culture magazine

The height of opulence

At the peak of world-class luxury lives the heart of Omani hospitality – welcome to the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the edge of a great canyon, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is a secluded haven for intrepid and discerning travellers. Guests look out over an extreme landscape of rugged beauty as they explore a rare treasure trove of authentic indulgence. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is the highest luxury resort in the Middle East and is among the highest in the world – it provides a true vantage point to explore this extraordinary part of Oman.

Once inaccessible, Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Arabic for The Green Mountain) is a towering massif on the Sultanate of Oman’s vast Saiq Plateau. Dramatic peaks define the horizon, a view which Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales once gazed upon.

Arrival at the hotel is courtesy of an adventurous drive – two hours from Muscat International Airport or four and a half hours from Dubai – past date plantations, dry riverbeds and historic forts. The resort embraces its fortified architecture, placing guests in modern ramparts inspired by commanding citadels that have been reimagined with sophisticated, contemporary interiors.

A total of 115 luxury rooms and villas overlook the vast canyon and tranquil gardens. Each features its own indigenous luxuries, from custom-made Omani furniture, to Amouage bath products that evoke the fragrances of the region. The resort’s 82 Premier and Deluxe Rooms boast a spacious bedroom, which are among the largest in Omani hotels. Each commands views of the canyon and a spa-style bathroom carved out of sustainable, local material, complete with a rain shower and separate bath alongside the balcony. Meanwhile, the 33 villas offer an intimate escape each with personal villa host services and a private infinity pool overlooking the cliffs or tucked away in an exotic garden. Guests have the choice of either one or two bedrooms or the exclusive Three Bedroom Royal Mountain Villa. Each villa features a state-of-the-art interactive LED internet TV and a spacious living area, all adding to a sense of sublime luxury.

The essence of Oman

With a selection of five restaurants and lounges to choose from, guests can indulge their senses in the essence of Oman. Experiences range from a fine-dining Arabian grill, a poolside Mediterranean restaurant, to an all-day international restaurant serving favourites from around the world. Of course the climate allows for year-round ™ࢥ alfresco dining, and guests can retire after a great meal to the rooftop shisha lounge.

Other highlights include a cliff-edge infinity pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and tennis court. And then there is the globally acclaimed Anantara Spa. Harnessing the essence of Arabia, the spa welcomes guests with ancient hammam rituals, five treatment suites, private outdoor relaxation areas and separate male and female indoor swimming pools. A separate kids’ and teens’ club offers fun-filled activities, whilst a lavish ballroom and extensive meeting facilities offer a range of memorable venues for events and weddings ‘on top of the world’.

Those with a taste for adventure can explore the labyrinth of narrow roads via mountain bike, marvel at the landscape on an energetic hike, climb, abseil or even try their hand at the ancient art of archery. Under the guidance of qualified mountain instructors, guests of all abilities can really discover the mountainside with a Via Ferrata, a steel cable that runs along the cliff edge – the perfect vantage point for the ultimate landscape photo. Furthermore, the cable allows thrill-seekers to abseil down the rock face for a rare adrenaline rush. Meanwhile, the resort’s high elevation makes it a luxurious training ground for serious or budding athletes, and guests often take the chance to enhance their performance while at the resort – altitude training is especially good for boosting endurance.

 

Just for you

Anantara Al Jabal Al Resort offers a host of personalised arrangements, including mountain-top sunrise yoga and stargazing beneath the jet-black night sky. For the ultimate entertainment you can enjoy a classic movie under the stars complete with gourmet popcorn. Adding extra atmosphere to the already amazing setting, a blazing courtyard fire pit lights the resort’s own Friday afternoon market, illuminating one-of-a-kind artworks by local village artisans and craftsmen.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and enjoying cool temperatures throughout the year, Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar Resort presents travellers with a rich, authentic experience. Hike through valleys bursting with date palms and orchards of pomegranate, haggle over a silk scarf in the souks and wander through gardens of sweet scented roses.

Those looking to immerse themselves in the captivating history of Oman can visit ancient villages set in the mountainside, explore local heritage sites or take part in Omani cookery lessons, part of Anantara’s signature Spice Spoons series. It all adds up to something  truly special.

Further information

www.anantara.com/en/jabal-akhdar