Feeling that an international staycation was on the cards, we took a trip over the border to Oman and were pleasantly surprised by the absolute tranquillity of Salallah’s Alila Hinu Bay.
The Alila Hinu Bay resort is an exceptional destination that seamlessly blends contemporary architectural style with exquisite Arabesque arched accents. Incorporating historical elements and embracing the awe-inspiring beauty of its cerulean blue shores of Oman’s southwest coast Dhofar region’s surroundings. It takes pride in actively supporting and celebrating the vibrant local culture, which has been a fundamental aspect of Alila’s identity, recognizing the importance of preserving and promoting the traditions, customs, and heritage of the surrounding community, like Frankincense harvesting.
Alila places significant emphasis on the concept of sustainability, which plays a vital role in the brand’s narrative. One aspect of this commitment is the attainment of EarthCheck certification, a testament to their dedication to environmentally-friendly practices. Through embracing initiatives just to name a couple, such as eliminating the use of plastic individual bottles and opting for glass water bottles instead and establishing on-site nurseries are simple yet impactful changes. And by cultivating, nurturing and protecting the natural environment demonstrates their commitment to sustainability.
While these sustainability measures may not be immediately apparent to guests as they leisurely lounge by the lap pools and take in the breathtaking views, they have seamlessly integrated these practices into the resort’s concealed infrastructure. This harmonious integration of sustainable practices adds a certain sense of satisfaction and inevitability to the overall guest experience, enhancing the enjoyment of the surroundings while fostering a positive impact on the environment.
Alila Hinu Bay offers a wealth of amenities and experiences for its guests. One of the highlights is the presence of two magnificent pools, each offering a unique ambiance. The primary pool, located near the renowned Sea Salt Restaurant, is an awe-inspiring infinity-edge pool that attracts guests from all corners of the hotel. It’s stunning design and breathtaking views create an atmosphere of tranquillity and luxury.
Nestled along a picturesque coastline, Alila Hinu Bay offers guests an extraordinary chance to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of the surrounding seascape. The hotel’s expansive stretch of shoreline presents abundant opportunities to indulge in the wonders of the coastal environment. Whether guests prefer leisurely strolls along the soft sandy shores, where they may even be fortunate enough to spot dolphins gracefully swimming nearby, or seek out a secluded haven to bask in the warm embrace of the sun, Alila Hinu Bay ensures a truly immersive and unforgettable experience by harnessing the natural splendour of its coastal setting.
Catering to culinary enthusiasts with its two exceptional restaurants; the Orchard Restaurant, with its tasteful design, is the perfect venue for an outstanding breakfast or dinner. Inspired by the Frankincense route, The Orchard offers an authentic culinary experience that takes you on a journey through the flavours of the past. The breakfast and dinner menu showcases dishes enjoyed by the Frankincense traders during their travels, immersing you in the rich history of the region.
Situated at the main pool, The Sea Salt restaurant specialises in serving Southeastern-focused cuisine for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy a delectable selection of dishes inspired by the vibrant flavours and culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. Providing guests with the option of indoor or outdoor dining. The outdoor dining area is particularly captivating, featuring an infinity pool and a spacious bar adorned with exquisite hanging glass blown ceiling lights, creating a mesmerising ambiance for a truly memorable dining experience. Both restaurants follow an à la carte approach to ensure minimal food waste and guarantee the highest quality of food. This allows guests to savour each dish and indulge in the culinary delights offered by the resort.
With Chef Ibrahim at the helm, he stands out for his exceptional service and genuine passion for culinary excellence. He surpasses expectations by customising dishes to suit individual tastes and even prepares off-menu creations upon request. This results in an amazing dining experience where guests can indulge in unique and personalised culinary delights. A standout feature of Alila Hinu Bay is its exceptional spa, housed in a separate standalone building. The spa provides a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with refreshing iced hibiscus tea, setting the tone for a truly indulgent experience. After their treatment, guests are offered fragrant frankincense tea, allowing them to savour the lingering sense of peace and complete their spa journey with a sense of well-being.
The staff at Alila Hinu Bay, especially Salah Uddin, the Camel Mixologist bartender and Rantnesh exemplified exceptional service with their creativity and friendly demeanour. What truly set Alila apart was the genuine personality displayed by every team member at the hotel. Their warmth and hospitality went beyond standard expectations, as they showed a sincere interest in ensuring guests had a memorable and enjoyable experience. This level of attentiveness added an extra touch of warmth and charm, enhancing the already exceptional service provided by every staff.
In addition, the hotel provides a range of captivating experiences for guests to enjoy. For instance, one can marvel at the breathtaking views from Jabal Samhan, overlooking the picturesque valley. Another remarkable attraction is Wadi Darbat, where enchanting waterfalls can be discovered even during the dry season. However, it is during the Khareef season, the monsoon period from July to the end of September, when the region transforms into a lush emerald paradise, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat of the Middle East. This period attracts both locals and visitors from the rest of the Middle East, making it a highly recommended destination.
Derived from Sanskrit, the name “Alila” translates to “surprise,” and it perfectly captures the enchanting and serene essence that awaits guests. The moment one steps foot into Alila Hinu Bay, they are greeted with a delightful surprise—a captivating beauty that exudes tranquillity and a sense of awe. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings truly charm and captivate all who have the pleasure of experiencing this hidden gem, and we highly recommend it for anyone looking for a short international holiday.
For more information or for reservations, visit www.alilahotels.com/hinubay
