Waterfalls with a side
of Khareef

Salalah is Oman’s hidden gem for families—where palm-lined beaches meet cool mountain breezes, wadis double as natural swimming pools, and camels casually wander by like it’s no big deal. With its mix of adventure and chill vibes, it’s a great spot for kids to explore and parents to unwind.

Salalah, Oman – Where Camels Roam, Waterfalls Flow, and It Actually Rains?!

When the UAE turns into a giant hairdryer for the summer, we pack up the chaos (and the kids) and head somewhere cooler—enter Salalah. Tucked away in southern Oman, this hidden gem pulls off a magical monsoon glow-up every year. Picture this: green hills, actual waterfalls, and wadis so clear and cool you’d think you accidentally landed in Bali. Oh, and yes—that wet stuff falling from the sky? It’s called rain. Who knew?

But the real MVPs of Salalah? The camels. These guys are living their best lives—lounging on beaches, blocking traffic like divas, and photobombing every sunset shot like they’re influencers with hooves.

2-4 days break

We recommend this destination as a 2-4 day (max) getaway. A direct flight in and out from the UAE thats only 1.50hrs means you can tick this one off over a weekend if you really wanted.

  • We flew direct from Dubai International Airport to Salalah with FlyDubai—a breezy 1.5-hour hop that was over so fast we barely had time to untangle the kids' headphone cords. The flight there? A dream. The flight home? Well… let’s just say a 7-hour delay gave us plenty of time to get very familiar with Salalah Airport’s snack options (and slowly lose our minds).

  • By the water. We stayed at the Fanar hotel and residence a sit was the base for our Ironman. Most hotels are spread out so find one that has the best facilities for your family.

  • Explore the Wadis.
    Compete in the Ironman challenge (if thats for you.
    Make friends with camels.
    Chase waterfalls.

Salalah, Oman – Where Camels Roam, Waterfalls Flow, and It Actually Rains?!

Our Oman adventure was based at the Fanar Hotel and Residence — and it couldn’t have been more perfect for the Ironman weekend. Super convenient, full of good vibes. The first night we had a buffet on the lawn, complete with local dancers and live entertainment—it felt more like a festival than a fitness event.
It got the party going and the kids excited.

A great feature of the hotel was the kids club rolled out the welcome mat, and the beach was a brilliant spot to relax. The kids sipped mocktails by the pool like mini VIPs, cheering on their dad and the other Ironman warriors. We rented a car and explored nearby beaches and the famous wadis—unexpected gems that quickly became trip highlights.

What Makes Side a Family Gem?

  • The Kids club: The kids’ club welcomed ours with open arms.

  • Buffet Goals:
    The breakfast buffet wasn’t all you need when fueling up for a big race, or big day by the pool.

  • Beach, Please:
    The beach right out front was pristine and shallow—perfect for splashy mornings and sunset swims. We could relax with a coffee (or spritz...) while the kids ran wild, safely in view.

  • Evenings with a Side of Culture:
    One of the highlights? The evening lawn dinners. Picture a buffet under the stars, live Omani music, traditional dancers, and kids twirling around like it’s a Disney finale. Magical and chaotic in the best way.

  • Spacious Rooms for Real Families:
    The rooms were roomy enough for all of us and our suitcase explosion. No awkward furniture rearranging or playing Tetris with bags and children.

    Adventure Nearby:

    • Wadi Darbat – Paddle in green waters, spot waterfalls in monsoon season, and picnic surrounded by lush hills. Nature at its best!

    • Al Mughsail Beach & Blowholes – Watch waves crash through natural blowholes and enjoy a breezy beach day with dramatic cliff views.

    • Explore the Frankincense Trail – Visit the Land of Frankincense Museum and nearby ruins to see where this ancient treasure was once traded.

    • Ayn Khor Waterfall – A stunning waterfall during Khareef (monsoon) season, surrounded by greenery that feels straight out of a jungle.

    • Spot Camels… Everywhere – On beaches, roads, random grassy patches—Salalah camels are part of the charm (and your photo album).

Ironman Weekend in Salalah – One for the Whole Family

When most people think of a tropical family getaway, they probably don’t imagine early wake-ups, sweaty race bibs, and energy gels. But for us, Salalah’s Ironman weekend was the perfect blend of family adventure and athletic chaos.

Nick vs. The Ironman

Nick, aka Dad, took on the full Ironman 70.3 like an absolute legend. Swim, bike, run—and somehow still had enough energy left to carry a toddler post-race. We were there at every transition zone, little flags in hand, cheering wildly like the supportive crew we are (plus snacks, always snacks). The event was super well organised, and the vibe? Electric.

Peyton’s (PJ’s) Big Moment

Not to be outdone by Dad, Peyton (3 years old and fierce) laced up his tiny sneakers for the IronKids race—and honestly, it stole the show. Watching a crowd of little ones give it their all, high-fiving volunteers and sprinting their hearts out, was equal parts adorable and emotional. He got his own medal, his own moment, and proudly wore it to dinner like he’d just won Kona.

Why This Event Was a Family Win

  • Everything was walkable—no crazy logistics, just step out of the hotel and you’re part of the action.

  • The Ironman Village had a festival vibe, with food, music, and loads of excitement for the whole family.

  • There was plenty to do for non-racing days: pool time, beach hangs, and exploring Salalah’s green wonders.

  • And most importantly, the weekend had a real sense of community—families, athletes, and tiny racers all in it together.

Would we do it again? 100%. Next time, maybe with matching team shirts… and maybe someone else can chase Peyton around the finish line while we grab a well-earned buffet plate.

How We Survived a 7-Hour Delay in Salalah Airport

  • We went into full travel survival mode—snacks were rationed like gold, devices were clung to like lifelines, and we officially maxed out every colouring page we’d packed.

  • The kids made a few airport friends and turned the soft-play zone into their room.

  • We took turns doing airport laps, pretending it was “an adventure,” which bought us maybe 15 minutes of peace at a time.

  • The airport lounge - Lucikly a great lounge for such a small airport. We took full advantage of this one.

  • Thank goodness for airport Wi-Fi.

By the time we boarded, we were all a bit wrinkled, slightly feral, and ready to sleep for 12 hours. But hey—the crew was great, the kids were troopers, and we somehow made it home without any airport meltdowns. (Okay, maybe just one… and it was from me.)

Would We Fly FlyDubai Again?

Yes—delays happen, and they handled it well. Just next time, we’ll come even more prepared. Think: extra snacks, backup iPad chargers, and maybe a pop-up tent for the kids to nap in (half joking… kind of).