Marriott International will open its first property in Oman in December, under a contract with Dhofar Tourism Company.

The 234-room Salalah Beach Marriott Resort will be part of a mixed-used, beachfront development located approximately 75 kilometers from Salalah, Oman’s southernmost city, which is well-regarded for its picturesque mountains and sandy beaches and excellent diving.

Nearby attractions include the tomb of the Prophet Ayoub (better known as Job of the Old Testament) and the ruins of a palace thought to be that of the Queen of Sheba. The marshy khawrs dotting the coastline are sanctuaries for a broad variety of migrating birds, turning the region into a bird watchers paradise.

“Oman has worked hard over the last several years to promote its tourism sector. We look forward to participating in their efforts to encourage tourism to the country and to ensuring visitors to Oman experience a welcoming environment,” said Ed Fuller, president and managing director for international lodging for Marriott International.

“We are delighted that Marriott International has partnered with us to launch their first-ever property in the Sultanate of Oman. Holidaymakers will experience Marriott’s world-class hospitality and signature grandeur at the prestigious Salalah Marriott Beach Resort,” added Osama Mariam, chief of Dhofar Tourism Company.

Guests will have a choice of staying in the resort's main building or surrounding chalets which will offer studios and one- and two-bedroom lodging options. Guest rooms will feature flat screen, high definition television, high speed internet access, Marriott’s renowned bed and bath linens and amenities and in-room mini-bar and safe.

Dining and entertainment options will include a casual, all-day restaurant, a seafood outlet, an Arabic Café and an English Pub. The resort’s welcoming open-space lobby will offer a lounge and a bar.

Recreational amenities will be highlighted by a spa and fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool with separate adult and kids activities (play ground area) and a dive center. Other amenities will encompass 24-hour room service, a business centre and a retail shop.

For social events and conferences, the resort will have 6,348 sq ft of space including a 3,551-sq ft ballroom, 2,260 sq ft of individual meeting rooms and a 538-sq ft board room.-TradeArabia News Service