Perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the edge of a rugged Omani ravine lies Al Jabal Al Akhdar, perhaps the ultimate getaway resort in the Middle East.
Built out of local stone and wood, the 82 canyon-view rooms and 33 private-pool villas offer a natural extension of their surroundings, with stylishly understated furniture made by local craftsmen, and gardens with indigenous flowers and herbs. This resort is all about location, with the surrounding Al Hajar Mountains offering a jagged, scorched earth accompaniment to the jaw-dropping views of the canyon.
Unsurprisingly, the natural beauty is central to life at this Anantara resort, and through a combination of sunset yoga, romantic dining options, mountain biking, star-gazing and walks to nearby ancient Omani villages, you can tackle the mountain from all angles. If that all sounds a little energetic, take a photography or painting class to help you capture the landscape without having to walk it.
Once you’re able to drag yourself away from the view, you’ll find a comprehensive spa menu – at what is quite probably the world’s highest luxury spa – where you can try the Rose Rescue Ritual treatment using the locally found Damask rose (come between April and May to see them in bloom and all around the resort).
Close your day with a visit to one of Al Jabal Al Akhdar’s five restaurants (three are open for dinner) where we heartily recommend you try the fine dining Middle Eastern menu at Al Qalaa. But don’t pile your plate too high, in the morning, breakfast overlooking the canyon beckons.
How to tackle the mountain
The undoubted star attraction here is the Jabal Activity Wall where you can enjoy the Al Hajar Mountains from the 20-metre-long Via Ferrata route. Climb up and then abseil down the sheer drops for the best views for miles.
