Alila Hinu Bay - Salalah Luxury Tropical Getaway

With the soft opening of Alila Hinu Bay Resort adding to the list of luxury resorts along the Oman coastal line, Salalah is becoming the resort mecca for this region, thanks to the soothing climate that is ideal for a tropical getaway. mylifestylenews writes.

A few years back there wasn’t much choice, but all that is changing now. Salalah as a luxury resort destination is fast becoming recognized as the tropical resort mecca on the southern coast of Oman, due to the breezy and low humidity tropical temperature especially over the Middle Eastern winter that never gets too hot or too cold throughout the year, unlike Muscat, which can get very hot and sticky in the summer.

Alila Hinu Bay is currently in a soft-opening phase and ups the ante on any resort in this region, although technically it is not in Salalah central but tucked away in secluded Hinu Bay that is part of its charm off the historical fishing town of Mirbat, a coastal area in between Jebel Samhan and the Arabian Sea.

Only an easy 60-minute drive north east of Salalah, you are transported to another-worldly landscape of a nature lover’s paradise which can be experienced on a seemingly endless bay and with a private beach on a tropical oases. It is not yet fully mature in terms of landscaping, but the fit out and hospitality services are firmly in place and beginning to make a mark.

Alila as a brand is renown for picking unusual locations before anyone else and making it unique, surprisingly different. The arrival is signature Alila – you turn off the highway and drive through a small local ‘village’ which shortly leads to a long winding driveway that takes you to a stunning lobby entrance that has that Alila hallmark of memorable architectural design elements.

The lobby itself doubles as the lobby lounge/library, with a large table and chairs at each end, thus making it feel more residential and welcoming.

This looks onto a terrace which in turn overlooks the entire resort, thus the perfect vantage point to soak up the atmosphere of your temporary home away from home plus the Arabic Sea view to mesmerize you.

The resort stretches over 45 hectares and comprises of five types of accommodation, broken down into 96 guestrooms and 16 villas which are the ultimate expression of contemporary style. All guest rooms/villas and amenities are completed and in operation, so the soft-opening phase offers everything that you could possibly want in terms of software and hardware.

The landscape of this resort is quite unique, so don’t think lush green lawns, but rather a rocky terrain of an ecological landscape, so that guests can gaze upon the natural composition of the site. Thus the intention is not to mask the natural beauty, but to enhance, with a minimal intervention of building components as a commitment to sustainable operating standards.

The rooms and villas are well spaced out in groups, some with beach views and some with lagoon views, so you never get that congested feeling wherever you go. Our ‘home’ for this stay was a One Bedroom Pool Beach Villa which covers some 166sqm.

The interior design is very residential and thoughtfully designed with the tones and shades of a natural earth color in the large living room with a touch of Omani sensuality. All this is adorned with the brown monochrome curtains that are also extensively present and well accompanied by the perforated design lamps with a hint of the Orient which add a sense of elegance and sophistication to the entire cozy ambience.

The earthy palate of color tone rugs and sofa are well matched with practicality and comfort in mind and with the right dose of flair. You will probably think this is a design you will want to replicate at home!

The bedroom is a sanctuary for blissful sleep and exudes pure comfort and elegance with an incredibly comfortable king bed that looks out to the terrace. It is incredibly spacious and so luxurious, thoughtfully designed with comfort and practicality being the priority.

The dramatic headboard takes centre stage and creates an ambience of refinement and contemporary feel adorned with the bedside Orient motif hanging lamps as well as a wooden fan, all of which is directly looking out to the beach and bay with sun lounges and a plunge pool together with a majlis cabana on the outside terrace. 

Right behind the bedroom is the oversize bathroom with his and hers vanities and two rain showers attached on the ceiling giving you ample space while you shower.

The free-standing outdoor bathtub in a small enclosed courtyard adjacent to the shower room is the most desirable place to be – it is all open plan, so the feeling of space is magnified.

While the beach amenities is still a work in progress, there are already some shaded lounges to enjoy the peace and quiet sea side.

