Formerly part of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Al Husn is now a separate property – with the perk of continued access to the resort’s extensive facilities right on its doorstep. The perfect retreat for a romantic Arabian escape, this hotel is ideal for spending lazy days by the tranquil infinity pool or on the private beach with its commanding views – accessible only to guests staying at Al Husn. Choose between enticing flavours of Moroccan, Lebanese and Omani cuisine at Shahrazad or international dishes at the luxurious Sultanah – both of which are located on site at Al Husn. Or make the most of the resort and choose from several restaurants and bars at Al Waha and Al Bandar. A new rooftop afternoon tea experience will add a memorable way to enjoy the beach views and a new spa brings luxurious treatments using products from French brand L’Occitane. Each of the rooms and suites have been thoughtfully decorated in a traditional Arabian style and feature paintings by local Omani artists. Deluxe Rooms have a furnished terrace or balcony overlooking the courtyard and pool area. If you enjoy waking up to a view of the sea, choose a Deluxe Sea View Room.
Set on the edge of the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Al Waha has been created with families in mind. The hotel surrounds an oasis-like swimming pool which features a children’s pool and splash pad, shaded by towering palms. There are a selection of amenities and activities, including an indulgent spa, a dive centre and a range of restaurants and bars. Al Waha’s main restaurant, Samba, serves a variety of international dishes while the Surf Café is an ideal spot for a casual family lunch or dinner. Classically designed rooms and suites include Superior Rooms. Setting Al Waha apart from the two other hotels are the Family Rooms, which consist of two interconnecting bedrooms. These rooms also feature a DVD player and a PlayStation.
It’s hard to believe that such a zen-like retreat lies just a short distance from the capital. The mostly minimalist style is accented by traditional Omani and Asian twists. Feel your stresses melt away as you wander through the hotel’s beautiful gardens, scattered with tranquil ponds and swaying palms. This hotel is Oman’s only member of the Leading Hotels of the World, and it shows in its elegant facilities which include the longest pool in Arabia at 103 metres, one of Muscat’s largest spas and a 370-metre private beach. When it comes to choosing where to eat, it all depends on your mood and tastes. Dine on seafood at the The Beach Restaurant, or go for a casual meal at The Long Pool Cabana. At the main eatery, The Restaurant, watch skilful chefs in the four open kitchens as they whip up western, Asian, Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. The modern style continues into the rooms and suites which all include a complimentary minibar replenished daily, a Nespresso coffee machine and en suites with ultra-luxe Acqua di Parma toiletries. The Serai Superior Rooms are in the Serai Wing; Deluxe Rooms are found in the Chedi Wing and are more spacious. We recommend upgrading to a room with access to the Club Lounge, like a Deluxe Club Room, which comes with afternoon tea, snacks, evening cocktails and canapés. And in a Chedi Club Suite, you’ll get panoramic sea or garden views from a private terrace or balcony as well as a separate living room and access to the Club Lounge.
Sitting at the heart of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Al Bandar is the ideal choice for those guests who wish to be in the midst of all the action and plan to make good use of the resort’s extensive facilities. Take a culinary journey around the world at the resort’s numerous restaurants, bars and lounges – eight of which are located at Al Bandar. Italian specialities are served alongside fine wines at Capri Court, while Spanish dishes can be enjoyed at Tapas & Sablah. Al Bandar’s rooms and suites feature a modern, Arabian-inspired style with comfortable furnishings and artworks crafted locally. If a little more space is required, upgrade to a Premier Room from a Deluxe Room.
The cool architecture impresses as soon as you walk into the palatial lobby – all gleaming columns and acres of white marble. The Kempinski Hotel Muscat squares up to the Gulf of Oman in all its modern Arabic glory: large expanses of glass frame sea views and glorious arches soar high overhead. Found in the leafy district of Al Mouj, you’re perfectly placed for an Omani getaway: the marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and stunning Royal Opera House are around 20 minutes away by car, while the international airport is half that drive. There are two outdoor pools flanked by a bar and sun loungers, with more loungers dotted along the 6km-long beach. Here, you can kick back with a good book or sign up for watersports galore – wakeboarding, waterskiing, paddleboarding, kayaking and scuba diving. Rooms and suites are sleek and stylish; opt for a Grand Deluxe Sea View Room for unobstructed vistas – best captured from the private balcony. This hotel is definitely one for foodies: it even has its own culinary concierge. The Kitchen is an all-day affair, from baked breakfast goods and punchy Arabian coffee, to platters of Middle Eastern delicacies and seafood heaped over ice. Wash down French pastries with freshly brewed tea at Amwaj Lounge, try Thai street food at Soi Soi or feast on North Indian curry at Bukhara. Zale Beach Club is a cool hangout with a buzzy after-hours vibe – the perfect spot for a sundowner.
Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa
Al Waha at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
The Chedi Muscat
Al Bandar at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Kempinski Hotel Muscat
