Located in the historical and culture-rich town of Mirbat in Salalah, Oman, ALILA HINU BAY offers unparalleled exclusivity and serenity for guests who want to immerse themselves in a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Ahhh, life these days… don’t you feel like we’re all just working tirelessly and letting days pass us by? A few unexpected challenges and a craving to escape the busy work life made me say ‘yes’ to a quick trip to Salalah, Oman, a place I had no prior knowledge about. It was one of the best decisions I have made this year because Alila Hinu Bay in Salalah surprised me immensely.
Travel time to Salalah in Oman from Riyadh is 2 hours and 25 minutes by plane. From Salalah International Airport, Alila Hinu Bay in Mirbat is another hour by land travel. The location is almost untouched – a real hidden gem. The tawny-colored sand and the rocky hills surrounding the resort give an otherworldly feeling; the landscape and seascape – wherever you look – are hauntingly beautiful. The resort is truly ‘away from it all’; it seamlessly marries nature and modernity with its architecture and aesthetic sensibility.
Sunshine kisses the terraces in the morning while the light dances off the waters of infinity pools at sundown. The edges of pools, including the private ones, overlook the dunes, the sea, or the lagoon; each view is peaceful and calming. Every room is well-curated and well-thought-out; over 60 sqm of space, plush beds and sofas, and a shower and bathtub. There are also villas with private pools that can accommodate 4-5 people. Both the rooms and villas open onto a deck with wonderful views. Alas, while we didn’t want to leave our room with a terrace sea view and its complete amenities, there are so many things to see and do outside the comfort of our rooms too.
Alila Hinu Bay has world-class restaurants raising the bar of dining experiences on this side of Oman. The Orchard is perfect for breakfast, with its laid-back atmosphere offering a buffet of breads, cheeses, and juices. Healthy options using natural, locally-sourced ingredients like their Almond Pancakes and Avocado Toast are delicious. Their outdoor setup overlooks the entire resort. Nearer to the lagoon, Sea Salt Restaurant comes highly recommended for its Southeast Asian flavors. It successfully replicates that moment of stepping onto the shore and filling the lungs with pure positive energy. Their Nasi Goreng, Beef Rendang, and Singaporean Prawns delighted our tastebuds. Cheers to their cocktails, too; don’t forget to try a couple of their mixes while enjoying the balmy weather and starlit skies.
A visit to Spa Alila, housed in one of the concrete buildings inside the resort, relaxed us immediately. A stream of water ending in a fountain welcomes guests into a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to indulgent pampering from head to toe. We were met by friendly and helpful therapists who gave us a memorable 90-minute massage using frankincense oil and techniques that restored our well-being (I might have dozed off because it was that good!). Their spa experiences are indulgent and customized according to your needs.
Alila Hinu Bay also offers different experiences that showcase the beauty of its location. From late June to early September, Salalah enjoys the Khareef season or autumn. This is the monsoon season when the region receives rain, and many falls and springs come alive with fresh water gushing from the mountains. Salalah becomes green, and its temperature makes it the perfect summer destination. And where is the best place to see this amazing nature transformation? In Wadi Darbat, of course. Alila Hinu Bay prepared a picnic for us in one of the scenic spots along the wadi (complete with a bar that served unique mocktails). The tropical ambiance was invigorating and energizing!
Back at the resort, we learned about the history and charms of Mirbat, including its frankincense trading. Frankincense, the aromatic crystalline resin harvested from the bark of the Boswellia sacra tree, grows in the rocky highlands of southeastern Arabia and is known for its healing and restorative properties. Oman has been known as the land of frankincense, producing the world’s highest quality of the aromatic resin, with the best found in the Dhofar region called “Hojari”. This is the inspiration behind OJAR, a perfume brand whose name comes from the world’s finest quality frankincense resin.
OJAR (ojarofficial.om) was founded by Sheikha Hind Bahwan, a widely-respected Omani personality who combined her passion for perfumery and her desire to pay homage to the rich heritage and culture of Oman. OJAR’s unisex fine perfumes fuse the fragrances of the East with the West. Their frankincense eau de parfums include Forgiven Outrage, Routes Nomades, and Eagle Eyed Stranger – scents that are as bold, intriguing, and unforgettable as their names. OJAR also uses other key ingredients directly from Oman: the rose of Jebel Akhdar and honey from Rustaq, along with sandalwood, oud, and musk.
From its dreamy location, well-thought-out rooms and villas, world-class restaurants, and nature immersions, Alila Hinu Bay truly is the secluded experience we are all looking for when we want some time off our usual schedule. It’s that one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience that you need right now.
Alila Hinu Bay
Mirbat, Salalah, Oman
Contact No.: +968 2337 3300
Website: https://www.alilahotels.com/hinubay
IG and Twitter: @alilahinubay
