A new luxury resort in Dhofar is set to open this summer just in time for the upcoming Khareef season which brings cooler temperatures and lush greenery to the region in southern Oman.  

Anantara Salalah – Al Baleed Resort is jointly developed by Musstir, a leading property developer and investor, and Omran Hotels & Resorts, which is part of the government-owned Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran).

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 rooms and studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom pool villas – the first of their kind in Oman - the resort is just 10 km from the city centre and 15 km from the airport. 

It will have an Anantara Spa with a hammam and offer a range of treatments featuring local ingredients and techniques.  

Guests can enjoy a range of activities from water sports to tennis, and a children’s and teens’ club will feature an outdoor splash area and the latest game console equipment. 

Culinary experiences range from a Middle Eastern beach bar to a signature Asian restaurant, showcasing cuisine from along the Mekong River. 

The resort will offer direct access to the beach and is only a boat ride away across the lagoon from the city’s 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, says: “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.” 

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.  

Oman’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, who is also the Chairman of Omran, says: “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 known for having some of the best beaches in the GCC as well as a rich cultural heritage, and the opening of the resort puts Dhofar firmly on the map for international travellers.”

Dr Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed Al Barwani, the founder and Chairman of MB Group, which owns Musstir, adds: “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”

Omran is master developer of major tourism, heritage, urban and mixed-use projects, delivering some of nation’s most visionary and iconic destinations. 

Musstir is the property development arm of MB Group which currently employs more than 6,500 employees in 20 countries worldwide and has annual turnover in excess of $1 billion. Musstir’s focus is to develop high-end exclusive luxury real estate and hospitality with brands such as Cheval Blanc (Louis Vuitton Hotel Management), Anantara and Per Aquum (Minor Group).

Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand that currently boasting over 30 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE and Qatar, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.