Salalah
Salalah is the second largest city in Oman and is the capital of the southern Omani province of Dhofar. It sits majestically beside a coast of paradise sand and sleepy topaz sea, surrounded also by tropical embellishments of coconut groves and banana plantations.
Even the wildlife is striking, with leopards and hyenas roaming certain areas, and the skies being a favourite with birdwatchers. It is unsurprising that such an exotic place should also be the birthplace of the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said al Said. The environment is a perfect blend of relaxing landscapes, bordered with lush green countryside that glows vibrantly in the yearly monsoon, otherwise known as khareef. This relieves the area from the neighbouring desert heat, and offers a comfortable climate through the summer months.
Due to its abundance of frankincense trees and blossoming fruits and flowers Salalah has also become known as the perfume capital of Arabia amongst tourists, the local shops enticing customers with the many different alluring fragrances. This is not all that the city offers though, with historical sites providing an element of the traditional to an otherwise luxurious and cosmopolitan scene.
There is Nabi Ayoub’s Tomb, the Marneef cave, the museum of Salalah and the Frankincense Trail, which allows visitors to explore an iconic aspect of the cities identity, seeing the ancient trade route and the remains of the caravan oasis and trading ports. Water-sports such as scuba diving are also popular due to the magnificent coast that snakes Salalah, while the city is animated with bars and restaurants that effervesce with excited chatter, music and warm lighting as night falls.
Your senses will be in a constant dream like state here, immersed in glamorous nature and kind hearted culture.