Thursday 25 / April / 2024
Jabal Akhdar has a kind of magic, from the stepped terraces that are abloom with roses in the springtime and pomegranates in the fall, to the cool breezes that make it a welcome retreat in the blistering summers and the occasional snowflake spotted there in the wintertime. This magic has made it one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the country, and over the last few years, a range of hotels have opened their doors, from no-frills guest houses to luxury boutique properties. And, just in time for the holidays, the mountain’s first full-service resort, Anantara Jabal Akhdar, has opened its doors.
The dreamy property was designed by a marvellously talented young French-Moroccan architect, who ensured that each of the 82 guest rooms and 33 villas enjoyed unencumbered views. The design is a harmonious marriage of iconic Omani design features, like the falaj and fort, infused with romantic Moroccan touches, like in-villa hammam-style showers, intricate tile-work, and ornate lighting, all executed in a decidedly chic, modern way.
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As an Anantara property, the resort has put an emphasis on creating bespoke, local experiences, from cliff climbing right off the ledge on the property, to village hikes and souq tours with local guides. The service is excellent, both professional and efficient while remaining friendly and casual, from the experts in the oasis of a spa to the servers at the restaurants.
These restaurants are among the best in Oman, thanks to Francesco Cutino, a phenomenally skilled Sicilian Executive Sous Chef, whose roots are apparent in the marvellous dishes at Bella Vista, the cliff and pool-side Italian restaurant where he serves the most authentic Italian food in the country. Especially memorable are his osso bucco, an eight-hour, slow-cooked veal shank served atop perfectly prepared saffron risotto, and the creamy, sweet-savoury butternut squash ravioli. Freshly baked ciabatta bread served with every meal is icing-on-the-cake.
The new resort is a wonderful place to indulge any time of the year, but right now, with Christmas and New Year celebrations upon us, it is an especially good time to book a room. While Muscat is enjoying balmy 20 and 30-degree weather, I find it much easier to get into the winter holiday spirit when you are huddled around a fire pit with a cup of hot cocoa, cosy in your cocoon of warm sweaters and wool socks.
On the top of our Green Mountain, the evening temperatures drop to the single digits, and as the sun dips below the horizon, the new Anantara transforms as the roaring fire pits are lit along with warming outdoor heaters, and—for this month—a towering Christmas tree begins to twinkle in the courtyard.
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The Christmas decorations at Anantara are as understated and chic as the architecture, with red poinsettia blossoms adorning the geometric, Moroccan-style fountain in the lobby and simple wreaths hung from the fortress-like interior walls, but in the main courtyard, their grand Christmas tree holds court, surrounded by reindeer and gifts. The surrounding lounge chairs and fire pit provide the perfect vantage point from which to see Santa makes his appearance, or to listen to the choir belt out classic holiday tunes.
It might not be a “White Christmas” as it is doubtful that there will be any actual snowfall in Jabal Akhdar this year, but with the icy cold nights, the crackling fires, the sounds of carolling, and the unmistakable feeling of indulging yourself in special treat or two, spending the holidays at Anantara Jabal Akhdar is a festive experience unlike any other. —[email protected]
Book your stay in a winter wondrland
Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar Resort
+968 2521 8000
jabal-akhdar.anantara.com
Don’t Miss
In Room Dining (especially if you book a villa).
Authentic Italian at Belle Vista.
Rock Climbing or Trekking Adventures with the mountain gurus.
Expert facials and massages.
Excellent wet and dry spa facilities including experience showers, saunas, and plunge pools.
A warm beverage in the fireside courtyard overlooking the Christmas tree.
Special Offers and Holiday Happenings
Opening offer of 20% off on all room categories for stays until 30 December 2016, starting at OMR156
Christmas Day Lunch
(Sunday, 25 December 2016)
Live cooking stations, traditional holiday dishes, a Santa Claus visit for the kids as well as traditional carols sung by the resort’s choir. 12.00 pm – 3.00 pm, OMR 25 per person, OMR 12.500 per child aged 6 – 12 years. Free of charge for children aged 5 years and below. (Subject to 12% tax and service charge).
New Year's Eve 2016 (31 December 2016)
Book a room and then book a table for an all-night gala. The party will feature international cuisine served from live cooking stations, a DJ spinning heart-pounding beats, a countdown to 2017, and a bubbly midnight toast. 7.30 pm – 2.00 am OMR 125 per adult, and OMR 62.500 per child aged 5 – 12 years, inclusive of 8% service charge and 4% tax.
