Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, MuscatThe Shangri-La in Muscat is in fact 3 hotels in one resort: Al Waha for families, Al Bandar for business and Al Husn, which is for adults only. Located outside of the city and with 2 private beaches, the hotels offer a variety of experiences on site, although we suggest venturing out into Oman to see the country proper.
On this stay, we stayed just one night in a sea view room in Al Husn (adults only is a huge plus in our book). Transferring from Alila Jabal Akhdar, it was quite a long drive but wonderful to see the blue Indian Ocean when we finally arrived. We were surprised by the sheer size of the resort - the road led past numerous private villas (not managed by Shangri-La) and there was more concrete and less greenery than we would have liked. However, the combination of mountain and sea views was beautiful and provided a good foretaste of Muscat. Entering into the large, cool and impressive lobby, we proceeded to check-in. One bedroom suite - Al HusnDuring our stay, we asked to view a standard suite, which is a room category one above the Deluxe View room we were allocated. Twice as big as the deluxe rooms, the suite offers a huge bathroom with a fantastic multi-nozzle shower and a large walk-in wardrobe big enough for a couple staying for a week. The generously proportioned living room and bedroom link to a double width balcony offering a variety of seating.
Amenities in the suites and deluxe rooms are the same. Al Husn has a great concept whereby breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapés are included in all rates. These will be reviewed below, but we found that enough food was provided to not need to buy anything else, at least if on a short stay. If you are staying during Ramadan, these inclusions can naturally not be served in the usual areas. However, alternatives are provided via room service; for example, the evening sundowners are replaced with a bottle of wine and selection of canapés served in-room. DiningDining was a highlight at the hotel, although we only ate the included food at Al Husn. Afternoon tea on the first day was at first disappointing as the hotel hadn't received information of our dietary requirements, despite us emailing a few days in advance. However, within around 15 minutes, the kitchen had magicked up a selection of sandwiches and some mango sorbet. For those without allergies, the afternoon tea stand looked delicious. In the evening, special canapés had been made for us (delicate tomato consommé, seared fish and fresh fruit) and wine was free flow (and generously topped up). Breakfast the following morning had an astonishing spread, including a vast buffet and made-to-order 2-page menu with delicacies including Japanese breakfast and beef cheek with truffle and egg.
Whatever your taste, you are bound to find something to suit at the Shangri-La. With 17 food and beverage outlets, the only problem is deciding which to try. We visited the Moroccan Shahrazad, which offered a really romantic atmosphere and Al Tanoor with it's huge buffet spread of Mediterranean, Arabic, Iranian and Indian favourites. |
Deluxe Sea-View - Al HusnThe check-in agent didn't exactly exude warmth or hospitality; however, the welcome drink of chilled apple juice was delicious and much needed after our journey and everyone can have an off day. Unfortunately, due to the hotel being fully sold the following day, late checkout wasn't available. However, this wasn't going to be too big a problem as we were only transferring to the Grand Hyatt.
At 48 square metres, our sea-view room was a good size, although it felt a little tired and in need of a refit. However, the stunning view over the pool to the sea beyond made up for this. Due to the high humidity in Muscat during our stay, we were advised to keep the balcony door closed at all times to prevent the fire alarm being activated - this was no problem and good that all guests were proactively told. The balcony was a good space but not very private - in the morning Mrs d2t stood outside to enjoy the sea breeze and a member of staff working poolside said good morning - make sure you are appropriately dressed if outside! Mr d2t was impressed with Bose Soundlink speaker which was provided - it worked too. All rooms in the hotel feature a complimentary mini-bar (offering soft drinks, beers and snacks) and a fruit plate. The latter was uninspiring with 2 apples, a rock-hard plum and a tangerine - come on Shangri-La - you can do better than this. Al BandarAs we had a brief tour of the hotel, we asked to see the rooms in Al Bandar, the business hotel. The standard room in Al Bandar is around 50 OMR cheaper than in Al Husn and the suite approximately 30 OMR cheaper. Connected to Al Husn by a covered walkway, Al Bandar has the largest selection of dining outlets on site.
