Imagine waking up to a view so stunning it rivals the Grand Canyon, right from your room. This is the experience you can expect at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman!
Tucked away in the Jabal Akhdar mountain range, this luxury resort offers a peaceful and secluded retreat for travelers seeking a unique experience in Oman. But don’t let its remote location fool you – Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar has all the amenities and activities to keep you entertained during your stay.
Our 2-night stay was nothing short of spectacular and in this detailed review, I want to show you why this hotel deserves a spot on your bucket list.
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. Please note that we were invited to stay at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.*
Table of Contents
Basic Information
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Address: P.O. Box 110, Postal Code 621, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Nizwa
Email: aljabalalakhdar@anantara.com
Phone: +968 2521 8000
Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/jabal-akhdar
Instagram: @anantarajabalakhdar
Arriving at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Perched as one of the world’s highest luxury resorts, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar not only offers awe-inspiring views but also a welcoming break from the heat you typically find in more urban areas like Muscat.
The area has a different climate and while you can enjoy a comfortable 25-28°C (77-83°F) during the day, nights can get quite chilly with temperatures dropping as low as 10°C (50°F). So be sure to pack accordingly!
Getting to Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is as unique as the hotel itself. Since it’s located high in the Jabal Akhdar mountains, the resort is accessible only by a 4×4 due to the steep mountain roads.
Although the road is well-paved and maintained and technically could be driven in a regular car, the checkpoint at Birkat Al Mouz enforces the use of 4×4 vehicles for safety reasons.
However, if you don’t want to rent a 4×4 car, the resort offers convenient transfer services, which can be arranged from Muscat International Airport or the checkpoint if you’re driving a standard car.
We decided to rent a car and drive ourselves, which turned out to be part of the adventure. The drive from Muscat took us around 2 hours and offered stunning views along the way.
As soon as we pulled up in the resort’s parking area, we were greeted by friendly staff who parked our car and escorted us to the reception area.
The check-in process was smooth and efficient, and we were soon on our way to our villa with a buggy ride.
Rooms & Villas
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar has 82 canyon-view rooms and 33 private pool villas, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
All the rooms have private balconies overlooking the canyon, while the villas have their own infinity pools – perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
One Bedroom Cliff Pool Villa
We were lucky enough to stay in one of the cliff pool villas and it was truly an unforgettable experience. I think this is one of the best room types at the resort and I’m sure you will agree with me when you see the view!
The villa spans over 188 square meters (2,023 sqft) so it’s absolutely massive. Right after you enter, you will find yourself in the spacious living area, which has a comfortable sofa and a TV. This is where you’ll find the minibar and the safe, and also the complimentary coffee and tea set.
The bedroom is also quite spacious with a comfortable king-size bed, TV, and a small seating area by the window. There are two walk-in wardrobes and a stylish bathroom with double vanities, a separate tub, and a rain shower.
But the best part of the villa is undoubtedly the private heated infinity pool and terrace with sun loungers. The views from the pool and the terrace are just unreal, and we spent many hours just relaxing and taking in the beauty of the canyon.
Facilities
Infinity pool
Even if you don’t have a private pool in your villa, the resort has a stunning infinity pool for all guests to enjoy. It overlooks the canyon and is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak up the breathtaking views.
The pool is also heated so you can take a dip even on cooler days and there’s also a hot tub for a truly relaxing experience.
I recommend staying out until sunset as it’s a beautiful experience to witness the colors changing over the canyon.
Spa
The spa at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar offers a variety of treatments and wellness experiences, including massages, facials, and body scrubs.
There are also separate male and female thermal suites, each with a sauna, steam room, indoor relaxation chambers, and an outdoor garden. These suites are complimentary for all guests to use, but you have to reserve your time slot in advance.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any available slots that would fit our schedule, but that’s just one more reason to come back!
If you have your heart set on visiting the spa, I would recommend booking your timeslot as soon as you arrive at the resort to avoid disappointment.
