Saturday 21 / December / 2024
Muscat: Santa Claus is sure to have a busy Christmas in Oman, having been slated to make several appearances across the Sultanate.
With Christmas just a fortnight away, hotels in Oman are busy gearing up for a festive season, which happens to fall slap bang in the middle of the Sultanate’s tourist period, ensuring tourists and residents alike have a very memorable 25th of December.
Guests who visit Anantara Jabal Akhdar up in the mountains are set to enjoy a great Christmas holiday, complete with a traditional Christmas lunch and dinner, with Santa scheduled to pop in as well.
“Residents in Oman can get 20 or 30 per cent off on their accommodation, and we are quite busy, because of visitors from across the GCC and the European market,” said Firas Rashid, director of sales and marketing. “One of our team members will be dressing up as Santa Claus on Christmas, with our team members also singing carols on Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome to take part in join in.”
Rooms at Anantara Jabal Akhdar begin at a basic rate of OMR150, with the traditional Christmas lunch and dinner each priced at OMR18.
One of Oman’s most famous establishments, Al Falaj Hotel, in the heart of Muscat, is also preparing to welcome even greater numbers of guests during the festive season.
“We have a Christmas Eve dinner and a Christmas day lunch, as well as promotions at our Stassen tea lounge,” said Praveen George, GM (Sales) for Al Falaj Hotel. “Santa Claus will also be coming to our hotel on Christmas Day. We are quite busy at the moment, and that is only expected to increase after the 20th of the month.”
Guests who wish to join Al Falaj for their festivities would need to fork out about OMR13 for Christmas Eve dinner, and OMR15 for lunch the next day.
As far as traditions, go, though, Al Nahda Hotels and Resorts have some great offerings for people to look forward to, including a turkey dinner, complete with all the trimmings.
“Christmas is generally a very private family affair at home, where the head of the family carves the turkey, and at Al Nahda Resort, besides our set Christmas menu, we also have fortune cookies, where guests can win many prizes,” said Mary Ann Roberta, corporate director, marketing and development.
“We have an excellent turkey lunch on the 25th and dinner on the 24th, priced at OMR25, so it’s going to be a very grand event,” she added. “Guests who join us at the Dunes resort will be able to have plum pudding, beverages and turkey by the pool, and that how they can enjoy a unique Christmas in Oman.
Couples looking to enjoy this unforgettable experience, priced at OMR47 for two, might find it difficult to get a last-minute booking, though, so an advance reservation is advised.
Oman’s oldest hotel, the Intercontinental, also have some unbeatable offers this Christmas. A tree-lighting ceremony is to be held on Wednesday, 13 December with carollers scheduled the next day, with Santa pencilled in to appear on the 25th. A sumptuous Christmas Eve dinner, and Christmas day brunch have also been laid on.
“I would like to personally invite you to celebrate the festive season with us and enjoy our unforgettable dining selections and lively entertainment,” said Thierry Perrot, area GM for the Intercontinental Hotel Group Oman. “May the magic and wonder of the holidays fill your heart and home. We would like to thank our guests and friends who reserved the time to indulge in the Intercontinental experience.”
But the coolest Santa appearance is set to take place in Musandam, with Six Senses Zighy Bay having planned an extraordinary arrival for St. Nick.
“At our resort, Santa always either arrives by speedboat, or by microlight,” said Aaron McGrath, general manager for the resort. “This is our own unique way of introducing Santa Claus, and a female Santarina to our guests. We invite all of them to come to the beach, and this something that you don’t often get to see elsewhere.
“All of the children and adults who come here love their arrival, because it is a bit different, and we want our guests to remember their stay at Zighy Bay,” he added. “Each child also gets a special present, because although this is our busy time of the year, every guest is very important to us.”
