Snuggled above the mountainous region, far from the flurry of everyday life, there is a peaceful ambience surrounding the Alila Jabal Akhdar resort. But then again, there is something unexpected about this place, it is somewhat puzzling that what surrounds the resort are endless craggy summits and a barren landscape, but it is still an area where plenty of fruits grow such as pomegranates among other things like walnuts and Oman’s famed damask roses which bloom during March, coating the mountainside in strips of pink. This is a place of natural beauty and an escape to solitude; this is Oman’s Alila Jabal Akhdar.

Alila Jabal Akhdar is in the middle of the desert and only accessible via four-wheel drive. The temperature is fifteen degrees cooler than in Muscat all year round, which makes it the perfect place to escape from the scorching temperatures and to enjoy the much cooler and fresh air. The hotel’s mesmerising design is inspired by ancient forts, using local stones, and combining them with contemporary architecture to create a relaxing environment from the poolside to the capacious suites.

The resort is located 2,000 metres above sea level in the centre of the Al Hajar Mountains, which is one of Oman’s most captivating tourist destinations because of its stunning landscapes. These include Oman’s highest mountain, Jebel Shams and Jabal Akhdar meaning the “Green Mountain” in Arabic. Caves, canyons, and uninhabited villages alongside mountains encircle the resort giving guests some amazing panoramic views.

The interiors of the hotel are just as eye-catching as the exteriors. The lobby’s warm and neutral tones create a minimalist yet elegant style and vibe, accompanied by colourful rugs, wooden furniture and shelves lined with handmade pottery and copper decorations, all showcasing Omani heritage. It feels crisp and clean, the simplicity of the lobby’s design truly embraces the ‘less is more’ axiom, it looks homey but with a sophisticated touch of lavishness.

The hotel has a total of 86 rooms including two villas which are decorated with rich coffee-coloured tones and splashes of soft nutmeg. The walls are adorned with beautiful hand-woven baskets and juniper tree motifs hand painted by a local artist. Bathrooms are just as spacious as the rooms with picturesque views of the wilderness creating a light-filled area with an oval bathtub and rain shower.

 

The area has plenty of fun activities to keep guests on their feet. Cave Adventure Via Ferrata is a challenging experience. Via Ferrata is Italian for ‘iron path’ and involves getting into a harness and going for a short walk just beyond the resort and over the stile. Pass beautiful mountain scenery down to the village of AlKhutaymi, hidden in a cave in the wadi floor.

Continue trekking for another fifteen minutes and the best swimming pool in the Green Mountain is in view, great for a quick refreshing dip before hiking back. Guests can also hike around Jebal Shams, Oman’s highest peak and for those who aren’t a fan of hiking can dive into Omani culture and sightsee some of Oman’s most distinctive cultural landmarks including the striking 17^th century Jabreen castle and the mud-walled oasis, Bahla Fort.

After a busy day of engaging activities, it’s time to unwind and no one does comfort and relaxation like Spa Alila. The Spa is a haven of tranquillity with seven treatment rooms, a Vichy shower, steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzis. The majority of the remedies and treatment oils are made on site and locally grown essential oils and herbs are used in signature treatments. Guests can cleanse and heal their body with Omani and Asian treatment techniques delivered by passionate spa members and with an exciting menu of scrubs and masks featuring coffee, lemongrass and ginger, guests will be left spoilt for choice in their relaxing spa journey.

The resort’s only restaurant, Juniper, features a broad variety of dishes specialising in Arabic cuisine influenced by trade routes that stretch from the Middle East to the Mediterranean. The Omani tasting menu is outstanding with flavoursome dishes such as the Angus Beef Tenderloin, aromatic lamb shank tagine and delicious baba ghanoush. Also located near the restaurant is the Rose Lounge. Its cosy ambience is the perfect place to sit back and sip on a selection of wines and cocktails and nibble on some light snacks whilst soaking up the spectacular views. With floor to ceiling windows, the view of the sun slowly setting behind the mountains sets the mood to zone out.

Alila Jabar Akhdar takes pride in delivering an enriching experience for its visitors. Good food, nature and a relaxing spa journey are the key elements to look forward to. The serene location and incredible services make this resort the place for a truly authentic experience of the Middle East, whether it’s hiking up the Jebal Shams or enjoying a spa day, Alila Jabar Akhdar allows guests to float into immense relaxation and become one with nature.