofar’s coconut-fringed coast or dune bashing through The Empty Quarter - at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara world-class facilities and year round activities are framed by natural beauty. Guests can fly across white-sand beaches on four-wheel ATVs or by horseback, on the legendary Arabian horses followed by parasailing along the stunning coastline. Meanwhile, the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Sea play host to aquatic adventures such as jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sports fishing, and diving with expert scuba instructors.
Those hoping to hike will love the guided walking tours accompanied by a local ‘Salalah Guru’ who can share his secrets on the surrounding culture, history, and landscape. Guests can get off the beaten track via foot or on 4x4 expeditions to discover hissing blowholes, dramatic sinkholes, and ancient villages, with intrepid travellers choosing to pay a visit to ‘The Lost City’ to camp under the stars and enjoy a traditional Omani barbecue.
Be Still
For those looking for some down time, the resort provides a multitude of options to replace adrenaline with some Zen. With everything from sunrise yoga classes to top-notch spa treatments, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is the perfect cure for frayed nerves. Tan-seekers can spend a restful day absorbing some serious vitamin D on the resort’s stunning beach, moving only to spot the occasional dolphin or swim in the crystal clear sea. For those wanting less sand with their sun worshiping, the resort also boasts a huge infinity pool along with 88 villas, each with its own private pool.
At the world-acclaimed Anantara Spa, a team of highly skilled therapists work away worry one treatment at a time. Drawing on the wellness traditions of Arabia, Thailand, and across Asia – guests can expect anything from an energy-releasing Thai massage to a replenishing wrap. Those seeking out the ultimate experience should give in to the resort’s signature ‘Frankincense Ritual’.
The 90-minute rebalancing sequence includes two therapists performing four hand synchronised massage techniques, harnessing the natural healing benefits of Frankincense, which is proven to reduce stress and depression as well as clear skin and slow the signs of ageing. As night falls, guests can wind down the day lounging on a comfy couch or relaxing rocker with a beverage and shisha whilst overlooking the shimmering sea at Al Mina Mediterranean restaurant or perhaps curl up on comfy chair with a bucket of popcorn and watch a movie with Cinema Under the Stars.
Meanwhile, the resort’s ‘Dining by Design’ experience allows couples to enjoy an intimate beach dinner surrounded by nothing but flickering candles, the perfect way to truly relax and catch-up. Scuba diving is available for confident swimmers and is subject to availability and weather conditions. Half day dives are priced at OMR60 whilst a course is available for OMR180. Dolphin watching boat trips are run by a third party operator and are priced at OMR20 of adults and OMR10 for children. Boat trips take place from 8am to 10am, 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm, and are subject to availability and weather conditions.
Fishing trips are priced from OMR150 for 4 people for four hours up to OMR500 for 6 people for up to 8 - 10 hours. Deep sea fishing is managed by a third party operator and is subject to availability and weather conditions. The Frankincense Ritual is performed by two technicians and lasts 90 minutes. The ritual includes frankincense infused welcome drink, a milk and Oriental spice foot cleansing ritual, a Frankincense synchonised massage and refreshments.
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