Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah

A new addition to the burgeoning subgenre of over-the-top Persian Gulf megahotels is Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, a sprawling (and sparkling new) tripartite hotel complex overlooking the bay of Al Jissah, in Oman’s capital city of Muscat.

The family-friendly Al Waha and the middle-of-the-road Al Bandar are fine enough hotels — luxury hotels, even — but we’re really here to talk about Al Husn. This one, “the castle,” bills itself as a six-star, which is a tricky definition to pin down, but essentially means something on the order of if you’re not comfortable here then the problem is you, not the hotel.

What are on average the biggest hotel rooms in Oman have views of the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Oman, some with more dramatic views over the bay and the adjoining coastline. The look is a sort of contemporary-Arabian palace style, equal parts clean lines and finely carved latticed woodwork, the kind of modern-luxury look that’s more about textures and materials than finishes and frills. Rooms and suites here come with butler service, which may go some way to earning that sixth star, and Al Husn’s guests have access not just to their own private restaurant, bar, and even beach, but to the rest of the resort’s facilities as well — everything from pools, restaurants and bars to the Chi spa, the dive center, and the marina.

How to get there:
The resort is approximately 45 minutes by road from Seeb International Airport. Taxis are readily available at the airport and cost approximately $30-50 USD. Agree to the fare before leaving the airport, as meters are not commonly used in Oman.