New beachfront resort to open by year-end at Salalah

Business Monday 29/March/2021 18:51 PM
By: Times News Service
New beachfront resort to open by year-end at Salalah

Muscat: Hyatt’s Middle East is looking forward to welcoming guests later this year to its new exclusive property, Alila Hinu Bay, a stunning beachfront resort on an endless bay and private beach in Mirbat, Salalah offering serenity and exclusivity.  

“Alila Hinu Bay will immerse guests within the local community and provide unique experiences to be cherished as memories long after their stay. Where possible, we will work with local suppliers and craftsmen to further embed the property within the region and deliver a continuum of benefits over time,” Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President Development for the Middle East and North Africa – Hyatt, said in an exclusive interview with Times of Oman. The hotel group has two additional properties in Oman, including Grand Hyatt Muscat and Alila Jabal Akhdar.

“Oman is and will continue to be an important market as part of Hyatt’s Middle East expansion plans, he said adding, “with unspoilt natural beauty and rich culture, the country has a lot to offer international tourists.  One of Hyatt’s primary goals is to grow with intent in places that matter most to travellers and it is evident that Oman is one such country that resonates with cultured and adventurous modern travellers.”

Regarding COVID-19 pandemic that hit the hotel industry badly how was the performance of the group in Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bouldoukian said, “Like most hotel brands, 2020 was a challenging year for Hyatt globally due to the many necessary COVID-19 restrictions that were enforced to curb the spread of the virus.”

“As we emerge from the pandemic in 2021, the GCC represents one of our stronger markets and we have seen a significant return to profitability in many of our properties across the region. The commendable government-led vaccination drives across the different GCC countries have permitted some of our properties to operate and remain open in a safe environment,” he added.

The group has seen a steady flow of guests from the domestic market, which has demonstrated great reliability in these unique circumstances.  The Oman border closure has inevitably created a challenge for us as we launch Alila Hinu Bay and strive to maintain a steady flow of visitors to our other properties Alila Jabal Akhdar and Grand Hyatt Muscat, however, once the situation alleviates we look forward to welcoming tourists again,” he said.

The group is looking forward to seeing a decrease in COVID-19 case numbers in the coming months and a return to a more buoyant tourist industry.

Despite the fact the Oman tourist industry has experienced a drop in visitors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Group is confident that the initiatives that have been put in place by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman to revitalise the industry such as the development of ancient houses, neighbourhoods and heritage sites will bring about positive change.

“When borders reopen and travel to the country becomes more accessible, we expect a steady and sustained flow of visitors to our hotels across Alila Hinu Bay, Alila Jabal Akhdar and Grand Hyatt Muscat,” he added.

Elaborating further about the new project coming up in Oman, Bouldoukian said, Alila Hinu Bay will be the second Alila property in Oman, following the success of Alila Jabal Akhdar in the Hajar Mountains.  The beautiful beachfront resort, designed in perfect harmony with the local landscape will comprise 112 rooms including 96 guestrooms and 16 pool villas.

The resort, set to open in later this year is distinguished by its commitment to sustainable tourism, offering guests an unparalleled experience of nature and wellness in perfect harmony with the local environment.

The resort will boast an impressive selection of facilities, amenities and activities including an Alila Spa.  Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the beauty of the natural environment through bespoke Alila Experiences and also engage in unique cultural programming experiences.

Three food and beverage concepts including Seasalt, The Orchard and The Lobby Lounge will provide guests with a variety of indulgent yet nourishing dining experiences utilising fresh, natural and locally sourced ingredients.