7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Salalah

Salalah, the capital city of the Dhofar region in Oman, is a haven for digital nomads seeking a blend of work and wanderlust. With its unique climate, lush landscapes, and rich culture, Salalah offers a refreshing escape from the typical desert scenery of the Middle East. For those looking to explore beyond the city's boundaries, there are plenty of weekend getaways that promise adventure, relaxation, and a touch of the unusual. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, here are seven destinations to consider for your next weekend trip.

Al Mughsail Beach

Al Mughsail Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located just a short drive from Salalah. Known for its white sands and turquoise waters, it's a perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the serene Omani coastline. The beach is also famous for its blowholes, where sea water jets through natural holes in the rock formations, creating an impressive display, especially during high tide. Nearby, the Al Marneef Cave provides a shaded area to relax and enjoy the view.

How to Get There: Al Mughsail Beach is about a 40-minute drive from Salalah via the Salalah-Thumrait highway. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach this destination.

Travel Tip: Visit during the Khareef season (monsoon) between June and September to see the surrounding hills turn a lush green, offering a stark contrast to the beach's white sands.

Where to Stay: The Salalah Rotana Resort offers luxurious accommodations with beachfront views and is a short drive from Al Mughsail Beach.

Where to Eat: The Al Mughsail Restaurant offers fresh seafood with a view of the Arabian Sea. Don't miss their grilled lobster, a local favorite.

Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat is a natural paradise located in the Dhofar mountains. This valley becomes a lush, green oasis during the Khareef season, with waterfalls, lakes, and streams that are perfect for kayaking or picnicking. The area is also great for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot camels, goats, and a variety of birds.

How to Get There: Wadi Darbat is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Salalah. The best way to get there is by car, as public transport options are limited.

Travel Tip: Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking waterfalls, especially after heavy rains when they are at their most spectacular.

Where to Stay: The Hilton Salalah Resort is a comfortable base for exploring the area, with amenities such as a pool and spa.

Where to Eat: The Wadi Darbat Tea House offers traditional Omani snacks and tea, perfect for a quick refreshment after exploring the valley.

Taqah Castle

Taqah Castle is a historical fort located in the quaint coastal town of Taqah, just a short drive from Salalah. This well-preserved 19th-century castle offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Dhofar region. Visitors can explore the castle's rooms, which have been turned into a museum displaying traditional Omani artifacts and lifestyle exhibits.

How to Get There: Taqah Castle is around a 30-minute drive from Salalah. Renting a car is the most practical option for reaching Taqah.

Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds, and to capture the best photographs in the soft morning light.

Where to Stay: The Fanar Hotel & Residences offers comfortable accommodations and is located within driving distance of Taqah Castle.

Where to Eat: The Castle Restaurant in Taqah serves traditional Omani dishes, including the succulent and aromatic Shuwa, a must-try for any visitor.

Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali)

For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, venture into the Empty Quarter, also known as Rub' al Khali. It is the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, offering an otherworldly landscape of endless dunes. This is the place for digital nomads seeking solitude, stargazing, and the thrill of dune bashing. Overnight camping trips can be arranged for a complete desert immersion.

How to Get There: The Empty Quarter is best accessed by a 4WD vehicle, and it's recommended to go with a guided tour due to the challenging terrain.

Travel Tip: Make sure to book a tour with a reputable company that provides experienced drivers and all necessary camping equipment for a safe and enjoyable desert experience.

Where to Stay: While there are no permanent accommodations in the Empty Quarter, many tour operators offer luxury tented camps for overnight stays.

Where to Eat: Meals are typically provided by the tour operators, with traditional Bedouin-style barbecues being a highlight of the desert camping experience.

Anti-Gravity Point

The Anti-Gravity Point is a curious phenomenon located on the road between Salalah and Taqah. This spot appears to defy the laws of physics, as vehicles placed in neutral seem to roll uphill. It's a quirky stop that makes for a fun and memorable experience. The surrounding area also offers beautiful views of the coastline and mountains.

How to Get There: The Anti-Gravity Point is about a 40-minute drive from Salalah on the way to Taqah. A rental car is the best way to visit this unusual attraction.

Travel Tip: Be sure to capture a video of your vehicle's mysterious movement to share with friends and family back home.

Where to Stay: Stay at the Mirbat Marriott Resort, which offers comfortable rooms and is located within a reasonable distance from the Anti-Gravity Point.

Where to Eat: The nearby town of Mirbat has local eateries where you can try Omani specialties like Mashuai, a dish made with spit-roasted kingfish.

Khor Rori (Sumhuram)

Khor Rori, also known as Sumhuram, is an ancient archaeological site believed to be the location of the fabled city of Frankincense. The ruins date back to the 3rd century BC and are a testament to the area's historical importance in the frankincense trade. The site overlooks the beautiful Khor Rori creek, adding to its mystical allure.

How to Get There: Khor Rori is approximately a 40-minute drive from Salalah. The site is accessible by car, and there is a parking area near the entrance.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the small museum at the entrance that provides valuable context about the site's history and significance.

Where to Stay: The Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah is a comfortable option with a range of amenities and is a short drive from Khor Rori.

Where to Eat: The nearby city of Taqah offers local restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Omani cuisine.

Ayn Razat

Ayn Razat is a tranquil natural spring located in the foothills of the Qara mountains. Surrounded by lush gardens and picnic areas, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the cool, clear waters. The gardens are well-maintained, with walking paths and benches to sit and appreciate the peaceful environment.

How to Get There: Ayn Razat is situated about a 30-minute drive from Salalah. The site is easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available.

Travel Tip: Visit during the weekdays to avoid the crowds and have a more serene experience at the springs.

Where to Stay: The Juweira Boutique Hotel offers a stylish stay and is located within a reasonable distance from Ayn Razat.

Where to Eat: The Lagoon Restaurant at Juweira Boutique Hotel serves a variety of international dishes with a scenic view of the marina.