Salalah, OMAN: In the southern coast of Oman, where the mountains meet the sea and the air carries the smokey ancient scent of frankincense, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara offers guests a chance to leave more than footprints. With the launch of the Frankincense Tree Planting Experience, visitors can plant their very own tree within the resort’s flourishing farm, forging a personal connection to the land that will grow for generations to come.
The experience is led by Adil Hussain, fondly known to many as the resort’s Farm Guru. Originally from Pakistan, Adil joined the resort in 2022 and has since become one of its most cherished figures. An electrical engineer by education, he has found his true calling in the soil; cultivating not only an impressive variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs across the 4,037 sqm Al Baleed Farm but also cultivating experiences that stay with guests long after they leave. His warmth, humility, and ability to make sustainability come alive have earned him countless mentions in guest reviews and media stories alike.
For OMR 10, guests are invited to plant a young frankincense sapling under Adil’s guidance. With sleeves rolled up and hands in the soil, the simple act of planting becomes a soulful ritual. Each tree can be given a name, engraved on a bespoke wooden sign, marking a permanent legacy within the resort’s farm. To commemorate the moment, participants also receive a small pouch of frankincense resin harvested in Salalah—a fragrant memento connecting them to the land’s history and the world’s oldest perfume trade.
But perhaps the most extraordinary aspect is that the story doesn’t end there. Each guest receives quarterly updates on the growth of their tree, ensuring that their bond with Salalah continues long after their departure. For many, the experience becomes a reason to return—to visit their tree, witness its progress, and continue nurturing the connection.
The Frankincense Tree Planting Experience is not only symbolic but also practical. Every tree adds to the resort’s ecological footprint, expanding a farm that already yields dragon fruit, papayas, kale, moringa, and even honey from its buzzing beehives. Sustainable methods like hydroponics, natural composting, and eco-friendly pest control ensure that the farm operates in harmony with the environment. What began as unused land is today a thriving ecosystem, enriching the resort’s kitchens, spa, and guest experiences with fresh, organic produce.
For Adil, the initiative embodies what he loves most about his work: turning sustainability into something tangible and personal. “Every tree has a story, and every guest who plants one becomes part of ours,” he says with quiet pride. “When people return and see how their tree has grown, it’s a reminder that even small acts can create something lasting and beautiful.”
By combining Omani heritage, sustainability, and guest participation, the Frankincense Tree Planting Experience reflects Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara’s belief that luxury today is not only about indulgence but also about meaning. It’s an opportunity to leave behind more than a memory; to leave roots in the very soil of Salalah.
The experience is now open to all guests of the resort and can be booked as part of its expanding eco-conscious activity programme.
