Alila plans second Oman resort

Alila Hotels and Resorts will open its second luxury resort development in Oman on the back of consistent performance from its debut project outside Asia, Alila Jabal Akhdar.

In an exclusive with TTN, president Mark Edleson says, 'Alila Jabal Akhdar opened in mid-2014 and has been achieving an average room rate of close to $350. Business has been picking up consistently as market awareness has grown. The hotel has also recorded 50 per cent occupancy in less than one year of operation.

'After the successful launch of Alila Jabal Akhdar, our first luxury development outside Asia located in Oman’s Al Hajjar mountain range, we are honoured to expand our collection of luxury resorts in the Middle East, particularly in the Sultanate,' comments Edleson. The second property is located in Mirbat, east of Salalah in south western Oman.

'Salalah is another unique micro-environment in Oman with its tropical monsoons, special culture and the beautiful beaches of Mirbat. We can now offer our guests the Hajjar Mountains and Mirbat beaches in one Oman holiday. Furthermore, we look forward to deepening our relationship with the Oman Investment Fund.'

The development, owned by Alila Salalah, a subsidiary of the Oman Investment Fund, is slated to launch in the second half of 2017.

Alila Salalah is envisioned as a unique ecologically sensitive luxury destination resort, comprising 100 suites, 25 villas, fine dining restaurants and a Spa Alila wellness centre. The resort will distinguish itself by its contemporary Dhofari architecture.

'We believe that Oman has the most tourism potential among the GCC countries due to its strong local culture, its welcoming people and its geographic diversity,' says Edleson. 'Our new project in Salalah is on the beach and in a region with a more tropical climate, so it will complement our mountain top Alila Jabal Akhdar.

'We are confident that the ability to offer a broader range of experiences in Oman will allow us to provide our guests a more enriched visit and at the same time allow us to manage the properties more efficiently by realising economies of scale.'

Interior design work will be overseen by acclaimed Blink Design Group to bring forth the Dhofari influence preserving the extraordinary natural beauty of the region.

Frederic Simon, Alila’s chief executive officer, said: 'The development will be one of its kind in the region and fits perfectly with our operating ethos in the integration of commerce, conservation and culture.

'The destination will bring a community of discerning travellers that will appreciate the green environment and the exclusivity of a luxury retreat. Huge emphasis will be placed on creating an ecologically friendly development to complement and enhance the surrounding landscape and environment.'

Salalah, the second largest city in Oman, continues to develop in stature as one of the Middle East’s major destinations for international and local tourists.

The new international airport at Salalah should be fully operational this month as the first commercial airline was scheduled for late April.

Meanwhile, land preparation for Alila Salalah has already begun and construction will begin in the middle of this year, Edleson informs TTN. 'We are not specifically targeting the Khareef season, but that does sound like a likely time for completion of the project and hotel opening in mid-2017.'

Alila Hotels & Resorts will be available at stand number ME2010, sharing with Oman Ministry of Tourism.

Staff Report