castle on a rock

Height has its advantages. Perched on a clifftop on one of the many rugged peninsulas that jut out in the Gulf of Oman southeast of Muscat, Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa overlooks a magnificent vista – sun-baked rocks, a sweeping crescent of sand and impossibly iridescent shades of blue.

Once part of the Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah and Spa complex, which occupies this private stretch of beach, Al Husn has been relaunched as a private standalone property since this January. Distinguishing itself from the more family-oriented Al Waha and more communal Al Bandar, Al Husn has always been considered the most luxurious of the three resorts, with its own private beach. Independence (and an extensive refurbishment) has brought with it a new sheen of sophistication, as well as the new Hareer Spa by L’Occitane and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Al Husn guests can still stroll over to the shared Bar Al Jissah spa, as well as wander around Al Bandar and Al Waha, but Al Husn will be impregnable, for the use of its guests only.

Designed to resemble an Omani palace, Al Husn is divided into two sprawling wings housing its 180 rooms and suites, enveloping an expansive courtyard inspired by the Alhambra of Granada in Spain, where complimentary cocktails are served each evening. From this square, horseshoe and multifoil arches lead to wonders – the palatial lobby where tendrils of frankincense smoke waft, or the immense swimming pool and the turquoise sea beyond. If that looks inviting, Extra Divers at Barr Al Jissah marine will take you below sea level, to impossibly intricate coral gardens (and the occasional dolphin, if you’re lucky!)

Al Husn means ‘the castle’ in Arabic, and the rooms have an opulence you would expect from that name. With a touch of regal glamour, lavish silk furnishings and Omani/Moorish design elements frame a space of plush comfort. There is little risk of have pattering feet or pre-adolescent yells shattering the reverie; Al Husn is an adults-only resort. Which means guests can dine in undisturbed contentment at the sumptuous Shahrazad, with its authentic Omani, Morroccan and Lebanese menu, or the smart Sultanah, where a daily English afternoom tea is also served.

In all of this – the rooms, the restaurants and the pool – Al Husn’s vantage point means guests are always appreciating things at height. It’s an elevated approach that thoroughly spoils the senses. This is not accidental, but deliberately cultivated through attentive service and an inspiring location. Al Husn is a castle, and guests here are kings and queens.

Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa