A Stay At Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

Around 2 hours’ drive from Muscat, high up on Jebel Akhdar, which in Arabic means green mountain, there is a spot named after a princess.

Back in 1986, a princess and her prince husband arrived by helicopter at this spot overlooking the Saiq Plateau, 2,000m above sea level. The royal couple stayed in the area for around six hours.

During this time, while enjoying the mesmerising canyon views, she read a book, while the prince painted the landscape in watercolours. She was Princess Diana, he was Prince Charles. And after that visit, the spot was named Diana’s Point.

Today, Diana’s Point is located at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the luxury mountain resort that is a retreat for those in search of peace, tranquillity and more pleasant temperatures during the summer months.

Unlike Diana and Charles, I arrived at the resort by 4×4. The road that leads to Jebel Akhdar is so steep that there is a police station at the start of the road to ensure adventurous tourists don’t try to drive up in a regular car. As you zigzag up the mountain, you cross small villages and can enjoy the rugged mountain scenery.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Review: My Experience

Upon my arrival at the resort, I was greeted by the hotel team, mostly Omani men wearing a traditional dishdasha (sort of a tunic) and offered some refreshments. Those included dates, a glass of pomegranate juice, one of the symbols of hospitality, a cold towel and some macarons.

The hotel main building resembles a traditional Omani fort and was built using traditional techniques. Soon after check-in, I was escorted to my room.

Leaving the reception area, we crossed an impressive courtyard decorated in Arabian style, with several lounges and a central fire pit that turned out to be particularly popular in the evenings.

My Deluxe Canyon View Room at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

I stayed in a Deluxe Canyon View room, which I found spacious and elegant. As the name suggests, these rooms are located on the rim of the canyon of the Saiq plateau, offering stunning views of the surrounding area with its rugged mountains.

It has predominantly earth tones and some intricate woodwork in the headboard and on the ceiling, inspired by the traditional woodworks found in old Omani houses and forts.

It has a large and very comfortable king-size bed, a sofa, widescreen TV and a dark wooden cupboard with the minibar, an espresso machine and 2 litres of bottled water (complimentary).

When you wake up, you can enjoy the view of the rugged landscape without even getting out of bed. The bathroom more like a spa, with a separate bath and shower room and toiletries by Elemis.

There is even a soap menu and guests can choose their favourite fragrance. It even explains the benefits each fragrance brings, based on the principles of aromatherapy.

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The room also has a balcony with a comfortable seating area, from where I enjoyed two incredible sunsets.

The Facilities at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

The hotel benefits enormously from its location and the views over the rugged mountain valley are the main feature. Having said that, the facilities at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar blend the stunning location with Omani tradition and international hospitality. That makes it one of the best resorts in the Middle East.

The resort courtyard is the perfect place to relax reading a book or to smoke shisha on a quiet evening. On regular evenings, there is a ceremony of lighting the fire pit – here and around the resort.

From there, there is a garden with native mountain plants and tree. Amid the plants and small trees, there are several narrow streams that not only decorate the area but help cool and water the garden.

There is also a beautiful infinity pool that has become the most popular place in the resort on warmer days. From the pool area you can still enjoy those breathtaking mountain views and some unforgettable sunsets. There are also two outdoor jacuzzis next to the pool and a small kids pool.

The resort also offers a number of activities that include yoga, archery, a three-village tour and a walk on the cliff face (via Ferrata). The walk on the side of the cliff is their Signature Activity and I highly recommend it.

Even though I am not that comfortable with heights, I went for it. My instructor Jeddah’s attitude gave me a lot of confidence and I must say, it was the most amazing feeling walking on steps, hanging on the cliffside and ziplining with that view that even more incredible than from the resort.

I will have to write a separate post just for it, because it was very a special moment not only on this trip, but in my life.

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Conquer your fears and join the mountain climbing experience at @anantarajabalakhdar 🧗‍♂. We hope you had a memorable time @travelwithpedro 😊.

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As if it weren’t enough, the resort also has a Balance Fitness Centre, a kids’ club and even a tennis court.

The Anantara Spa

As with any Anantara property, here you can unwind with a spa treatment in The Spa. When I arrived, it was impossible not to notice the small fountain in the reception area. It even had a small stream that ended in a larger decoration pool. I was greeted by the receptionist and introduced to the therapist who was going to look after me for the next hour.

In addition to five luxury treatment rooms, some of which can accommodate couples, the spa also has a hammam, a beauty salon, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a relaxation area with a jacuzzi. I chose the Anantara Signature Massage, which was so good and so relaxing that I even fell asleep and had to be wakened up.

Anantara Jabal Akhdar Oman — The resort’s exterior design; The Anantara Spa.

Restaurants at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

There are three restaurants, one bar and one cafe at the resort. Al Maisan is their all-day dining and serves Omani and international cuisine in a huge buffet. I especially liked their lamb curry and their selection of desserts.

The restaurant is decorated with two large arches and several that gives it a lot of character. I highly recommend choosing an outdoor table by the (decorative) pool at breakfast time, so you can enjoy the view of the whole resort below you.

I also had lunch at Bella Vista, the resort’s Italian restaurant located by the infinity pool and close to Diana’s Point.

Since I had had a late breakfast, I ordered fried calamari as a starter, followed by a delicious risotto and washed down with a refreshing fruit mocktail. Service in both restaurants was very attentive and efficient.

Unfortunately, the cafe, the lounge and Al Qalaa Restaurant, the Middle Eastern restaurant, were closed, as it was the beginning of Ramadan and very low season.

Private Villas

More than 50% of the resort’s clientele is comprised of A-list celebrities, royalty and top company executives who expect a higher level of privacy.

This is one of the top reasons to stay at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar: privacy, luxury and the location. To cater to these guests, the resort has 30 villas with private pool, offering one to three bedrooms.

I had a tour of some of these villas and I must say, the level of opulence is unparalleled. Some villas have a canyonside infinity pool, bathrooms larger than many London flats, private garage for up to three cars and come with a personal butler. There are some very impressive touches, such as a 24-carat gold deck of cards!

Final Thoughts on Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

The resort delivers luxury, elegance, excellent service and delicious food. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar was the last hotel I stayed in Oman on this specific trip and was the perfect way to wrap up my visit.

Offering a unique experience in one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of the Middle East, it is perfect for many types of travellers. Couples will find it quiet and romantic, families will find enough activities to keep members of all ages happy and even solo travellers can have a great time, as I did.