Designed in the style of a Moorish fort, Muscat’s Al Husn and its private beach offer Oman’s most extravagant stay option.
While the neighboring cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE get most of the attention, Muscat offers perhaps the most authentic experience of the Gulf region, offering history, charm and rugged landscapes from the coast to the inland mountains and deserts.
Designed in the style of a Moorish fort, Muscat’s Al Husn offers the Sultanate of Oman’s most extravagant stay option, tucked away with its private cove and beaches about 20 minutes drive from the capital. Part of the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, and directly translated as “The Castle,” its palm trees, water features and Portuguese influenced architecture recall the Alhambra, with views of rugged mountains as a backdrop.
Oman is the calmer cousin of its commercial neighbors, and Al Husn matches that vibe – luxurious but never ostentatious. It’s actually has two sister hotels, Al Bandar (The Town) and Al Waha (The Oasis), though while both are a short stroll within the same 124 acre grounds, they have a very different feel. Al Husn stands very much on its solid grounds, on a hill overlooking both a sand beach, and a garden beach.
Al Husn describes itself as embodying “the true essence and mystique of Arabia, steeped in history and myth, from Sinbad the Sailor to the Queen of Sheba.” And from the beautifully curved arches that begin at its entrance, through Persian rugs underfoot and Arabic scents in the air, the atmosphere is indulgent without ever being overpowering.
180 rooms, each of 48 square meters all include a terrace or balcony, most overlooking the Sea of Oman, of which the hotel claims 600 meters of coastline. The best swimming though is in its picturesque pool, surrounded by palms.
The pool isn’t the only water feature on the property of note though, it also has a horizontal water flume on which to ride a float and slowly meander at the water’s own pace around the property.
As well as Al Husn’s private cove, ideal for relaxation in front of the dramatic rock formations, it has its own dive center for beginners and professionals, and boats for fishing. Dolphin and whale watching tours are an unexpected service, but the sunset tours are the most popular.
One beach, protected from guests, is used by visiting turtles, who bury their eggs, allowing their young ones to crawl from the sands back into the sea without harm.
Incredibly, Al Husn and its extended property, including the two sister hotels, has 21 restaurants. No shortage of options means never really needing to leave the premises.
While consistent throughout, and including Lebanese, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian and South American, the pick of the bunch is perhaps the Moroccan restaurant Shahrazad. Romantically lit at night, the slow-cooked stew of the specialty Lamb Tajine Tfaya is the top choice, complimented by imported Morrocan wine.
The hotel first opened seven years ago, and its reputation has only improved with time. “We are honoured to have received numerous international awards and achieve high recognition in the market,” says General Manager Mark Kirk.
“When combining our delivery of Shangri-La’s legendary hospitality from the heart together with the warm welcome and hospitality of the Omani people, it is an unbeatable combination.”
Al Husn guests are treated to several special complimentary activities. A large outdoor platform plays host to afternoon tea with cakes, overlooking the main beach area. Then in the evening, pre-dinner cocktails and snacks warm up guests as the sun goes down.
Live music is provided by local musicians on traditional instruments, ensuring an authentic feel to the hotel experience. Then, in-room, complimentary iPods are prepared with a personalised music selection,
For those looking for pure relaxation, and revitalization Al Husn is prepared with the CHI spa. Ostensibly based on Chinese philosophy, the 12 treatment villas at the spa uses local, naturally grown Omani ingredients, such as frankincense. Frankincense has long been known for its anti-ageing and healing powers and is mixed in to oils and clay for the treatments. It is mixed with rose for a Frankincense and Rose Wrap.
Male and female hammams with steam room and bathing sections are worth a trip just to view the mosaic tiling and fountains alone.
The atmosphere of Oman is all around at Al Husn, where camels wander the beach with their masters, and an Omani Heritage Village showcasing the country’s history and culture in the grounds. The village is supported by the Bait Al Zubair Foundation and the Omani Craft Authority, which helps to ensure its authenticity, while next door, the Al Mazaar Souk sells local wares.
Art lovers will find particular enjoyment at the Art Gallery, a collaboration with the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which presents rotating local exhibitions, including photographs of Omani culture, by local artists.
