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| Hussain Balhalf |
SALALAH, OMAN, SAUDI ARABIA -- Springtime in Salalah means perfect weather
spent lazing on a beautiful beach, trekking through breathtaking mountain
landscapes or stargazing in the desert.
Spring also marks the
official kick-off to frankincense season in this beautiful and
historic coastal town in southern
Oman.
Known as
the perfume capital of Arabia, Salalah is renowned for
its production of frankincense, a resin extracted from the Boswellia sacra
tree.
Much like diamonds,
frankincense has varying grades. Quality is based on purity, aroma, age, shape
and colour. The silvery clear colour native to Salalah is recognised as the
best. It was worth more than gold in ancient times.
Frankincense, known locally as luban, has a meaningful historical
significance to this area of Oman. It was even considered as one of the most
important exports from Salalah centuries ago.
Ruins of ancient
trading ports – designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites – along with the
remains of the various trails leading through the rugged terrain and
unforgiving desert vividly tell the story of frankincense in Salalah.
One can envision the
caravans of camels and traders peddling this precious commodity en route to
neighbouring Middle Eastern countries for distribution.
“Frankincense is really what we’re known for here,”
said Hussain Balhalf, Salalah Guru at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by
Anantara and lifelong native.
“As the Salalah Guru, I provide bespoke
excursions for our guests and on almost every tour they request to see and buy
frankincense, and learn about its history and unique uses.”
One of the most significant frankincense sites is Wadi Dawkah,
where thousands of frankincense trees make it the largest concentration of
Boswellia sacra in the southern Dhofar province. However, the trees thrive in
areas all around Salalah and blend perfectly with the spectacular scenery.
According to
Balhalf, the
most popular time to harvest frankincense starts in April through July when the
monsoon season begins. Using a special cutting tool, the outer layer of tree
bark is delicately slashed allowing the sap-like resin to ooze out.
In a few weeks, the
sap hardens and is ready to be collected in the form of small stones. The
stones are washed and then used for burning or to produce various products with
interesting and surprising health and beauty benefits.
Burn it
The unmistakable sweet and woody aroma of burning frankincense brings
about an immediate calming effect. At Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara,
frankincense is burned in the lobby to welcome weary guests after a long
journey and in the spa during various treatments to help relax and clear the
mind.
Many people associate burning frankincense with religious ceremonies as
the practice is an ancient tradition meant to symbolise prayer and
purification. In Oman, locals burn frankincense to refresh their homes and ward
off mosquitos.
Frankincense is believed to be a powerful healer and is
used in a myriad of health and beauty products, such as oils, soaps, balms,
lotions and creams.
The
spa at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara offers the Frankincense Ritual
massage in which frankincense oil is used to nourish the skin and relieve
anxiety while reducing pain and inflammation.
With
natural antibacterial properties, frankincense products are also used to treat
various skin conditions and speed up the healing of cuts, acne, burns, rashes
and sores.
In addition, this natural wonder is used in some of the
finest Omani perfumes as well as in skin creams to fight the appearance of
stretch marks, scars, age spots and wrinkles.
It’s even used in shampoos to strengthen
roots and aid in hair growth.Aromatherapy with frankincense oil can also be beneficial for
respiratory problems and help with bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, frequent
colds and allergies.
Ingest it
As a natural antiseptic, frankincense has long been
used in oral health. Since ancient times, locals have chewed the resin to
improve the health of teeth and gums and prevent infections.
Nowadays you can buy frankincense gum,
toothpaste and mouthwash. Also, certain types of frankincense are edible and
good for digestion and regulating gastrointestinal functions.
After a day out stocking up on products from local
vendors and discovering the history of the “diamonds” of Oman, guests can
retreat to Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara where the frankincense
experience continues with the resort’s signature Frankincense Ritual.
This
pampering 90-minute treatment features two specialists performing four-hand
synchronised massage techniques while harnessing the natural healing benefits
of frankincense, both aromatically and topically.
As the first and only resort in the area with private pool villas, guests can
relax in luxury with the utmost privacy. Inspired by the traditional villages
of Dhofar, the resort reflects traditional Omani design whilst incorporating
modern and contemporary elements to deliver a stunning retreat by the Arabian
Sea.
Time
can be passed strolling along empty white-sand beaches, indulging in culinary
delights at a choice of three restaurants, or taking part in one of the many
activities and watersports on offer.
Private guided frankincense tours with the Anantara Salalah Guru start
from OMR 90.
About Anantara:
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers,
connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal
experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting
destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels
and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new
territory, curating personal travel experiences.
From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara
connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and
hosts them with passionate expertise.
The portfolio
currently boasts over 35 stunning hotel and properties located in Thailand, the
Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia,
the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Portugal, with a pipeline of future properties across
Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and South America.
The brand’s premier vacation ownership
programme, Anantara Vacation Club, extends the opportunity to own a share in
the Anantara experience with a portfolio of 8 luxurious Club Resorts as well as
travel privileges at partner resorts and hotels worldwide.
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/anantara; Twitter and Instagram: @anantara_hotels
Anantara is a member of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s
largest alliance of independent hotel brands.
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