Besides, the resort has two swimming pools, the lengthy pool looking down from the elevated Orchard restaurant with a dramatic entry way of the resort that reflects the modern classic vibe of the entire property, settling the scene for a relaxing feel and expresses a subtle and understated luxury aligned with elegant cabanas and facing the bay and waterfront.

Then a much larger pool that sits atop at SeaSalt restaurant, also allocated with plentiful elegant cabanas and with direct views overlooking the lagoon and waterfront, and of course food and beverage accessibility at your fingertips.

The pool deck area is spacious and almost every corner with direct sun light access, if having a “barbeque” is your ideal sun-kissed getaway. You have it all covered!

Otherwise, you may just pause for a moment and discover solitude by taking a deep breath of the warm, salty air to feel the pure zen and restore the positive energy on this elevated pool deck.

A signature Spa is also available and is in another grand building along from the lobby. You will also find a high-tech well-equipped gym in the spa annexe. The spa is well facilitated with multiple changing rooms that offer steam and sauna, as well as a plunge pool for a post spa relaxation, so you are not going without by any means.

Food is such an integral part of the Alila DNA and they have ensured that the Alila Asian touches are at the forefront of the menu.

Breakfast is at the Orchard restaurant with extensive indoor and outdoor seating in an elevated building adjacent to the lobby, walking through the infinity arched hallway is quite inspiring and you have one of the best vantage points on the outside terrace seating to look over the entire resort. It is a perfect spot to watch the sunset while enjoying the gentle Arabian Sea breeze.

Inspiring arched hallway leading to The Orchard Restaurant

It is a sensibly crafted semi-set menu for breakfast - a buffet is so not necessary - while a set of fresh fruit, cold cuts and cheeses and bakery basket caters for your essential needs and then you choose your hot dishes, eggs and beverages with unlimited serving. Strangely Asian dishes are not available on the breakfast menu, but if you ask in advance, they can possibly make the magic work with a soulful Alila touch.

The resort has only two major dining outlets, so lunch and dinner is at SeaSalt and has a definite Asian bent to the menu, plus knowing the culinary team offers flavours from Italy, India, Thai, Indonesia, Malaysia and Arabic means that every element will be tailored to its authenticity and it was, which we were delighting in every time we ordered our meals

You can sit indoors or outdoors and given the pleasant weather, most choose outdoors over the Arabic’s winter. The open kitchen is visible from both vantage points and it is always fun to watch the chef brigade in action. The bartenders can whip up some great beverages, particularly based on flavoured tea and with quite attentive and prompt service.

Moonlight serenades at Alila Hinu Bay

Sunrise watching from our villa brings positive energy to the new beginning of the day

The whole point of the location is to be seemingly away from civilization and to chill in the privacy of your villa or pick the quietest pool maybe. To be able to embark on a destination experience unrolling along a natural beach on Oman’s coastal line that radiates sophistication and offering an indulgence of luscious lifestyle facilities, this haven of serenity has no reason not to be loved and we did not even consider any activities outside the resort.

However, should you wish to push the boundaries of interest, there are some tours you can do that enlighten you further as to the history and culture of the locale by discovering the hidden treasures that abound within this fascinating destination.

The signature Alila vibe is why you would want to book this resort by discovering the destination through traditions: out of the way location; a unique landscape; luxurious accommodation; innovative design; most satisfying cuisine; a well-seasoned team that can already deliver humble yet great hospitality that exudes from the roots of its people and their daily rituals, as well as easy accessibility from Salalah and wonderful weather that never gets too hot and sticky!

Being on holiday is much about celebrating your own choices in living and cultivating your personal priorities. We were mesmerized by the whole experience and felt we had discovered another unique Alila resort that is not yet on the travel itineraries of many well-seasoned luxury travellers due to the fact it has only been opened less than a year. Surely it will become a much sought-after destination in the not-too-distant future.

Perfection is defined individually but the hallmark of Alila defines the bespoke journey by having the destination know-how with all the ingredients of your lifestyle to make your stay a ‘surprisingly different’ Alila experience.

