What do you get if you combine an infinity pool boasting outstanding views of the desert mountains, the Gulf of Oman and exceptional natural elegance; a profuse resort that brings along a fresh level of ardour to the thriving city of Muscat; and the most exclusive address in the capital? The answer is Shangri-La Al Husn Resort and Spa, the epitome of uber-luxury!
Hotel
Muscat offers an overwhelmingly affordable opulent break with great food and spectacular views to match. Positioned on a cape with astounding views, The Husn is the most select hotel within the Barr Al Jissah resort (beside Al Waha and Al Bandar). The resort’s isolation is one of its key charms, a forty-five-minute ride from the airport and just twenty minutes from the capital city of Muscat.
It turns out to be a fantasy getaway, exclusively anticipated to character the illustrious architecture of Omani forts, with a blend of Moorish style in the panache of the Alhambra Palace in Spain, as well as the enduring backdrop of the Gulf of Oman. From your entrance in the impressive foyer, set among swathes of luscious greens and water bodies, with majestically columned verandas, you will be swept into another world. The resort blends extravagance and individuality in a theme that runs through each room and flair of the hotel.
Room
As the sun peeks out from the sea and the sky turns a beautiful orange amber, I am in admiration and find it awe inspiring to stroll along the beach to watch the sun go up before my cup of tea. Each room is planned with an accent on home-like comfort and is well furnished with state-of-the-art amenities and services; read a Nespresso machine and butler service (the mini bar is also complimentary).
Most of the 180 rooms in the resort have a view via the terrace or balcony. Everything about my room thrills me, the plus king size bed, extravagant silk furnishings, the stunning sea and pool view, everything was as it should be. The bathrooms are excellent, with L’Occitane conveniences, enormous walk-in rain shower and bath separated from the bedchamber with a gorgeous wooden pattern screen.
Food and drink
Table bars are uncommon and remote between so I must give glory to the Shangri-La Al Husn, for making complete use of its oceanfront façade and setting up Al Muheet, the pool bar offering creative cocktails and bar snacks. It also happens to be the first to break the stuffy five-star hotel lounge-bar stereotype. The bar functions as a chilled-out café too and ss the sun sets, Courtyard, the lounge bar, becomes sublime for a drink, and the best part; this comes gratis.
The glimmering sea and mountains probably look even more dramatic from Mahhara Beach Bar. We munched on some Mezze along with our cocktails and took in the sea-view, trust me it is awe-inspiring! At Sultanah, of course, the breakfast and high tea leads ultimate (part of the package). Chirpy and lively by the day, candle-lit and opulent at night, it provides a remarkable view whatever time of the day you go. I totally enjoyed my dinner at Shahrazad, the authentic Moroccan-Arabic restaurant with live entertainment.
To do
The L’Occitane Hareer Spa promises a unique personal experience: original music and exclusive signature treatments, with products from L’Occitaine, the famous French brand. Go for an exhilarating massage and the soft and gentle strokes put you into a peaceful snooze, a reason why this massage is particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to shut eye.
The infinity pool has plenty of sunbeds and never seems thronged, while the picturesque isolated cove, with its tiny white-sand beach and normal rock arch, is perfect for snorkelling, kayaking and swimming. Lodgers can also use the services of the broader resort, counting the seashore, the CHI spa and tennis courts – as if there is any more reason to step out.
Factbox
Room rates start from approx. £600 including breakfast.
Address: Shangri-La Al Husn Resort and Spa, P.O. Box 644, Muscat Postal Code 100, Sultanate of Oman
Phone: + (968) 24776250
Website: shangri-la.com
