3 Days in Salalah, Oman – Monsoon Magic & Coastal Calm with the Family
Travelling from Dubai with my husband and our two kids, we were looking for a mix of adventure and rest. Salalah gave us both in perfect balance. Our home for the trip? The peaceful, palm-lined Anantara Al Baleed Resort Salalah — a dream for families looking for space, comfort, and thoughtful service.
Day 1 – Arrival & Lagoon Serenity Check-in & First Impressions Our short flight from Dubai made the journey easy — and as soon as we landed, the cool breeze and lush scenery felt like stepping into a different world. The kids stared wide-eyed at the green hills and grazing camels as we made our way to the resort.
Anantara Al Baleed was the ideal base for a family trip. We checked into a spacious lagoon-view villa that gave us privacy and room to unwind. The kids were immediately drawn to the infinity pool and beach, while we were just grateful to finally unplug. The blend of calm and comfort set the tone for the entire stay.
Dinner: Mekong at Sunset That evening, we dined at Mekong, the resort’s Asian restaurant, which sits right over the lagoon. The kids were given colouring sets and a tailored menu (the sweet and sour chicken was a hit), while we shared Thai curries and fresh spring rolls under swaying palms.
Watching the sun set over the water as a family, with good food and relaxed smiles all around, was the kind of moment you travel for.
Day 2 – Forts, Waterfalls & Blowholes Exploring Dhofar by Car After breakfast, we picked up a rental car (which the resort kindly arranged for us) and hit the road. Our first stop was Taqah Fort, a small but charming historical site where the kids could climb towers and imagine life in ancient Oman.
From there, we drove to Wadi Darbat — and wow. Even in June, the valley was green and alive. We rented a paddle boat and drifted through the lake, surrounded by foggy hills and curious camels grazing nearby. It was peaceful and wild all at once.
A Quirky Stop & Local Flavours Next, we stopped at the famous Gravity Point, where the car appeared to roll uphill on its own. The kids were thrilled — it felt like magic.
For lunch, we headed to Ayal Alfareej, a casual local spot that served one of our favourite meals of the trip. We had shuwa — slow-roasted lamb cooked underground — served with spiced rice and fresh salads. Simple, authentic, and incredibly good.
Blowholes at Marneef We ended the afternoon at Mughsail Beach, where the Marneef blowholes were putting on a show. The kids laughed every time a wave shot water into the air with a roar, and we stayed there until the light softened and the cliffs began to glow.
Dinner back at the resort was low-key — just a relaxed room service meal with our feet up.
Day 3 – Slow Living by the Sea Resort Adventures On our last day, we chose to stay close and enjoy everything the resort had to offer. After a slow breakfast at Sakalan, the kids joined a kids' club treasure hunt while my husband and I treated ourselves to a frankincense ritual at the spa — warm oils, calming scents, and pure relaxation.
Later, we all tried stand-up paddleboarding on the lagoon. It was the perfect activity: safe, calm, and fun for everyone. The kids loved spotting herons and little fish in the water, and we loved watching them disconnect from screens and connect with nature.
Dinner: Seafood Grill by the Beach We wrapped up our stay with Seafood Grill Night by the pool — fresh lobster and grilled prawns on the plate, and waves gently rolling in just metres away. It felt like a farewell toast to a place that had welcomed us so warmly.
Final Thoughts Salalah gave us a chance to slow down as a family, explore the unexpected, and make memories that felt rooted in both adventure and ease. If you're thinking about where to travel next with kids — especially between July and August, when the Khareef season is in full swing — this misty, magical part of Oman is absolutely worth the journey
