Craggy, rugged mountain ranges run through the country and along the coast. And the deep blue of the Gulf adds a strong and wonderful contrast to this. The landscape is barren, yet lush greenery constantly breaks through. Oman welcomes me and presents itself in a completely different way than expected, hardly comparable with other Arab countries I have come across so far. Towns, villages, people and nature – everything is varied, with many facets, its own character and preserved originality. An eleven-day stay to experience the adventure of Oman. Eleven days to discover a whole world.
There are places in the world that immediately cast a spell over you. For me, the Orient is one such fascinating region – not least because of this magic, which is reminiscent of the stories from A Thousand and One Nights. Luxurious Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa is just 40 minutes by car from Muskat Airport and will satisfy your longing for Oriental culture: Majestically situated on a rocky plateau above the Gulf of Oman, it lives up to its name – Al Husn means castle – and in a special way it is. The palm-fringed driveway overlooks the architecture with towers, battlements and ornate arched windows. The elegant foyer enchants guests with high columns and soft oriental carpets, the restaurants with typical regional flair and wonderful panoramic views. Even after 10 years, the hotel has maintained its high standard, and the renovation work that has begun will continue this heritage. The suite I am in is very spacious and well equipped. After extensive relaxing in the restful atmosphere of the pool complex – the resort is reserved for guests aged over 16 – I take a walk to the complex's private beach, which lies spectacularly embedded in a rock formation and offers exclusive privacy. The Atrium invites me to enjoy Happy Hour, where I chat with other mostly older guests over an aperitif. The evening is all about culinary finesse: The signature menu in the Shahrazad speciality restaurant, including a delicious shoulder of lamb, is a real treat.
From a maritime beach atmosphere to refreshing mountain air: the drive to Nizwa leads on steep serpentine roads up to the lofty Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, which, at 2,000 metres above sea level, makes all the diversity of the country truly tangible. Opened in summer 2016, the luxury resort offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding gorges and cliffs, mountain ranges and river valleys. Its altitude makes this destination also ideal in the summer months – with temperatures at a pleasant 25 degrees. Overall, the complex is characterised by architectural modernity and clear lines. The flowing forms of the gardens with a new interpretation of grasses, ground-cover plants and tall trunks, supplemented with walls and stone beds, set a contrasting accent. I marvel at the canyons in front of me from the heated infinity pool. In the distance, you can see the neighbouring mountain villages with their green terraces. Among other things, the Damascene roses from which the famous rose oil is extracted are cultivated here. Whether room, villa or villa with its own pool – a wonderful atmosphere can be enjoyed in any of the accommodation types. In between, you can let yourself be enticed by culinary delights in the café with delicatessen, at the bar or in the restaurants. The breakfast and dinner buffets are truly worth mentioning. There is a wide-ranging programme offered for the sporty, active ones among us: Hiking, climbing, mountain biking and much more. What could be nicer than relaxing on the 'Diana’s Point' panoramic terrace or relaxing in the spa afterwards?
The last stop of this wonderful journey is Salalah in the south, which is about 1,000 kilometres from Muscat by air. The climate in this coastal region is almost tropical – with temperatures around 30 degrees in summer and fine monsoon rain, which makes the landscape lush green. The Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, also opened in summer 2016, presents itself in a style similar to that of Nizwa: elegance, zeitgeist and in a privileged location characterise this beach resort, which has a 450 m2 pool complex at its centre. My exclusive pool villa, which offers not only a superior living and sleeping area but also a large bathroom and a dressing room, creates a combination of modernity and oriental flair with inlays in wood, oriental fabrics and fine leather. I enjoy a cocktail on the terrace of the Al Mina restaurant. The airy square offers wonderful views of the sea – but if you don't know that all beaches in Oman are public, you might be surprised by the cars passing by from time to time. I end the day with an excellent dinner in Restaurant Mekong. Of course, I would like to see a little more of the country here too. I take a drive along the coast with an Anantara guru, where we encounter a breathtaking landscape with deserted beaches, turquoise bays and free-running dromedary herds. My conclusion: luxury, activities, pleasure and originality merge here in Oman into a fascinating blend. I’m sure I’ll be back.