 Tried & Tested:

Location: 5/5

Design & Decor: 4.5/5

Room Amenities: 5/5

Housekeeping: 5/5

Food & Beverages: 4.5/5

Service: 4.5/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5

Experience: 4.5/5

Alila Hinu Bay Oman

211, Salalah,

Sultanate of Oman

Tel: +968 2337 3300

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

 
  

VALENTINO LE PROGRÈS 2022 春色年華

VALENTINO LE PROGRÈS 2022 
春色年華

VALENTINO在早幾個月前於巴黎瑪萊區熙來攘往的十字街頭舉行了一場大型的戶内外2022 早春系列時裝秀，以「賣大包，益街坊」 的策略展開攻勢，隨意地刻意，安排模特兒由室内走到室外，實行大衆共賞。除了受邀的時尚界達人和貴賓，倘若那天你也那麽湊巧經過，在著名的Le Progrès咖啡館徘徊，也可“自我邀請”，對號入座，自選最佳vantage point， 秀色可餐地觀賞這獨一無二的街頭巷尾時尚街秀。

由於瑪萊區近年已漸漸士紳化成為煥然一新的時尚區域，這令人嚮往的巴黎第三區集合了無窮無盡的文化、藝術、餐飲、娛樂、購物，甚至交通等便利，區內熱鬧繽紛的氛圍，近年更成爲了城中和遊客受追捧的浦點。 而Le Progrès咖啡館的名氣，由開業至今，熱力並沒退減，人氣更有過之而無不及，目前依舊是巴黎不同階層的人相約碰面、樂聚其中的聚腳點。有見及此，新一輯Valentino2022早春系列廣企當然要食住個勢，選址於Le Progrès Café 拍攝。 創意總監Pierpaolo Piccioli為Valentino品牌風格賦予新定義的理念，把時裝從設計室和工作坊帶到街頭，為這個持續演化的進程指引方向；時裝雖脫離工作坊但工藝得以保存，並與穿衣者的獨特多元個性結合，兩者的主從關係不可逆轉，令Valentino得以植根當下，確立美學，衍生自個人身份的養分。

廣告呈現出一個Valentino社群，匯聚街頭素人和一眾熟悉的臉孔包括Tina Kunakey、Dixie D’Amelio、Christian Coppola及Amanda Prugnaud等。成員之間關係親厚，瀰漫著一股真摯友愛的氛圍；Le Progrès Café成為他們社交聯繫的神聖之地，在這片小天地中聚首一堂、互通心意。品牌全新廣企由美國攝影師Michael Bailey Gates操刀拍攝 ，他利用與眾不同的燈光和構圖，捕捉咖啡館內各人的獨特面貌，彰顯人物個性的豐富多元和無限可能。同時亦切合了Pierpaolo Piccioli的理念，讓時裝與街頭兼容並蓄，體現人與人之間互相交流和影響的屬性，從嶄新的角度演繹一貫的創作路向。 

系列當中的西裝以鮮明色調和精準俐落的線條重新演繹，羽毛在短褲、閃片連身長裙和連帽衛衣上綻放豐饒的質感；以牛仔褲配襯綴有蕾絲或華麗英式鏤花刺繡的連身短裙、男裝襯衫或短披肩。中產風格不可或缺的開胸外套、百褶裙、連身罩裙、配襯長褲的長罩衫和西裝，散發活潑的街頭氣息。運動套裝注入量身訂製的元素，以對比強烈的用色營造奪目效果。

精緻小巧的品牌標誌，如圖像符號般凝聚在連身裙和手袋上，組成獨特的構圖。刺繡用於線條流麗的大衣、短外套和風衣上，不再象徵雍容華麗的晚裝。嚴肅與浪漫並存，厚底高跟鞋與平底鞋交替出現，一排排的鉚釘，點綴手袋、涼鞋和男裝皮鞋的厚鞋底。Valentino既有的風格形象進行自我解構，融入穿衣者的個性中，創造千變萬化的組合。「多元」成為「一致」與「獨特」的同義詞，讓這春色年華的系列打破框架，重新定義兩者相匯交融，推動演化的進程。

