Vacations are about doing something new,  and switching up your routine. This year we’re up for something completely different than our annual summer beach vacation. While we love chilling on white sandy beaches and enjoying the sound of lapping waves we are always ready to get out of our comfort zone to avoid the dreaded holiday ennui, so we’re skipping summer and heading for our favorite season, fall. 

Every year from late June to the end of September, the Dhofar Province in Oman undergoes an amazing transformation known locally as “Khareef.” A colloquial term meaning ‘fall’ in Arabic, Khareef refers to a fascinating weather pattern in which the coastal fringe of Dhofar experiences a run-in with the Indian Ocean’s monsoon season.

The weather is much cooler with temperatures rarely rising above 27°C. But it’s not just about escaping the heat, the vibe changes, and the locals consider it to be the best time of the year.

This is true, especially for tourists like us, who stepped onto the plane in Kuwait where the sun is scorching. Once at Salalah, the air is balmy, and the weather will surprise you with periods of drizzling and rain along with mist and fog. The Dhofar Province makes up almost a third of Oman’s land area and boasts an impressive and diverse biosphere. Hundreds of kilometers of coastline seamlessly blend into mountains and deserts.

With mountains reaching up to 1,500 meters and an abundance of rain in Khareef, you will be amazed by the waterfalls cascading down and forming giant pools of turquoise water.

You will marvel at the thick, lush, vibrant green vegetation blanketing the landscape as far as the eye can see. It is no surprise then that the city of Salalah has been named the 2019 Capital of Arab Summer resorts by The Arab Tourism Organisation.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara matches nature’s gift of beauty with luxury and class for an unforgettable stay. The architecture was inspired by ancient coastal villages and reflects Oman’s heritage and history. Carved wooden doors, white-washed buildings and traditional flat roofs are just some of the elements that pay homage to the rich culture.

Guests will love staying in one of the 88 private pool villas featuring one or two bedrooms. The resort even has a Royal Beach Villa offering three bedrooms, prime ocean views, a large terrace and a 40 sqm private pool.

Travelling with young children can be challenging but the resort takes care of the little ones for you. A dedicated kids club provides a safe and creative environment for imaginations to run wild. Engaging activities such as movie nights, treasure hunts and cookery classes will keep them occupied and happy. The teens club is the perfect space for young adults to socialize whilst playing the latest game consoles, table tennis, air hockey and billiards.

Chilling at the resort all day is tempting, but Khareef in Salalah is the perfect time to visit the verdant mountains. The wildlife is diverse and interesting, the scenery is spectacular and the adventure is unending. For visitors who want more, the annual Khareef Festival, which runs from mid-July to August, celebrates the monsoon season with an array of concerts, traditional performances and cultural displays.

To catch the best sites, book a tour at the hotel or with the Salalah Guru for a private, tailored excursion. As lifetime locals, these guides know where all the action is and are ready to impart their knowledge with genuine passion and expert flair.

After you have tired yourself out with all the fun outdoor activities head to the Anantara Spa. Along with five treatment rooms and separate male and female wet areas, the spa features the only luxury hammam in Salalah. The Frankincense Ritual is a must-try, proven to rejuvenate skin, the region’s most famous ingredient is used in a unique massage experience. Two therapists perform four, hand-synchronized, massage techniques over the entire body. 

A vacation isn’t complete without experiencing local cuisine and Oman’s history as a trading nation has helped shape its eclectic approach to food. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is home to three restaurants which offer guests the very best of local and international cuisine served with the warm Omani hospitality. 

Sakalan, or ‘The Land of Frankincense’ is an all-day dining restaurant, with open kitchens and theme night buffets serving an array of cuisines from near and far. Enjoy global dishes from authentic Arabic to fiery Indian and contemporary Western, all set by the infinity pool. The resort’s signature restaurant, Mekong specializes in South East Asian cuisine.

The relaxed beachside dining restaurant Al Mina, ‘The Port’ in Arabic, is a wonderful journey into the Mediterranean’s zesty flavors. Whether you are looking for a romantic spot or a more relaxed terrace dinner with shisha, there is a restaurant and experience for you.

Alternatively, for a fully immersive experience try the Khareef picnics. The resort offers a fantastic picnic menu, which includes dishes that can be packed and taken away when you go on excursions. The staff will pack all of your needs including a cool box, utensils and rugs to make your meal as comfortable as possible.

There are so many scenic locations in parks, wadis and near the waterfalls that would make a perfect backdrop for an outdoor lunch. You can even rent chairs, shades and other equipment if you want to go all out.

If you desire extra privacy, then order in from the extensive in-room dining menu and enjoy your meal in your villa’s large family majlis or al fresco on your villa’s private pool terrace. Anantara’s signature Dining by Design is another option offering connoisseur menus and butler service.

After falling in love with the resorts expertly created meals, sign up for the ‘Spice Spoons’ experience where you can discover the secrets of cooking Thai or Arabic cuisine so you can recreate your favorite dishes at home. 

It’s now easier and faster to get to Salalah, starting July 3rd, Salam Air is offering a direct flight from Kuwait. Perfect timing since right now, the resort is offering vacationers 25% savings on their stay in a villa as part of their “Let it Rain Khareef Package” which includes a daily buffet breakfast and daily buffet or à la carte for dinner for two at the restaurant of your choice.

Guests will also receive 25% savings on spa treatments. The package is valid for stays between the 26th of July and the 7th September 2019 and rates start from KWD 142.

Escape summer this year at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. To book a reservation visit the website or call +968 23228222. For a sneak peek on what your vacation will look like and updates follow them on Instagram @anantarasalalah.