Alila Jabal Akhdar

Oman

The Sultanate of Oman, situated between India and Africa, is a land of mountains, sand filled deserts and lush palm groves. Known as the Kingdom of Magan throughout antiquity, Oman is located on the southernmost end of the Arabian Peninsula opening onto the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, facing Iran. Since the 8th century, the Sultanate has been the seat of Ibadism, a minority branch of Islam originally from Mesopotamia which advocates tolerance towards the numerous Christians and Hindus living in the country. Oman, the legendary land of Sinbad the Sailor and Ubar, the mythical city of A Thousand and One Nights, was also home to the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Its location at the crossroads of maritime routes between Africa and Asia made it an important cosmopolitan venue, adding to the rich historical and architectural heritage primarily influenced by the Portuguese and the Persians. All throughout the country, one can admire the numerous forts and castles which, like the one in Jabrin near Nizwa, are veritable palaces. Between Mascate, the capital, and Nizwa, there are at least twenty fortresses perched atop the cliffs which blend in perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Although Mascate’s architecture is contemporary, it nevertheless respects traditional forms, the opposite of what one finds in Dubai, Oman’s closest neighbor, where towering skyscrapers and artificial islands abound.

Luxury, rocky landscapes and intimacy

Guests staying at the Alila Jabal Akhdar find themselves in the central massif of the impressive Hajar mountain chain running through the north of the Sultanate of Oman. The unique road leading to the 3,000 meter high summit is

only accessible with a SUV. The hotel, perfectly integrated into the landscape, is invisible at first and only reveals itself at the last minute like an unexpected oasis in a land of mirages. Built out of the rock, the Alila Jabal Akhbar is an incredible architectural achievement as it was literally created from the ancient mineral like surroundings. The buildings are only slightly raised with a one story maximum, and there is nothing to block the spectacular and astounding view. The hotel overlooks a gigantic canyon which seems to bear witness to the birth of our planet. The geometric, square architecture of the exterior gives way to a more design approach inside in order to blend in with local customs. The simple but sophisticated décor is made of extremely noble materials and includes products by local craftsmen, creating a gentle and serene atmosphere which can be felt immediately. Throughout the hotel, guests find themselves following the walls of rock leading for example, to the Juniper restaurant, a large, brightly lit room with branches of dried juniper on the walls, a terrace with a superb view of the mountains and a menu consisting of updated versions of oriental cuisine with the accent on Omani and Lebanese specialties. In short, the Juniper is a true haven of peace. The 78 rooms and suites all reflect a sober, elegant and contemporary design style of which the very spacious bathrooms are a perfect example. The prestigious materials used and the pastel colors create an instant feeling of well-being and relaxation. To simply list the different services available like the spa and the infinity swimming pool does not do justice to the emotional impact guests feel while here and long after their visit. The Alila Jabal Akhdar is above all a rendezvous with an ancestral landscape from time immemorial whose rugged beauty is truly overwhelming. This encounter is at the heart of the hotel’s objectives with excursions playing an important role in the activities offered in order for guests to discover and share the passion that these imposing mountains arouse.

Constructing the site required two years of intensive work. In order to totally respect the spirit of traditional dwellings, local craftsmen were commissioned to recreate the typical colors and shapes of the region.