MICHAEL KORS Celebrates 40 Years Through Collaboration with Accessories Brand ASHYA

As Michael Kors approached his 40^th anniversary, he wanted to celebrate the milestone by supporting the future of the fashion industry. Thinking back to his own beginnings, he decided to provide a unique opportunity to an emerging brand - offering them the global reach, distribution and platform of the Michael Kors company to help bring their brand to a larger audience. In addition, he wanted to share his personal advice and experience, as well as the mentorship of his team. The decision to collaborate with ASHYA was a natural choice - a New York-based brand inspired by travel, dedicated to the marriage of style and pragmatism, and helmed by two talented, thoughtful and entrepreneurial designers.

MICHAEL KORS x ASHYA, a young accessories brand founded by American/Jamaican duo Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, launches two exclusive, limited-edition bags: the Moya Multi Bag and the Ashley Bolo Bag. Designed in ASHYA’s signature silhouettes, the gender-neutral, leather ASHYA X Michael Kors bags will feature a custom print that incorporates the MK Signature logo print in a new pattern inspired by West African weaving techniques.

The Moya multi bag can be worn as a crossbody or a belt bag. For added versatility, it features two lined pockets, each featuring a leather card sleeve, and a roomy interior to carry your day to night essentials.

The Ashley Bolo bag is equally adaptable, and can be worn around the neck, the waist or cross- body. It features one lined compartment with a leather card sleeve, and is perfect for carrying everyday essentials with hands-free ease.

All of ASHYA’s products are designed as an “ode to exploration.” ASHYA’s vision, since its inception, is rooted in travel, cultural awareness and the act of unifying style and utility. Motivated by black, brown, and global indigenous communities and transient modern life, the brand approaches design with effortless mobility and essentialism in mind.

“Anniversaries make you think about both the past and the future,” says Michael. “I began my business in New York City in 1981, and now I find it very exciting to be able to turn the spotlight on the next generation of designers working here in New York City. When I first saw the work of Ashley and Moya at ASHYA, their thoughtfulness and unique point of view impressed me immediately. I reached out to them about doing a collaboration together that would merge our sensibilities and I am thrilled with how the collaboration came together.”

“As a nod to our continued explorations of our roots, and this global ‘stepping out’ moment for our brand, we wanted to reference West African weaving in the design of the ASHYA x Michael Kors styles, creating something that has historical reference to our identity and that really spoke to the specialness of this partnership,” said Annece and Cimone. “African textiles have had, and still have, an exceptional significance as a means of communication within communities and act as a conduit of stories passed down through generations. There is a spiritual and historical significance to the colors, patterns and decorative elements used. The aesthetic value of West African textile designs can be seen in the lines and motifs created for this collaboration.”

ANDREW GN SS2022 Collection - mylifestylenews TOP 10's Pick

ANDREW GN SS2022 Collection dived into the deep ocean and colored the entire collection with corals inspiration and presented in association with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, who is doing a fantastic job at SAVING THE CORALS.

"Starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, is a film I have watched countless times, not so much for its storyline, rather for its aesthetics and the spectacular outfits of Liz Taylor, which served as my initial inspiration.

The movie was shot in Sardinia, in an almost all-white house surrounded by the sea, with an incredible décor mixing Italian baroque and mid-century modern.

After watching documentaries about the destruction of coral reefs, and the huge endeavors to save them.

I wanted to raise awareness, through the fashion lens, about the vital importance of corals for the survival of oceans and our planet.

Corals are the trees of the seas, bringing life to the whole underwater ecosystem.

We should treasure, protect and save them just like we cherish our forests.

This collection is presented in association with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, who is doing a fantastic job at SAVING THE CORALS.

We wish to applaud them for their remarkable actions and warmly thank them for their support." Says Andrew Gn.