Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat yesterday unveiled its flagstone in a ceremony to commemorate its relaunch as a separate resort to Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.  The event was attended by His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair, founder of The Zubair Corporation and Mr Ziyad M. Al Zubair, Director of The Zubair Corporation - developers and owners of the property, as well as Her Excellency Maitha Bint Saif Majed Al Mahrouqi, Oman's Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and local dignitaries.  Joining the celebrations at a cocktail reception were over 100 invited guests and clients. 

In repositioning Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat, luxurious and highly personalised experiences through refreshed accommodation, dining and wellness facilities have been introduced.  The property was previously promoted as part of the adjacent Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Sultanate of Oman – an integrated destination resort comprising the family and leisure-focused Al Waha and Al Bandar hotels, which opened in February 2006. 

“Our hospitality strategy is to acquire and develop assets with a strong intrinsic value for long term fundamental growth.  We are excited to complete the hotel's significant refinement in time for Muscat’s peak season,” said Mr. Rashad Al Zubair, chairman of The Zubair Corporation.  “As a result, we expect that the re-launch of Al Husn will further strengthen the asset’s market presence, together with the outstanding leadership of the hotel management team.” 

“The timing is right to relaunch Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat as a destination for refined luxury in Oman,” said the hotel’s General Manager Milan Drager.  “With the dedicated support of our owners, we are elevating Omani and Asian hospitality to a new level of sophistication within an exclusive social setting for sophisticated travellers.” 

References to Oman’s rich heritage begins from the moment of arrival at the palatial Al Husn – meaning ‘castle’ in Arabic.  Guests are greeted by doormen in traditional Omani attire and treated to sparkling date juice and scented hand towels to freshen up.  Chinese tea service is served in-room upon check-in. 

Designed to reference the historic architecture of Omani forts – which can be seen in the courtyard features, arches, water installations and palm trees – the resort intends for guests to immerse themselves in its fusion of Moorish architecture in the style of the Alhambra Palace in Spain, as well as the timeless backdrop of the Gulf of Oman.  

In a destination famed for its beautiful dunes and rich heritage, Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat’s team of specialists are dedicated to creating historical and cultural experiences with bespoke itineraries from pre-arrival and throughout the guest’s stay.  The offerings include: 

•  Wadi Al Arbaeen Experience - Luxury four-wheel drive cars take guests through scenic countryside and rugged mountains to Quriyat, a small coastal fishing village for eagle spotting.  From there the journey continues to Wadi Al Arbaeen, famous for its natural deep pools of fresh water, for a dip in the cool sapphire-green waters.  After a customised traditional barbecue lunch, guests end the day with a visit to a beautiful waterfall.  
• Robinson Crusoe Island Tour -  Starting on a luxury yacht, guests can enjoy the rich marine life and discover wild turtles, dolphins and whales off the coast of Oman.  On the shores of Bander Al Khairan island, which has a beautiful natural beach, guests can snorkel in the calm waters of Omani Bay brimming with unique sites and fish, turtles and coral reef.  The tour includes a barbecue lunch served under a traditional Omani luxury marquee on the beach.  

The resort’s 180 rooms and suites range in size from 56 to 500 square metres.  Dressed in traditional interiors with dark wood and warm earth tones, all rooms have sea views and look out to the pool or beach from their private balconies.  The marble bathrooms feature a deep-soaking tub, walk-in shower and L’OCCITANE toiletries, while sliding wooden panels allow guests to admire the outdoor view while luxuriating in the bath. 

Other exclusive guest benefits include butler service, daily afternoon tea, pre-dinner cocktails, beverages from the in-room mini-bar and use of the resort’s private cove and iconic infinity pool that is restricted to guests over 16 years old.  In addition, Al Husn guests have access to a total of 21 dining and nightlife options, including the extensive offerings at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Sultanate of Oman. 

Further enhancing the resort’s attraction as a luxurious retreat is the new Hareer Spa by L’OCCITANE with four boutique treatment rooms and a designated retail area.  Expert therapists trained by L’OCCITANE en Provence provide restorative face and body experiences utilising the signature ingredients from L’OCCITANE: Immortelle from Corsica, Lavender and almond from Provence, as well as shea butter from Burkina Faso. 

One of the highlight treatments – the “Omani Honey Heaven,” created exclusively for the Hareer Spa by L’OCCITANE features a traditional endemic ingredient from Oman, honey.  Known for its calming qualities, it is used as a softening scrub and in a deep relaxing massage to ease tensions, and leaves skin fragrantly wrapped in its subtle fragrance.  A health club with state-of-the-art equipment, a sauna and steam room is also available.  

Beyond the resort’s water gardens lies the infinity pool with its Instagram-worthy views of the Gulf of Oman that also defines the setting of the private 100-metre beach.  Here, guests can laze the day away on daybeds, cabanas and privacy lounges or take up kayaking and paddle boarding. 

The hotel is home to fourrestaurants and lounges helmed by new Executive Sous Chef, Marco De Vincentis.  They include Shahrazad, a stylish Arabian restaurant that treats guests to the exquisite tastes of Morocco at its indoor and al fresco terrace seating.  Paying homage to modern Spanish cuisine is Sultanah, a stylish light-filled restaurant complemented with views of the Gulf of Oman. 

For casual dining, Mahhara Beach Bar serves up grilled seafood and meats, as well as light salads, sandwiches and refreshing beverages.  Al Muheet pool bar and restaurant offers dishes using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced, innovatively prepared and complemented by tropical drinks and creative cocktails. 

Taking experiential dining to the next level is the resort’s Dine by Design concept for two at the resort’s romantic locations.  Couples can choose from dramatic settings to candlelit meals on the beach for memorable experiences in Oman. 

At sunset, the central courtyard comes to life for cocktails from 6 p.m.  The social activity continues at the Silver Lounge cigar bar when it opens at 9 p.m., providing another entertainment option for guests.