SALALAH, the green oasis of the Middle East, has always been a popular choice for GCC residents and nationals during the summer months. The destination attracts visitors seeking the chance to experience the summer monsoon, ‘khareef’ which brings out lush greenery while the rest of the region is hot and humid.
Waterfalls in the middle of the desert, giant canyons filled with flowers, birds and thousands of camels are just some of the attractions. Visitors can also follow the frankincense trail, visit the heritage sites including the tomb of Bin Ali or explore some of the many dive sites.
The area’s growing popularity is evident with the opening of the new Salalah Marriott Resort, the first Marriott hotel in the sultanate. The property is situated on the white sandy beaches of Mirbat Cove and at the foot of Jebel Samhan and is part of the prestigious Mirbat Beach project.
The secluded hotel features 237 well-appointed rooms offering views of the scenic beach or mountains. With king and twin rooms as well as spacious suites available, the resort is ideal for families looking for tranquillity. The resort also offers a choice of studio, one and two-bedroom chalets – scheduled to open this month. The executive guest rooms and suites feature high-definition flat-screen TVs along with high-speed internet access and Marriott’s renowned bed and bath linen.
Dining facilities include Sumhuram all-day restaurant, the Cove English Pub, which boasts its popular fried cheese-cake, the Dhofar Piano Lounge at the lobby level and the Wharf Pool Bar.
Also opened earlier this month were the Al Dana seafood restaurant, serving fresh seafood and produce from the local area, the Mirbat Arabic Café and the Havana cigar lounge, are also opening this month.
The Darbat Executive Lounge which opens later this month will be available for guests staying in executive rooms or suites offering complimentary snacks, drinks and refreshments.
Recreational amenities include a 2,000-sq-m swimming pool, the largest in Oman with a swim-up juice bar, private beach access, a separate pool and playground area for children, on-site diving and snorkelling facilities as well as the Frankincense SPA by Chivana.
The resort also houses a retail outlet selling local handicrafts, made by Omani women, and has plans to open a salon in the near future.
According to Germinal Garcia, general manager: “The resort offers guests a complete holiday experience with Marriott’s comfort in an unmatched natural landscape.”
While still in its teething stages, the hotel is already popular among Omanis over the weekends (which stretch from Wednesday to Friday) with occupancies ranging between 70 and 80 per cent.
The resort is offering special rates this Ramadan at OR30 ($78) ++ for a single as double on room only basis, OR40 ++ for a single as double inclusive of breakfast or late night Suhoor and OR50 ++ for a single as double inclusive of Iftar.