The Deluxe Room we first viewed had a different feel than Al Husn - much more of your city centre hotel. At 38 square metres with a balcony, the room was still spacious but no sea view until the third category of room. Having said that, the view was pleasant over the resort's gardens. The One Bedroom Suite we viewed had a large walk-in dressing room with a dressing table. This room could also be used as a study if required, so it provides a good multifunctional space. The suite itself was smaller than Al Husn but still spacious at 76 square metres. Perhaps the ideal option for families with older children, the suite offers plenty of space for relaxing or entertaining. Spa & LeisureBeing a resort hotel, the Shangri-La offers a wealth of leisure facilities. Although the on-site 'souk' (or gift shop) may not be to everyone's taste, the host of daily activities available should keep even the most active child amused. As our stay was so short, we didn't have time to try most activities out, but the mini golf, lazy river, adventure play area and camel rides would suit many smaller visitors.
Those staying at Al Husn have access to a private fitness room, adults-only swimming pool and private beach. For people requiring a fuller work-out, the hotel's main gym located by the spa has a good selection of equipment and trainers are available to borrow if you forgot your own (sportswear is on sale if required). Snorkelling, ocean kayaks, scuba diving and sailing provide multiple options for lovers of water sports. Chi Spa has a large outdoor relaxation area, changing rooms offering segregated saunas, steam room and jacuzzi. Treatment rooms provide a private space with Thai massage beds, outdoor shower and jacuzzi - perfect for a romantic afternoon of pampering. |
Overall Impression
The Shangri-La is a beautiful resort located in a peaceful area of Muscat. Although a little way outside the city, this distance makes it very easy to relax and enjoy the facilities, although don't let this stop you from venturing out and exploring a little of Oman (the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus into town). On a par with the best resorts internationally, the complex offers 3 hotels (including one exclusively for adults) and the dining is very good, both in terms of quality and choice. For families, a stay at Al Waha is likely best value on a half-board package and few extra costs would be incurred - there is a lot of food available to suit all tastes and so many complimentary activities that children and parents alike will easily be kept amused. For couples, we recommend Al Husn - there's nothing quite like the peace offered by an adults-only hotel!
For travellers who prefer to feel closer to the country they are visiting, we would recommend staying at the Alila Jabal Akhdar and a few days in one of the smaller hotels in Muscat. The Shangri-La offers a number of benefits, but you are clearly staying in a resort. We found the architecture a little too concrete and the complex much bigger than expected. Whilst the Grand Hyatt provides a very good option for business travellers, there is less to suit the leisure traveller. There are so many new properties planned for the city (including developments by Starwood and Jumeirah) it will be interesting to see how the hotel scene develops. However, at present there seems to be a real gap in the market for a small, luxury boutique property (like Seven Terraces in Penang only Omani in style) in the centre of Muscat.
Overall, for those wanting a relaxing getaway in a new country, look no further than the Shangri-La. You will feel absolutely safe, have a fantastic holiday and taste some delicious food. In April/May there is a very good chance of witnessing the annual nesting and hatching of turtles on the Shangri-La's own private beach. Rooms are large, air-conditioning effective, swimming pools clean and the choice of activities extensive. Our stay in Al Husn included many extras, providing good value for money, although we did feel that spa treatments were overpriced. If you're a family, we doubt you'll find a better option in Oman. For couples or single travellers, maybe come for a few days to get over the jet-lag; then move on to get a deeper experience of Oman.
For travellers who prefer to feel closer to the country they are visiting, we would recommend staying at the Alila Jabal Akhdar and a few days in one of the smaller hotels in Muscat. The Shangri-La offers a number of benefits, but you are clearly staying in a resort. We found the architecture a little too concrete and the complex much bigger than expected. Whilst the Grand Hyatt provides a very good option for business travellers, there is less to suit the leisure traveller. There are so many new properties planned for the city (including developments by Starwood and Jumeirah) it will be interesting to see how the hotel scene develops. However, at present there seems to be a real gap in the market for a small, luxury boutique property (like Seven Terraces in Penang only Omani in style) in the centre of Muscat.
Overall, for those wanting a relaxing getaway in a new country, look no further than the Shangri-La. You will feel absolutely safe, have a fantastic holiday and taste some delicious food. In April/May there is a very good chance of witnessing the annual nesting and hatching of turtles on the Shangri-La's own private beach. Rooms are large, air-conditioning effective, swimming pools clean and the choice of activities extensive. Our stay in Al Husn included many extras, providing good value for money, although we did feel that spa treatments were overpriced. If you're a family, we doubt you'll find a better option in Oman. For couples or single travellers, maybe come for a few days to get over the jet-lag; then move on to get a deeper experience of Oman.