Chase The Sun

Summer memories are simply the sweetest, whether of romantic island rendez-vous or fun family beach trips. Days idling by the pool. Blue skies, balmy evenings. Barefoot dining in the sand. Stargazing over the seas. 

To make this summertime sublime, we’re highlighting the season’s most memorable experiences. Explore the exotic sands of Oman, catch a legendary wave in Bali, or stretch out on the white-sand shores of Thailand. Let the sunshine in with a sweet summer escape.

Salalah

On the arid Omani coast lies a cultural treasure more precious than gold. Here, between UNESCO archeological sites, sprouting from dry, umber dirt, grow thousands of Boswellia sacra trees – the source of the world’s finest frankincense. Known locally as luban, frankincense has been traded here for more than 6,000 years, highly prized for its role in perfumery and aromatherapy and its anti-inflammatory effects. 

Embark on an aromatic summer experience in the perfume capital of Arabia. From your suite at Al Baleed Resort Salalah, go on an adventure into the legend of luban to Wadi Dawqah’s famous frankincense fields. Wander the ruins of Al Baleed Archaeological Park and head deep into the desert to the Lost City of Ubar. At the end of the day, cool off with the resort’s signature Frankincense Ritual, steeped in ancient wellness wisdom.

Maldives

What could be more memorable than swimming in the midst of manta rays? From May until November, Hanifaru Bay in the UNESCO biosphere of Baa Atoll hosts a frenzy of mantas in its plankton-rich waters. Up to 200 local mantas* gather here to feast, feeding in chain and cyclone formations and performing synchronised barrel-rolls into the depths.
 
Launch your magical manta experience from a sumptuous summer base at one of Anantara Maldives’ luxurious resorts. Spend your days submerged in coral-filled seas. Spend your nights dining by moonlight, or surveying the stars from an overwater observatory. 

* And possibly a whale shark or two. 

Thailand

In Thailand, summer reigns supreme with an array of idyllic beaches offering everything under the sun. In the royal resort town of Hua Hin, palaces and temples reflect rich local heritage, while beach activities, water parks and artisan markets keep guests on the go from dawn till dark.

In the south, Phuket offers vibrant island culture to explore, with the dazzling Andaman Sea as a playground. Over in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan let you take your pick of beautiful beaches, some fringing colorful fishing villages, others soaked in bohemian vibes.  

Indonesia

On the Indonesian archipelago, Bali beguiles with its legendary beaches. Summer boasts the island’s driest days, ideal for coastal escapades and water sports. Sink into a slower rhythm in Uluwatu on Bali’s shoe-shaped southern tip. Drift in a dramatic cliffside infinity pool at Anantara Uluwatu, or descend to secluded Impossible Beach and surf some of the world’s best breaks. Or opt for a shorefront chic in stylish Seminyak. Enjoy the views from an ocean suite at Anantara Seminyak, chill by the pool to DJ beats and settle into a beanbag on the sand watching (beach)life go by.

Vietnam

On the serene shores of central Vietnam, Quy Nhon quietly unfolds its latent charms. With ancient Cham ruins, sleepy fishing towns and tranquil rocky coves, it’s an idyllic spot for a wellness getaway, with holistic programmes offering reflection and renewal. It’s also where you’ll find Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, one of only 10 Asia resorts named in Travel + Leisure’s 2018 ‘It List’. Unwind in a private pool villa, try indigenous martial arts with Viet Vo Dao, enjoy luxury treatments in a jungle spa and spend blissful summer eves strolling golden sands.

Video – Experience Oman - Al Baleed Resort Salalah