2000 years ago, around 4-6 BC, the Three Wise Men, known as the Magi, brought three gifts of immeasurable value to the newborn Christ. Two of these were gold and myrrh, one symbolizing kingship and the other symbolizing suffering and sacrifice. The third of these was frankincense, one of the most valuable resins of antiquity, symbolizing divinity. This resin, born from the Boswellia tree, still holds immense value and cultural significance in Oman, which is known for producing some of the finest frankincense in the world. And it also holds pride of place in Alila Hinu Bay, which is located in Salalah, the capital of Dhofar Province in Oman.

“In Oman, frankincense is more than just a product; it is a symbol of hospitality and respect. Its presence in every household as a gesture of welcome is a testament to its deep-rooted cultural importance,” said Amal Amjad, Marketing Communications Manager at Alila Hinu Bay, adding: “At Alila Hinu Bay, Oman, we integrate this heritage into our guest experience through welcome rituals, a culinary journey inspired by the Frankincense Trail and educational Spa Kitchen Classes on the uses and benefits of frankincense, while our signature Frankincense Spa treatment offers a relaxing and aromatic experience, celebrating the profound cultural significance of this precious resin.”

Currently, Alila Hinu Bay is home to a single, magnificent Frankincense tree on the main property, while three others are located in the resort’s residential units. Due to the tree’s sacred and cultural history and the wonders it offers, the property has a landscaping plan in the works that aims to nurture more of them.

For us, what really sets a luxury resort apart is how well it integrates into the story of the region in which it is located. How does the property integrate its vision and purpose with that of the land on which it is built and the cultures that inhabit it? Here Alila Hinu Bay scores top marks, as the property goes to great lengths to develop and refine its practices. This also helps to provide experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world (or at least not to this extent).

Through the Frankincense Landscape Project, Alila Hinu Bay has already embarked on a journey to showcase the harvesting and integration of frankincense into daily activities, such as making frankincense oil or emulsifying it into body butter. This initiative is not only about enhancing the guest experience of the property, but also about fostering deeper connections with the environment and heritage.

“Furthermore, we are exploring partnerships with local artisans to collaborate on workshops where guests can learn to make incense products. This hands-on experience not only enriches their stay but also allows them to take home a meaningful souvenir imbued with the essence of Omani culture,” Amjad adds.

What is really interesting is how Alila Hinu Bay has incorporated frankincense into their spa treatments and curated menu. During our stay, we opted for an incense oil massage which was exquisite to say the least. The resort’s spa also offers an extensive incense ritual.

“The Frankincense Ritual is a body scrub made with frankincense, followed by a warm shower. We then apply oil with soft, gentle strokes and finish with a relaxing head massage and warm frankincense tea (made in-house). We usually give a brief background on the history of frankincense itself and explain the benefits before the ritual, and the feedback is always positive. Guests usually love the soft feeling of their skin and the smell of frankincense on their body,” says Spa Manager Faranaaz Bardien.

On our second day at the resort, we also tried Alila Hinu Bay’s signature Frankincense and Date Ice Cream, which combines the natural sweetness of Omani dates with the aromatic and slightly spicy notes of frankincense. The ice cream has a smooth and creamy texture, which is a result of the infusion of frankincense resin into the cream, resulting in a delicate yet distinctive flavour. Chef Ibrahim Salim, the luxury resort’s executive chef, says that this particular dish pays homage to the ancient trading routes that brought frankincense and dates to the forefront of Oman.

“At Alila Hinu Bay, the decision to incorporate frankincense into culinary creations stems from a deep respect and admiration for this unique aspect of Omani heritage. The intention is to offer guests an authentic and immersive experience, forging a deep connection to local culture through the tantalizing flavours of frankincense-infused dishes,” said Executive Chef Ibrahim Salim.

“Guests typically react with curiosity and delight when encountering dishes with incense. Many are intrigued by the idea of ​​tasting an ingredient they might only encounter in perfumes or incense. The addition of incense often sparks conversations about its cultural and historical significance in Oman, enriching the dining experience and fostering a deeper connection to the region. Incense not only adds a unique flavour, but also enhances the overall dining experience by providing a sensory journey that encompasses taste, smell and cultural stories. It allows guests to explore Omani traditions in a new and memorable way,” he adds.

The term ‘hidden gem’ is overused when it comes to resorts and properties, but Alila Hinu Bay is truly one. Sure, it offers unparalleled comfort and thrilling adventures, and the cuisine is fantastic, but what makes this haven a must-visit is its deep appreciation and dedication to the culture of Oman’s vibrant southern region and its homage to one of humanity’s most precious essences.