Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

This beach-front retreat blends Omani and Thai influences and is the first luxury villa resort in Salalah. 

Rooms range from ultra-stylish garden-view rooms to deluxe beach-view suites that enjoy the likes of free-standing bathtubs, rain showers and outdoor terraces with sunbed-adorned patios. Most notable, though, are the 88 pool villas – the only ones of their kind in Salalah – with private temperature-controlled plunge pools and personalised butler service. The three-bedroom Royal Beach Pool Villa is most spectacular, with a private infinity pool, walk-in dressing areas and indoor and outdoor lounges. 

Come evening, choose from an array of gourmet dining experiences such as Sakalan's themed buffet nights, Mediterranean Al Mina and Mekong for diverse Asian cuisine, enjoyed al fresco on the terrace. There's even the chance to dine on the hotel's private beach with a private butler, enjoy an immersive cooking class or sample wines in a master-class – or, naturally, in-villa dining is available at all times.

Facilities are second to none, with the stand-out being the superb Anantara Spa that offers the area's only luxury hammam, an array of treatments incorporating creative ingredients and ancient methods and the wonderful Balance Wellness Programme. It’s all enjoyed alongside a 44-metre infinity pool and lush palm-tree lined gardens, and there’s even the chance to enjoy a 'cinema under the stars' experience. Alongside the private beach, there's plenty of time for culture, too – the resort is located next to UNESCO-listed Al Baleed Archaeological Park that's home to an ancient citadel, city walls and grand mosque.