Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 16 February, 2016 12:14 pm |

Dhofar’s newest luxury hotel, Anantara Salalah - Al Baleed Resort, developed by a joint venture between Omran Hotels & Resorts & Musstir, one of Oman’s leading property developers and investors and the leading Governmental investment company developing tourism assets and infrastructure in Oman, is set to open this summer - just in time for the upcoming season known locally as ‘Khareef’, which brings cooler temperatures and lush greenery.  Welcoming guests with traditional Omani style, the resort, located between a natural lagoon and the beach, will be managed by Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas, the luxury hospitality brand renowned for offering indigenous experiences for modern travellers.

Carefully designed to reflect Dhofar’s rich heritage, the resort’s striking Dhofari design featuring intricate artistic details is inspired by the region’s iconic coastal fortresses and is surrounded by towering palms, magnificent trees, tropical gardens and lush water features.  With 136 guest rooms and studios as well as one, two and three bedroom pool villas – the first of their kind in Salalah and Oman - the resort is conveniently located just 10 km from the city centre and 15 km from the airport. 

One of the many highlights of the resort experience, the Anantara Spa will feature a hammam and will offer a range of Anantara’s signature spa treatments featuring local ingredients and techniques.  Guests can enjoy a range of activities from water sports to tennis, and the dedicated children’s and teens’ club will feature an outdoor splash area and the latest game console equipment as well as a host of fun and creative activities.  Culinary experiences range from a Middle Eastern beach bar to a signature Asian restaurant, showcasing cuisine from along the Mekong River. The new resort will offer direct access to the beach and is only a boat ride away across the lagoon from the city’s renowned Botanical Garden and the Al Baleed Museum of Frankincense.  The resort also puts guests in close proximity to the Al Baleed UNESCO archaeological sites, the Citadel, City Wall and Grand Mosque. 

James Hewitson, General Manager of Al Baleed Resort – Salalah by Anantara, said: “On behalf of the team at Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, it is a great honour to work with such visionary partners as Musstir and Omran and to be given the opportunity to open such a distinguished resort in a destination which is developing at such a strong pace. Salalah is a unique location - not just within Oman but for the whole of the GCC.  The Anantara brand has been built by drawing upon the expertise and heartfelt hospitality of our hosts in each destination – my team and I look forward to welcoming team members from the local region.” 

Mr Hewitson continued: “With Carillion, the building contractor, we have now agreed key delivery and opening dates and will commence this week our pre-opening recruitment and mobilisation of the training task force from Anantara. We are delighted with the cooperation we have received from the Ministry of Manpower who are assisting us in securing the right level of Omanis into the Hotel and are in discussions with Omran’s Tourism College to assist in our pre-opening training programmes.”  

“We are actively meeting with leading premium and luxury travel companies and will announce later this week rates and introductory offers as well as opening room rates for residents and citizens of Oman.”

In line with Anantara’s ongoing commitment to the local community in each of its destinations, the resort team’s goal is to provide long-term employment and development opportunities for residents of Dhofar.  

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy - Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Omran, said: “The opening of Al Baleed Resort – Salalah by Anantara is a major milestone for the region and reflects our commitment to developing the tourism sector to support the local economy on a long-term, sustainable basis.  Salalah is a very popular destination, known for having some of the best beaches in the GCC as well as a rich cultural heritage, and the opening of Al Baleed Resort – Salalah by Anantara puts Dhofar firmly on the map for international travellers.”

Dr. Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed Al Barwani – founder and Chairman of MB Group / Musstir, added: “This development of Al Baleed Resort – Salalah by Anantara is testament to the results which can be achieved through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) with the Government, which is the first of its kind in Oman for the real estate / hospitality sector. It is a learning experience, we are proud to herald the opening of the resort with our Government partners, Omran”