The rooms and villas are spacious and bright, pairing authentic Omani design with signature Anantara touches. They offer canyon, cliff or garden views and come with the likes of floor-to-ceiling windows, individual air conditioning, bathrooms with rainfall showers and separate bathtubs, and private furnished balconies or terraces. Villas feature a host of extra privileges compared to the rooms, ranging from private courtyards and infinity pools to plush living rooms and separate dining areas.
Speaking of infinity pools, there’s a large one open to all, beautifully positioned right along the cliff edge – a perfect spot for a refreshing swim or to simply bask in the sunshine while taking in the glorious mountain views. At the Anantara Spa, meanwhile, you’ll find separate male and female suites each featuring a sauna, steam rooms and aromatherapy showers, as well as a private hammam and five treatment rooms where you can indulge in rejuvenating massages and wellness rituals.
There’s ample opportunity to stay active, too, with a well-equipped fitness centre, optional sunrise yoga sessions and tennis courts on-site. Or, you might be tempted to venture off the beaten track on a guided hike to one of the nearby mountain villages.
When it comes to dining, there are three superb restaurants to choose from. Al Maisan offers a bountiful breakfast buffet and an eclectic choice of international cuisines for dinner, while Bella Vista serves up Italian classics for lunch and dinner. There’s also Al Qalaa, which deals in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, including Omani specialities, served in a warmly-lit, atmospheric room designed in the style of a desert fort. For a truly unique experience, you can also arrange an intimate private dining experience on the canyon terrace, where Princess Diana once stood.
A wide range of experiences and activities are available on request, including guided hikes, pomegranate harvesting, cooking workshops and driving tours to Jabal Shams, the highest peak in Oman at 3,028 metres above sea level.
