From Muscat, we passed luscious wadis to reach the dramatic Hajar Mountain range and the majestic hideaway Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar perched on cliffs 6,500 ft above sea level in rural Oman.

As the sunset embraces the cliffs, guests stop, take a moment and exhale. With a spectacular landscape that constantly changes with the seasons, Anantara Jabal Al Akhtar is the perfect romantic destination.

Built in 2016, at a cost of Qar 320 million, featuring 115 luxury rooms and villas which overlook the dramatic terrain of Jabal Al Akhdar.

Best Time of the year to visit:

Autumn is definitely the time to head to the mountains as Jabal Al Akhdar is on average 15 degrees cooler than the rest of the GCC.

I loved the fresh cool mountain air which was a reprieve from Qatar’s blistering 50’C. In the Winter months the temperature will plummet and I suspect that it will be too cold to fully enjoy the facilities available at the resort.
August temperatures are around 20’C at night and upto a sunny 30’C during the day with light rain for a few minutes.

How to get there

Fly into Muscats new airport. A 4×4 vehicle is required to access the resort via excellent concrete roads. There are three options to reach the resort which is two hours away from Muscat. Guests can choose to use the hotels transport service at OMR 150 (Qar 1 420) per trip, self drive by hiring a 4×4 or my recommendation is to hire private transport. We opted for private transport based on a friends recommendation (see end of post for contact details).

The roads are extremely steep and one does need to know how to correctly use a 4×4 to self drive.

Activities

High octane activities include rock climbing and ziplining, archery, abseiling and upto 30m mountain climbs down into the cliffs with the aid of an experience mountaineer.

For a more calming start to the day, enjoy Yoga every morning, relax and appreciate the view or dine under the stars at ‘Diana’s Point’. The platform was built on the site visited by the Princess of Wales during a visit in the 1980s.

There is something for everyone from trips to local historical sights like forts and old markets, hiking and mountain biking. Most activities offered are charged separately and are not complimentary.

The resort also offers a range of paid activities such as stargazing, photography lessons and cooking lessons.

Complimentary activities include the cliff top infinity pool, spa facilities such as indoor pools, steam room and jacuzzi. Bicycles are available throughout the resort for guests to enjoy. There are also tennis courts, yoga on certain weekdays, a great kids club, gym and a self walk around the town.

Insider’s Instagram tip:

Sunset over the infinity pool or from Diana’s point is particularly dramatic. The brochures boast amazing photos of guests sitting with feet dangling off the cliff edges as if they are at the edge of the world. Unless you partake in the paid activities such as rock climbing, the rock edges are not accessible to guests. If you want one of these photo opportunities one can request at the recreation centre and special permission will be given including a guide and you will be harnessed to ensure your safety (for FREE).

What to pack

The resort does recommend that guests dress modestly while out and about in Oman to respect local customs. Guests should cover their shoulders and legs from the knees up and avoid form fitting clothing.The hotel and restaurants have a casual dress code and one is allowed to wear sandals and shorts. Tank tops for ladies and sleeveless tops for men is frowned upon in the dining outlets. Bare feet is also not allowed in the restaurants.

The pool area is relaxed with guests wearing bathing suits from burkinis to costumes. I do recommend packing a light jersey for the night as there sometimes can be a cool breeze in the mountains even in summer.

If you plan on hiking, rock climbing or trying out any of the of the extreme activities available it is best to come prepared. A small shop at the hotel that does sell items such as jackets, costumes, sunblock etc.

Summer is mosquito season so if you attract mozzies like me then I would recommend coming prepared. Reception does keep repellent creams and the resort is sprayed daily.

Amenities

When a hotel offers guests eight different types of pillow options and four types of soaps or bath crystal salts you know that your every need is being catered for.

Spa

Anantara spa is a sanctuary which offers signature treatments for both men, women and couples. From Hammam rituals to massages and facials. I loved the beautiful complimentary ladies only indoor pool, garden sanctuary with bed loungers and refreshments located within the spa.

Dining

Going hungry is never an option with the vast range of dining options at the resort. There is also a café at the resort open daily till 7pm serving light meals if one has chosen the bed and breakfast option or half board. Jabal Al Akhdar is a pretty town with restaurants if you prefer to venture out of the resort for a stroll and meal.

Fruit season

In Autumn there is an abundance of pomegranate, almonds, pears and grapes to name a few on Jabal Al Akhdar. From August until October, guests staying at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar or lovingly referred to as the Green Mountain are lucky to sample these fruits from the gardens at meal times and the spa incorporates ancient Arabian treatments such as the revitalising pomegranate journey.

Loyalty Programme

Transport

When planning a visit to Oman, the cost of transport will be one of the key factors to take into consideration as travelling around Oman is very expensive. Below are a few local Omani transport/tour guide options that friends recommended. I would recommend planning what you want to do and then contacting them for quotes and suggestions on how best to execute your dream plan.

1) Youssef: +96897001809
2) Nasser: +96899071580
3) Ahmed: Omani Local Guide

Special

This Summer take advantage of the Anantara Special for GCC and Oman residents seeking a luxury escape. Save up to 30% on accommodation and up to 20% off spa and dining journeys. Bookings made on www.anantara.com are also rewarded with resort credit.

Anantara blends understated elegance into the rugged mountain landscape of Oman with their luxurious hotel. A true retreat of the mind, body and soul.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.
Nizwa, Oman
00968 2521 8091.
aljabalakhdar@anantara.com