A few decades ago, Salalah was a place unfamiliar with tourists, but it witnessed a remarkable moment when a group of Swedish women tasted the local coconuts in the open, sparking curiosity among Omani onlookers. Among those captivated was Lubica Ritzl, whose love for Oman has stood the test of time, spanning over 40 years.
Hailing from the Czech Republic and now 70, Lubica has made Sweden her home and Salalah her second home. Her enchantment with Oman began in the early 1970s and she made her maiden visit with Antal Ritzl, her late husband in 2007, who worked extensively abroad.
Recalling those early visits, Lubica expresses, “I find that the Omanis are very friendly, very open-minded. Several times Omanis have invited me and my husband home to partake in their food and richness of Omani culture, and are very generous citizens.” Her affection for Oman goes beyond picturesque landscapes.
Lubica has developed a lifelong love affair with Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, recommended by a colleague. It is not just the beachfront that keeps her returning, but the warmth of the Omani people that stole her heart. She feels a sense of healing, being at home, and the safety of Oman, believing that her late husband’s spirit lives on in Salalah.
Salalah holds nostalgic memories of Lubica’s late husband, where she remembers wearing white frangipani flowers brought from his early morning walks at the resort. The beautiful flowers in a cup lifted her spirits each morning.
While the resort serves as her anchor, Lubica immerses herself in Omani culture during her annual visits, enjoying local fruits and observing traditional fishing techniques along the Salalah coast.
Maher Bahsoun, the Crowne Plaza General Manager, expresses the honour of being considered a second home by Lubica. “Our staff embraces her as one of their own, eagerly anticipating her annual visits. Oman holds a special place in Lubica’s heart, and we strive to deliver the traditional Omani hospitality she fell in love with when she first discovered Salalah 40 years ago,” he says.
Oman remains Lubica’s favourite vacation destination, even after exploring 56 countries with her globetrotting husband. She returns each year to rekindle her lifelong passion for the country. As an art teacher, she not only imparts creative wisdom but also indulges in the artistry of capturing nature’s essence through her drawings, with a particular fondness for flowers and beaches.
Lubica explains, “I like that Oman retains its cultural traditions even as it modernises. The slower pace of life, respect for elders, and preservation of old customs remind me of the simpler times I experienced living in the Middle East in the 1970s.” As she plans to introduce new generations to Oman, Lubica reflects on over 40 years of return trips, finding a second home and family in the country. “I feel like I’m a part of the family here. Salalah is my place on Earth for recharging.”
Lubica plans to continue the annual pilgrimage, sharing her love for Oman with her children and grandchildren. Lubica’s story is one of serendipity, human connection, and discovering a passion that still burns bright across years and miles. Her journey is an inspiration to embrace unexpected places and people that profoundly shape our lives.
She plans to introduce her two daughters, Christina and Annika, and grandchildren Måns, Rasmus, and Vera to Oman, showcasing the beauty of the country by strolling on Salalah beaches, exploring wadis, enjoying shawarma at Baalbek, her favourite Lebanese restaurant, and meeting friends made during her visits to Salalah.
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