Location:

Dhofar, Oman

Client:

Alila Salalah Company SAOC

Plot Area:

250, 000 m²

Scope:

Lead Consultant, Architecture & Engineering (Design & Supervision)

Status:

Completed (2020)

Alila, Mirbat, is a beach resort property located East of Salalah. The Resort stretches over a site of 45* hectares. Alila allows for a truly unforgettable experience with its luxury retreat units and pool villas, indulging gourmand encounters offered through all day dining facilities and beach grills, and rejuvenation through services offered in spa and many recreational facilities.

The Master plan uses the site to its full potential where the guest experience, siting of the buildings and functionality of the resort are carefully articulated in unison. Arrival into the resort from the North of the plot is through a descent via rocky terrain. Design intent was to retain the natural composition of the site with minimal intervention for building components.

The Main resort building* is laid along a strong North-South tilted axis facing the pristine beach of the Arabian Sea. The Spa is set on a tilted East-West axis connected with the main resort building via a falaj and orients itself with the guest experience of dining under the stars at the ‘Shuaa’ tent*. The guest units are located along the natural contours of the site that slopes towards the sea allowing each guest to have a unit with unparalleled views of the sea.

The Building design is contemporary minimalist with a heavy influence of the Omani vernacular. Omani marble on the facade, falaj water features, Omani archway corridor in the reception building and local artwork are some of the many local influences that are evident within the building design. Landscape design is very strategic, and a move from more “traditional” and higher water usage plants to native and adaptive plants. This brings a design aesthetic that responds to the local climate and culture, creating an experience and sense of place.