In recent years, Oman has become a popular vacation destination for Middle East residents. It's proximity to various GCC nations makes it an ideal and quick getaway destination.
This closeness, coupled with the country's stunning landscapes, from its unending selection of beautiful beaches and must-visit lush wadis, to its rugged mountains, vast deserts and incredible wildlife, Oman as a whole provides endless opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.
With its easy accessibility, stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Oman continues to attract visitors from around the world, making it a popular choice for Middle East residents seeking a memorable vacation experience.
The Location & Getting There
Just under two hours from Dubai, and about three-and-a-half hours from Saudi Arabia, makes Salalah and Alila Hinu Bay a go-to destination for a quick weekend escape.
Following a very easy immigration experience, we are greeted at the exit to the airport by a lovely Alila staff member dressed in traditional Omani attire. Complete with a welcome sign and a top-of-the-range jeep waiting to escort us to the hotel. Located just outside Mirbat, and approximately 90 kilometres from Oman's Salalah Airport, the journey to the Alila Hinu Bay, on the city's relatively modern roads, takes just over one hour.
Bottles of water, both cooled and room temperature, are offered in addition to a selection of dried fruit and nut snacks. But, possibly the most welcomed part of our journey was the free-to-access WiFi connection, ideal for anyone (like myself) with an incessant need to be online.
Found at the end of an off-the-beaten track dusty road, the beige-sandy colour of the Alila Hinu Bay melts into the rocky expanse.
The Background & Ambiance
Part of the wider Hyatt Hotel Group, the Alila Hinu Bay first opened its doors to guests in 2021.
The Alila Hinu Bay is found nestled amidst the dramatic landscape of rugged, rocky desert expanse and a pristine stretch of beach, that sits on edges of where the Arabian Sea meets the Gulf of Aden. The hotel's minimalist block-style architecture seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, creating a sense of warmth and calm.
Despite having a relaxed and refined atmosphere, it is evident that this resort is also child-friendly. The hotel's clientele is a mix of couples and young families, all seeking a rejuvenating weekend escape from reality.
Upon arrival at the hotel, we were greeted with refreshing cold towels, a warm welcome and a signature, fruity welcome drink. The lobby pivots on minimalism-meets-local decor, which sets the tone for the entire stay.
The Rooms
Spread out across the resort's 45 hectares of beachfront land, the rooms and suites of the Alila Hinu Bay are each self-contained and sumptuous.
Dotted across the sprawling resort, there are a number of different room and suite types available for guests to choose, from Family Suites to Terraced Rooms and the ever-popular Pool Villas. Whether you've got a glimpse of the water's edge or not, each room is bright and spacious and mimics the colours and simplicity of the outside environment. The chic minimalism of the interior decor is enhanced by warm shades of cream, beige and sand and small nods to the local culture in the artworks and pin-dotted designs on the lampshades for example.
We stayed in No. 15, a Terraced Room with a Sea View. When entering the room you are greeted with the bright light spilling in from the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors at the other end of the room. To the right is the large bathroom which includes a free-standing bath, a vanity with double sinks, a spacious rainfall shower, and a separate bathroom. In a quirky interior design choice, the bathroom is separated from the main room by a set of sliding Louver doors. Straight ahead, down the short hallway is the main hub of the room, bright and airy, the bedroom leads out onto a self-contained back patio area, complete with comfortable seating.
Although the name of the room - a Terraced Room with a Sea View - gives the impression the sea will be entirely visible from the back porch area, I think a more fair description would be to say that the room offers guests just a glimpse of the ocean visible in the distance, whilst the view is primarily of a rocky expanse. Of course, this is not a make-or-break of our stay; we enjoyed coffee on the semi-enclosed back porch whilst watching the hummingbirds dance above the brightly coloured flowers, and the occasional oryx that comes by to visit.
With all the amenities you might expect of a modern hotel, our room included a Nespresso machine, a fully-stocked mini bar, and an iron. This row of terraced rooms is ideally placed, just steps from the Alila Spa and the Seasalt restaurant, and accompanying infinity pool that overlooks the lagoon. And just a little further is the main hotel reception, The Orchard Restaurant, and the other smaller, pool.
The Restaurants
Perfect for a weekend stay, the Alila Hinu Bay offers guests two dining destinations on site, each focussing on different cuisines; The Orchard and Seasalt.
The Orchard is linked to the main reception area, and each morning is the go-to location for an à la carte breakfast, but also provides diners with a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired menu in the evenings. With something for everyone the breakfast menu has a selection of egg-based dishes from omelettes to scramble, and shakshuka, to freshly chopped fruit and taster portions of overnight oats and acai. A highlight of the breakfast menu is the pastry basket, with the selection changing each morning it - accompanied by a coffee - makes for a great start to the day. The evening menu is inspired by the flavours of the Frankincense Route and encompasses traditional Levantine dishes and fresh Mediterranean flavours. During busy times, service can be slower than usual, so do take this into account, particulalry if you have young children in tow.
For lovers of Pan-Asian cuisine, Seasalt is going to be a go-to destination for lunch or dinner. With an open-plan kitchen, you can choose to sit inside and watch all the action unfold, or we chose to eat outside and enjoy the cooler winter temperatures and the lively atmosphere of the pool area. From juicy dumplings served with a spicy sauce to flavourful Pad Thai and Nasi Goreng dishes, and fire-grilled steaks, Seasalt offers diners and explosion of authentic Asian flavours.
A smaller, curated selection of dishes are available for in-room dining also.
Wellness & Activities
Your stay at Alila Hinu Bay can be as active or as relaxed as you choose.
Sit by one of the two infinity pools with a book or a good podcast, or head to the beach and listen to the waves. Or if you're looking to be a little more active, guests can book onto one of the activities hosted by the hotel, from a banana chips cooking class with the resort's executive chef, or a visit to the local, very beautiful Wadi Darbat. Or if you want to stay closer to the hotel, book a kayak and paddle around the lagoon, or choose to go on the off-road biking experience with a local guide.
For the early birds or late night owls, the 24-hour gym offers guests the ability to work out at a time that best suits them, or during more sociable hours book a yoga or meditation class, led by wellness experts. The adjoining Alila Spa is a great choice of anyone seeking to go all-in on the relaxation element of this getaway. Offering various wellness treatments from massages to facials, and a number of other wellness therapies, there is something that will suit everyone.
The Staff
Welcoming and accommodating, the staff at the Alila Hinu Bay are both helpful and kind. The staff members will arrange to pick up or drop you bags to the room, to save you walking with your luggage. Staff are also available to shuttle you to your room via the on-site fleet of golf carts.
In Short: Whether you're looking for an active or relaxed escape, Alila Hinu Bay is a great choice for a quick weekend getaway, and offers a distinct Omani experience that is different to that found in more popular tourist destination of Muscat.
Book your stay here or call +968 23 373300
Alila Hinu Bay, Salalah, 211, Oman
@alilahinubay
hyatt.com