Fitness Center
If you’re looking to stay active during your vacation, the resort has a well-equipped fitness center with cardio and strength training machines. There’s also an outdoor tennis court and basketball hoops so you can get your workout while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
This center also serves as the meeting point for outdoor activities, but I’ll talk more about that in a separate section.
Dining
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar offers a variety of dining options to suit any taste. Here is a quick overview of each dining option:
- Al Maisan: This is the main restaurant at the resort, offering buffet breakfast and dinner with a mix of international and local cuisines.
- Bella Vista: A charming Italian restaurant set on the cliff overlooking the canyon. Perfect for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner.
- Al Qalaa: Located in the fort tower, this dining option serves traditional Omani cuisine with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Al Baha: This cafe and deli is located in the beautiful courtyard of the resort, offering light meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day.
- Al Burj: This rooftop lounge is the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail or shisha while enjoying panoramic views.
Al Maisan
We had breakfast and dinner at Al Maisan during our stay, and both meals were excellent. The buffet spread is quite extensive with a mix of Western and Middle Eastern dishes, including traditional Omani specialties.
I especially loved the fresh coconuts and tropical fruits for breakfast, while the grilled meats and shawarma station were highlights of dinner.
For both meals, we opted to sit outside on the terrace overlooking the gardens. It’s such a peaceful and beautiful setting but it gets a bit chilly in the evenings, so remember to bring a jacket.
Bella Vista
This restaurant was our go-to spot for lunch and it never disappointed. The dishes were absolutely delicious and the views from the terrace were simply unbeatable.
This is where you’ll find Diana’s Point as well – a long glass walk leads to the viewing platform where Princess Diana once stood during her visit to Oman. You can also choose to have your lunch at the viewing platform, which is definitely a unique experience.
Dining by Design
If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, the resort offers a Dining by Design option where you can have a private dinner set up on the glass viewing platform overlooking the canyon.
This is perfect for a romantic celebration or just a special evening with your loved one. Watching the sunset and stargazing while enjoying a delicious meal was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us.
You can choose from four different menus: Mediterranean, Arabian Classics, Omani Inspired, and Well-Being. We went with the Omani Inspired and the Arabian Classics menu and each dish was expertly prepared and presented.
It was definitely a highlight of our stay at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique dining experience.
In-Villa Dining
If you know me, you know I love to order room service breakfast whenever I stay at a hotel or resort. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar did not disappoint with their delicious breakfast spread and the option to have it delivered straight to our villa.
What’s even more special is that if you stay in one of the pool villas, you can have your breakfast served on a floating tray in your private pool. Talk about luxury!
We did this on our last morning and it was the perfect way to end our stay at the resort. The peaceful setting, surrounded by stunning views and delicious food was a truly memorable experience.
Activities
One of the most unique things about Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is its location – nestled high up in the mountains, surrounded by stunning scenery and rugged landscape.
The resort offers a variety of experiences for guests to explore this beautiful setting. This includes various hikes, via ferrata, cooking classes, and even a cinema under the stars.
The Jabal Activity Wall is hands down the most thrilling activity at the resort. It’s basically a via ferrata route across the cliff edge that takes you through multiple levels and also includes a zipline.
Although the activity sounds amazing, to be honest, it would have been a bit too much adrenaline for us so we decided to opt for a more relaxing hike instead. The resort offers a variety of guided hikes, from easy strolls to more challenging treks.
We went on the Three Village Culture Walk which took us through three traditional Omani villages and gave us a glimpse into the local way of life. The view and scenery were absolutely breathtaking, and our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
We also happened to be visiting during the rose season in mid-April, which made the whole experience even more magical. The scent of the roses was heavenly and we were also able to see how rose water is traditionally made at one of the village homes.
The walk was very leisurely and it took us around 2 hours to complete the hike. However, it does have some narrow paths so it may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights or mobility issues.
Final Thoughts
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar truly exceeded our expectations in every way. From the breathtaking location to the luxurious villas and top-notch service, it was an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious getaway in Oman, I highly recommend staying at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, all in one. Plus, the views alone are worth the trip!
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