Expect to be hearing a lot more about Oman in 2017. With new flight routes from Heathrow and Manchester and the construction of several stylish new hotels, Oman’s rugged landscapes, sandy beaches, and diver-drawing seas are becoming even more appealing (and easier to get to) than ever before. From luxurious mountain retreats to opulent developments in Muscat, here’s our roundup of four new five-star hotels you’ll want to visit in 2017…
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Perched on the rim of an enormous craggy canyon, this resort is one of the highest hotels in the world. As you’d expect, the views are spectacular. The hotel welcomed its first guests just last week, and first reports coming in on social media have been overwhelmingly positive. Highlights include a cantilevered deck which protrudes into the canyon (arguably the best place in Oman to watch the sunset), a sparkling infinity pool and friendly, infinitely accommodating staff. Its mountain location facilitates a host of adventure sports (rock climbing, hiking and biking), making a refreshing change from coastal resorts. It’d be ideal for a twin-centre holiday, combined with a beach hotel as the first leg.
Anantara Al Baleed Resort Salalah
Due to open in a couple of weeks time, this highly-anticipated hotel will be the first luxury villa resort of its kind in Salalah, in the south of Oman. It boasts a unique location: fronted by the ocean with a mountainous backdrop, a freshwater oasis on one side and a UNESCO world heritage site on the other. With around 30 rooms and 100 villas, the accommodation promises to be comfortable and opulent: think marble-clad bathrooms and contemporary Arabian styling, with private plunge pools accompanying most of the villas. Team this with a blissful spa, tantalising dining options at three restaurants and a range of activities from desert safaris to sailing. Al Baleed Resort Salalah is set to become a coveted Omani escape.
Kempinski Hotel
A new Kempinski hotel is currently being built as part of The Wave development along the Muscat coastline – tipped to open early next year. The Wave complex will contain a mix of residential properties, shops, restaurants, and luxury hotels, interspersed by landscaped parks and a series of waterways. Overlooking a 2km sandy beach and the luxury marina that borders the oceanfront, the hotel itself will feature around 310 rooms. They’ll be three swimming pools, ten dining venues and access to The Waves’ 18 hole PGA standard golf course (designed by former world #1, Greg Norman).
dusitD2 Palm Mall Muscat
The Thai hospitality brand Dusit is scheduled to open an upscale offering as part of the Palm Mall Muscat development, which is due for completion this time next year (construction is currently 70% complete). The Mall will offer Oman’s first snow village – yes, actual snow – in a place where summer temperatures regularly top 39°C. You’ll be able to go tobogganing, ice skating, tubing and have fun on a range of icy amusement rides at the indoor complex. Palm Mall will also feature a massive aquarium, and plans show some of the hotel’s most exclusive rooms looking directly into the water – offering fascinating views of the marine life. They’ll also be a gym, spa, and several restaurants at the hotel, as well as easy access to all the mall’s amenities.
Spencer Groves is Commercial Director at letsgo2.
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Source: A Luxury Travel Blog
