WEEKEND If you want a:
Nature retreat Go to: SALALAH If, like us, you’re intrigued that it is possible to escape into a lush, green monsoon oasis from the sweltering heat here without going any further than neighbouring Oman, then the long weekend is the perfect opportunity to discover Salalah. Don’t be misled however – Oman is massive compared to the UAE, and this particular destination is a twohour flight (or 12-hour road trip) away. The main town in the Dhofar region, Salalah enjoys the annual monsoon that blesses the Indian subcontinent, and the Khareef, as it is known in this part of the world, is a huge tourist magnet.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO: If driving, the journey there will be an adventure in itself. And even if it seems long and a bit arduous, at the tail end you will be rewarded with the views of misty mountaintops, grazing cattle on lush, carpeted hillsides, and of course, lowered temperatures – something that anyone surviving the desert summer longs for. There are plenty of opportunities to soak up nature in the area. The forested valley of Wadi Dirbat is popular for day trips and picnics, and as a birdwatcher’s haven, with its grassy surrounds, lakes and waterfalls, and fantastic coastline views from the peak. Nearby are the ancient Tage caves, known to be the largest cave chambers in Oman. There are numerous other attractions in the area, and simply driving around (car rentals are easily available if you haven’t driven there) will take you past frankincense trees the region is renowned for, across winding roads carved into the steep mountainsides to nearby mountain 74 BBC Good Food Middle East August 2012
peaks such as Jebel Qamr, local fishing villages, and if it should interest you, to Islamic holy sites such as the tomb of the Prophet Hiob (Job). But, if you only do one thing, then make sure it is a visit to the Mughsayl beach, located 40 kilometres from the city. A beautiful sandy beach with rugged headlands towering over it, and impressive blowholes that shoot out plumes of water as high as 30 metres, it is popular with visitors for good reason. If you have more time to spare, there are also nearby islands you can plan trips to. WHERE TO STAY: For being such a unique destination in the region, Salalah’s hospitality industry seems surprisingly underdeveloped. There is a clutch of five star hotels from leading international chains, and a few hit-and-miss budget accommodation options with very little choice in between. And rooms fill up very quickly, especially on popular dates such as the Eid weekends. If you can get a reservation, make a beeline straight for the Hilton Salalah, one of the best hotels in town. The five-star beachfront resort offers the luxurious Hilton hospitality that you would expect. Housed in a palatial building , the hotel offers rooms that are spacious and contemporary, with nods to the local culture in its décor. The sprawling pool, complete with water slides, and landscaped gardens make it an ideal family-friendly option. Room rates start from OMR63 (around Dhs600), visit Hilton.com
WHAT TO EAT: Seafood would definitely be a highlight of food here, with some parts of the region having a reputation for exports of dried fish and abalone. While Salalah isn’t about to make it into a Michelin list any time soon, you can expect fresh, authentic local food at most cafes around town. To go a little more gourmet, the Hilton is probably the best bet. The Palm Grove is one of the best spots in town for relaxed beachside lunches, and after dark, for some alfresco glamour with freshly caught seafood cooked Asian-style on offer. If you’re looking for variety, there are plenty of other choices at the hotel too, from sundowners at Seabreeze and steaks at Sheeba’s restaurant, to sushi. GETTING THERE: Air Arabia offers flights from Sharjah, tickets cost around Dhs1,400. Visit airarabia.com. You can also opt to drive there, it takes around 12-14 hours by road, exiting UAE from Ras al Khaimah.