Salalah, OmanAl Baleed
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
Dhofari fortress resort
Al Baleed Salalah, Oman
Opened
2016
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Resort Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
AnantaraDhofari fortress resort
The property is modeled on southern Oman's coastal strongholds, sitting on the sand between a freshwater lagoon and the Arabian Sea.
“In front of the chic Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, a flour-white beach runs east to west for more miles than I can run.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 44-metre infinity pool and private beach flanked by water sports on the Arabian Sea.
Notable
Neighbouring the ancient frankincense ruins of the Al Baleed UNESCO archaeological site.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
The hotel itself is meant to recall an ancient fortress, but it’s a rather welcoming fortress, and its rooms combine locale-specific crafts and decoration with a generous helping of contemporary luxury.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Frankincense trees, coconut palms, and long stretches of white sand frame this coastal corner just outside central Salalah.
1 of 4
The rooms
Most villas have their own plunge pool and walled terrace. Beachfront villas open straight onto the sand.
The spa and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
Spa therapies use local Dhofari frankincense oil, and wooden fitness rigs sit outside on the sand.
The hammam
The Moroccan hammam sits under a domed honeycomb ceiling, and mosaic steam rooms flank the heated marble platform.
At the table
Mekong serves Southeast Asian dishes in a dark-timber dining room, and Al Mina plates Mediterranean seafood by the water.
How it began
The resort takes its name from its neighbour Al Baleed, once an ancient Silk Road trading post that exported Dhofari frankincense.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.