Alila Hotels and Resorts announced its plans to open its second luxury resort development in Oman in Mirbat, east of Salalah, a coastal town in the Dhofar governate, in southwestern Oman. The development is owned by Alil Salalah, a subsidiary of the Oman Investment Fund.

"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. "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."

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. The signature Alila hospitality services, are highly personalised and tailored to its clientele's lifestyle choices and rhythm, offering unique ways to discover the destination and engage in the local culture and traditions of the Dhofar region.

Interior design work will be overseen by internationally 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 forth a community of discerning travellers that will appreciate the green environment and the exclusivity of a luxury retreat to compliment the destination. Huge emphasis will be placed on creating an ecologically friendly development to compliment 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 increased investment and development of infrastructure that includes the new international airport scheduled to open fully in April 2015 and the expansion of the Port of Salalah. The project will significantly enhance the product offering and attractiveness of Dhofar and Salalah as a major tourism destination, providing additional growth opportunities to the domestic market while drawing new visitors to the Dhofar Governate.