Salalah, Oman 🇴🇲

They say the best time to visit Salalah is after the rains which are Jun-Aug, so the best time to go is probably Sep/Oct when you will see the area in lush greenery, we were still lucky enough to get to see some greenery but most of all the BEST beaches ever! 

Read on for more info and what to see and do here: 

Where we stayed;

📍Al baleed resort salalah by anantara

Our room was a Junior Suite room with direct access to the beach 🏝️👌🏻

Our stay was fab from start to finish, the hotel only has one main pool which is a stunning infinity pool but it’s a good size and wasn’t really that busy or crowded. The beach is outstanding and expansive with beautiful white sand. 

There are 3 main restaurants and a jazz lounge - we travelled during Ramadan and there were some restrictions with food and beverage so check before you travel to see if there are any religious holidays or celebrations which might impact your stay. For us, alcohol was only being served in one restaurant between 12-4pm and then only one other restaurant serving after sunset. You can also get alcohol in your room too. 

It has a great kids club, with lots to do including a water splash pad, an obstacle course & even computer games for the older children. There was regular afternoon activities at pool including arts, crafts and flying kites🪁

We flew from Sharjah airport and it was a seamless trip 

✈️ flight time is only 1hr 50mins 

You can also fly from Dubai with fly dubai but Air Arabia had better flight times and were also cheaper 👍🏻

Or from elsewhere in the UAE - from Abu Dhabi with Wizz Air or Oman Air.

International flights with BA, Oman Air, Emirates via Muscat or Dubai.

🚕 Taxi’s from the airport is a set 10 OMR charge and our lovely taxi driver offered to take us back for 5 OMR 😉. 

Anantara hotel is only a 20min ride from the airport.

Overall Anantara was a lovely hotel, with good food, friendly staff & great service. My only negative comment would be that food and beverage is on the expensive side, especially the mini bar! 😳 We paid 100AED/ £20 for a pack of cookies - absolutely shocking! 

Some example costs 

75 AED / £16 for a glass of wine

65 AED / £14 for a beer 

On Average 150 AED / £33 for a main meal 

45 AED / £10 for a side of fries 

Out and about in Salalah 

There are heaps of tours and things to see and do in Salalah, we did a dolphin watching tour and also a tour to Wadi Darbat which is an absolute must if you go! 

Other places to visit; 

• Taqa Castle, one of Dhofar’s most distinguished landmarks, built in the 19th century. And a drive through Taqa Town
• Taqa Beach and Cliff overlooking the beach
• Wadi Darbat and the seasonal waterfalls - cascade waterfall and Travertines. The valley has a canal where you can do kayaking or boating overlooking Jabal Al Qara / Dhofar Mountains
• Tawi Attair Sinkhole The Birds Well, is a unique place to visit.
• Jabal Samhan, which is the highest point in Dhofar region and is above 4000 feet. Clouds are below the view point.
• Wadi Hinna - where Baobab trees are located
• Ayn Hasheer - A seasonal waterfall with a small hike
• Anti Gravity point - where car drives uphill on neutral
• Sumharam Archeological site / Gallery, & Khor Rori. UNESCO world heritage sites for ancient frankincense trade route.
• Ayn Jarziz - the popular natural spring
• Ittin moutains on Jabal Qara - cave, a small trek and a great view of Salalah city from an altitude of over a thousand feet 
• Prophet Ayub (Prophet Job) Tomb and Spring - The prophet is mentioned in The Holy Quran and the Holy Bible 
• Titam Canyons - The mountain safari will continue to Titam 
• Frankinscene farm, a photo stop on the way to Mughsail 
• Mughsayl Beach - the famous white sand beach
• Blowholes at Marneef cave - Mughsayl Natural Fountains, the water jet from the blowholes vary according to the season. 
• Fazayah Beach - the pristine beaches with off road trek Masood Hidden Beach, is a Secret Beach in Salalah. You can see from the top view point in a photo stop.

If you are interested in booking some trips I can recommend a company & a great tour guide. 

We loved Salalah, it’s beautiful and we can’t wait to go back. 

Feel free to message me and ask any questions 😊