This is camping with a difference
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in southern Oman has unveiled its new Luxe Mobile Camping Adventures. In collaboration with travel specialist, Oman Expeditions, this new offering is the first bespoke luxury mobile camping experience to take guests across the diverse terrain of the Dhofar province from the mountains to the desert to the sea.
Set between a stay at the beachside resort in Salalah, the new mobile camping adventures offer tailored itineraries of varying lengths. Activities and camp locations allow guests to discover star-studded skies, deserts, mountains and long empty beaches.
Drawing on the country knowledge and experience of Oman Expedition’s founder Sean Nelson, these new experiences weave in the traditional heritage and natural environment of the region to create rare and memorable expeditions for resort guests while continuing to provide luxury and comfort.
A former officer in the British Royal Marines and Royal Army of Oman's Desert Regiment, Nelson has been nominated annually for the Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist for Oman since 2012. He is known for his varied experience of the country. Before setting up Oman Expeditions, Nelson founded Hud Hud Travels in 2006, Oman's northern based provider of professionally run private luxury camps and events.
Travelling via luxury 4x4 vehicles, a sample itinerary would include two nights camping with three days of various activities. Guests may choose to venture into the most remote parts of the world’s largest sand desert to find peace and solitude amidst dunes reaching up to 200m in the Empty Quarter. For a seaside option, guests can camp on a stretch of secluded beach along the Dhofar coastline where they will encounter an array of wildlife including spinner dolphins, green turtles and coastal bird life as well as swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water 30m from their tent. In the foothills of the Dhofar mountains, guests can take a trek with camels along the same ancient frankincense trading routes that these animals have been following for more than 2000 years.
In addition to exploring some of the most intriguing, scenic and historically significant spots in the region, Oman Expeditions can arrange specially themed trips drawing upon a network of experts ranging from Oman’s leading whale and dolphin expert to anthropologists, geologists, archaeologists, astronomers and ornithologists.
Oman Expeditions also brings together Dhofar's top local contacts from guides, drivers and chefs to camel herders, artisans and religious scholars to ensure clients have an enriching and authentic experience. In addition, expeditions are accompanied by members of the Mahrah, a tribe who have travelled along frankincense trading routes with their camels since the time of the Queen of Sheba.
After the day’s excursions, guests retire to a luxury camp. Made up of semi-permanent structures, the camp is mobile thus allowing guests to spend nights in some of the most unique and remote locations. Each tent has a private tented bathroom with showers open to the skies, comfortable mattresses, cotton sheets, Arabian rugs, candles and oil lamps. The chefs prepare Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean dishes onsite using local ingredients. Dinner under the stars is served on a properly laid up table by a fire.
To book-end the mobile camping adventures, guests retreat to Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, the first and only five-star resort in Southern Oman with private pool villas. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this resort sits on a 250-metre beach and features an infinity pool along with three dining options and an Anantara Spa.
Luxe mobile camping adventures are offered from late September through April. Based on double occupancy, rates start from OMR 2820,($A10,928)which includes two nights in a One Bedroom Garden View Pool Villa with breakfast and dinner, as well as two nights all-inclusive luxe mobile camping.
For more information or to book, please visit salalah.anantara.com, email res.aabs@anantara.com, or phone +968 2322 8222.
