25 August 2016

Exquisite properties: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort to add luxury appeal to Oman's hospitality offerings

MUSCAT: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, is set to make its debut in the Sultanate this autumn with the opening of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in the north east of the country and Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in Dhofar Governorate.

Situated in dramatic natural beauty, each resort will offer authentic indigenous experiences, allowing discerning guests to immerse themselves into the culture and landscape of this extraordinary country.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, an upscale property set in the rocky contours of the vast Saiq Plateau on Oman's fabled Green Mountain, is perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon, making it the highest five-star resort in the Middle East and one of the highest in the world.

A total of 115 luxury guest rooms and villas overlook either the dramatic canyon or tranquil gardens.

The resort's 82 Premier and Deluxe Rooms boast a spacious bedroom, amongst the largest in the country, and a spa-like bathroom complete with a rain shower and separate bath alongside a balcony.

Meanwhile, the 33 One- or Two-Bedroom Villas grant guests an intimate escape, each with personal villa host services and a private infinity pool overlooking the cliffs or hidden in an exotic garden. With a selection of six restaurants and lounges to choose from, culinary experiences range from a fine dining Arabian grill concept and poolside Roman-inspired restaurant, to an all-day international dining restaurant serving world classics and rooftop shisha lounge.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and boasting mild temperatures throughout the year, guests at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort can venture through the valleys on foot, haggle over scarves and perfumes in the souks, rise early to practice mountaintop sun salutations or marvel at the awe-inspiring sky on the fort star-gazing platform.

Situated between a long, scenic beach and freshwater lagoon, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara brings a new level of luxury to the country's Dhofar Governorate, allowing intrepid travellers to explore the unique charms of this emerging destination.

The resort comprises of 136 guest rooms and villas offering views of the Arabian Sea, lagoon or picturesque gardens. The 40 Premier and Deluxe Rooms offer luxurious handcrafted furnishing and rich textures, whilst the eight One-Bedroom Villas and 88 One- and Two-Bedroom Pool Villas entice with personalised villa host services and separate living areas. The Pool Villas benefit from private temperature-controlled swimming pools, the first of their kind in Salalah.

Three exquisite dining venues showcase an array of vibrant cuisines including a South East Asian restaurant, a relaxed Mediterranean beach bar and all-day dining restaurant.

A range of unique and inspiring experiences led by Anantara's renowned experts known as 'Gurus', will allow guests at each resort to explore the area and experience the local culture, whilst impressive facilities include infinity swimming pools, tennis courts and fully-equipped gyms.

Both resorts will boast a world-acclaimed Anantara Spa, which will harness the essence of Arabia with ancient hammam rituals as well as treatment rooms offering signature spa treatments using indigenous ingredients and traditions. In addition, they will each feature extensive meeting and banqueting facilities to host weddings, events, conferences and team building activities.

© Oman Daily Observer 2016