Known as "the castle" in Arabic, Al Husn is a seamless blend of Omani heritage and modern elegance, offering a sanctuary for those seeking an indulgent escape steeped in cultural richness. This prestigious property is not just a retreat but a destination that captures the essence of Oman's authentic charm.
Set against the backdrop of Oman's majestic Hajar Mountains and the azure expanse of the Gulf of Oman, Shangri-La al Husn's design pays homage to the architectural beauty of Omani forts and the Moorish style of the Alhambra Palace. Rich desert and mountain tones of beige and brown create an upscale ambience, with Persian carpets and intricate latticework adding to the authenticity.
Throughout the hotel, guests will find nods to Omani culture, from coffee table books on the country's history to binoculars for birdwatching and stargazing. The balcony views and frankincense-scented toiletries offer an immersive experience, while daily afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks elevate the stay.
Omani hospitality is renowned, and 'The Castle' exemplifies this with its attentive and personalized service. The staff, including Hotel Manager Nick Flynn and Executive Chef Eric Fettke, engage with guests, ensuring a memorable experience. The resort's dedication to guest satisfaction is evident, with personalized touches and thoughtful gestures throughout the stay.
Upon checking in, the mini bar, pre-dinner drinks, and a la carte breakfast including exclusive access to the private beach, are exclusive perks guests will enjoy during their stay.
Location and Atmosphere
Situated a mere 45 minutes from Muscat International Airport, Al Husn is strategically positioned to offer both convenience and seclusion. A journey through picturesque roads lined with date palms leads guests to this majestic clifftop oasis overlooking the Gulf of Oman. While it is just a stone's throw from the bustling city centre, Al Husn feels worlds apart, offering a peaceful respite for travellers.
Al Husn is part of the larger Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort complex, which includes two additional hotels: Al Waha, designed for families with young children, and Al Bandar, catering to families with older children. However, Al Husn distinguishes itself with an adults-only policy, providing a tranquil haven for guests aged 16 and above.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the hotel's grandeur, characterized by classical Arabic architecture, vibrant colours, and soothing water features. This luxurious environment is a celebration of Omani culture, exuding an atmosphere of exclusivity and sophistication.
Rooms and Suites
With 180 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, Shangri-La Al Husn redefines luxury living. Most accommodations boast stunning sea views and are among the most spacious in Oman. Guests are welcomed into a world of opulence with panoramic vistas of the Gulf of Oman and the hotel's private beach. Each room features a king-size bed with body contouring technology, a marble-clad bathroom, and a walk-in wardrobe, all thoughtfully designed to cater to every guest's needs. Additional amenities include a complimentary mini-bar, and a proper request can either give you a room overlooking the full Barr al Jissah complex or the beautiful cliffs that have become an iconic view in Muscat.
For the ultimate in luxury, the Royal Suite offers an unparalleled experience, having hosted royalty and celebrities alike. Accessible via a private lift, the suite includes a lounge, a 12-seater dining room, and private wellness facilities, including a whirlpool bathtub with ocean views.
Dining Experience
Al Husn's culinary offerings are as diverse as they are exquisite, with four restaurants on-site. The dining experience ranges from a casual beach bar and poolside eatery to an elegant Mediterranean fine dining venue. The Sultanah restaurant, inspired by the renowned Omani cruise liner, offers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey with signature dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is celebrated for its bold, creative cooking, but it's not just that.
Come here around 3 pm and you will be treated to one of the best high teas in Muscat. While everything remains indoors during the summer, winter is a different conversation altogether, as you have the option to enjoy your afternoon snacks while seeing the beautiful Barr al Jissah coast.
Dinner here can also be quite festive. Whether you're going for what's on the menu or yearning for a more exclusive dinner by design, the talented chefs of Al Husn can craft beautiful dishes for the most picky of eaters. Guests at Al Husn can also dine in any of the adjoining resort restaurants.
Amenities and Activities
Emphasising its exclusivity, the facilities at Al Husn are exclusive to guests staying at this beautiful property. A courtyard styled as an oasis, complete with a traditional Arabian archway, leads to a palm-fringed infinity pool that serves as the heart of this Omani sanctuary. The private cove epitomizes serenity, with its pristine white-sand beach and stunningly blue waters framed by sun-bleached rocks and a natural arch. The tranquil waters invite swimmers, snorkelers, and kayakers to leave their sun loungers for mid-morning adventures or twilight excursions on the shimmering water. When not lounging by the pool or sinking their toes into the soft, warm sand, couples can enjoy a game of tennis, unwind at the Luban Spa, or explore the array of authentic and luxurious experiences offered by Shangri-La Al Husn.
Guests of Al Husn enjoy exclusive access to a wealth of amenities, including a health club, water sports and diving centre, private marina, and spa. The resort also features a turtle sanctuary, offering guests the chance to witness hatching events, and dolphin and whale watching tours are available for nature enthusiasts.
Al Husn's own facilities, including the Luban Spa, are not accessible to guests of Barr Al Jissah, emphasizing its commitment to exclusivity. The Luban Spa offers treatments incorporating frankincense, an integral part of Omani culture, grown in the hotel's own frankincense garden.
Explore the hotel’s garden, where you can meet Khalid Al Amri, an esteemed Omani frankincense expert. He will enlighten you on the history of this treasured incense and the intricate techniques used in its collection. Upon request, Khalid can guide you through the art and architecture of the property and offer an exclusive look at the car museum, which features a remarkable collection of vintage vehicles owned by the hotel’s proprietor.
The hotel’s beach ranks among the top five nesting sites for turtles in Oman, with over 100 turtles returning annually. A dedicated turtle ranger relocates eggs to safer locations before the hatching season, which occurs between May and September. If you visit during these months, you have a good chance of witnessing hatching, typically taking place in the early morning or just before sunset.
Guests also have access to the expansive Barr Al Jissah complex, where one of the standout attractions is the falaj-inspired lazy river. Flowing between Al Waha and Al Bandar, this relaxing ride on inflatable tubes is shaded by palm trees, making it perfect for reading or phone scrolling. Afterwards, take a jet ski tour for a breathtaking perspective of why Shangri-La Al Husn is one of Muscat’s most extraordinary retreats.
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