Go where others don’t go. See what others don’t see. Embark on journeys of adventure and discovery in the world’s most captivating destinations with Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, where once-in-a-lifetime experiences form the basis of every unforgettable trip. Abscond to a private island in turquoise Maldivian waters. Uncover the history of Mauritius. Follow in the footsteps of wise men in Oman. From journeys of discovery to journeys of serenity, Anantara invites you to immerse yourself in each of our destinations with our Signature Experiences.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara on the Frankincense Trail with the Salalah Guru
Known as the perfume capital of Arabia, the coastal town of Salalah in southern Oman is renowned for its production of the fragrant resin frankincense or as it is known locally, luban. Embark on a heady journey through ancient Wadi Dawkah, guided by Anantara’s Salalah Guru, who enchants guests with his unrivaled knowledge of the region and its rich history dating back thousands of years along ancient trading routes.
“Salalah has been famous for Frankincense since the time of the Silk Road when camel caravans criss-crossed the desert trading this commodity,” discloses Hussain Balhalf, the Salalah Guru. “The silvery clear color native to Salalah is recognized as the finest.” The first stop is to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Dawkah where thousands of frankincense trees make it the largest concentration of Boswellia sacra in Oman’s southern Dhofar province. Against a backdrop of spectacular scenery, the Salalah Guru teaches guests about the harvest process, where sap from these trees is collected April through July before the Khareef monsoon season begins.
Having learnt the intricacies of frankincense harvesting and its array of uses from fragrant burning to all manner of health-boosting beauty products, the journey continues to a local market where the Salalah Guru guides guests through vendors and advises on souvenirs to purchase.
Private half day guided frankincense tours with the Anantara Salalah Guru start from OMR 90.
https://www.anantara.com/en/al-baleed-salalah/experiences/salalah-guru-heritage-sites-tour
Whale Watching Experience at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is an ideal destination for marine adventurers. Equally as breath taking as the stunning ocean views offered along the 2,500km of Mozambique’s coastline are the extraordinary sights that lie just below the surface. Wildlife lovers can enjoy front row seats for the annual humpback whale migration between June and December.
The whale watching experience offers guests an opportunity to witness these majestic creatures as well as a chance to explore the turquoise Indian Ocean waters, spot dolphins and swim with sea turtles. Whale watching can be combined with dolphin watching, which is possible all year round. An excellent alternative to diving, dolphin watching gives guests the opportunity to go on an ocean safari and get up close with the creatures in their natural habitat.