The entrance to Al Husn boasts breathtaking views of the Gulf of Oman, framed by the hotel's main archway. The entrance to Al Husn boasts breathtaking views of the Gulf of Oman, framed by the hotel's main archway.

It’s also worth noting that the mini bar, with the exception of spirits, was free of charge, and stocked up with all the necessary goodies. The balcony was cosy with a built-in sofa, table and chairs, offering views over the resort and the ocean.

AL HUSN’S LEISURE FACILITIES: Because the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is really three resorts in one, there is plenty to keep you occupied, but Al Husn guests are loathe to leave their haven of luxury and calm as there is enough on offer there to keep you tucked away from the outside world for days on end.

My personal favourite was the private beach, which was truly unique. You walk through the courtyard, past the infinity pool and around the back of the hotel where you are confronted with a rugged and unspoiled landscape. The beach is really a bay, surrounded by rock formations carved into interesting shapes over time.

One has formed a natural bridge or archway, and local fisherman often shuttle back and forth using this passage of water as their daily commute. There’s also a sunbathing deck area overlooking the adjacent bay and watersports are offered, including kayaking.

Whether hanging out at the beach or the pool, guests are provided with their own cool/ice box filled with cold water, soft drinks and also a lip balm. Little treats are brought to your sunbed throughout the day, including ice-creams and fruits.
Although the resort’s biggest gym/fitness centre is located at the CHI spa in between Al Bandar and Al Waha, Al Husn has its own private gym with cardio machines and weights. Adjacent is a business centre and library/lounge.

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OTHER LEISURE FACILITIES: Guests who do venture outside Al Husn can try out the CHI Spa with 12 treatment rooms; the health club; sauna, steam and Jacuzzi; the 600-metre private beach, tennis courts and a medley of swimming pools that includes a 500-metre lazy river running between Al Bandar and Al Waha — just hop on one of the giant rubber rings and enjoy the ride.

Shangri-La also boasts a dive centre offering PADI dive instruction and certificates. Animal lovers might also want to quiz the resort’s full-time ‘turtle ranger’ who looks after the many giant turtles that frequently visit the hotel beaches to lay their eggs.

DOLPHIN-WATCHING: When visiting the Shangri-La a dolphin-watching excursion is a must. Hop on a speed boat at around 8am before it gets too hot and head out to sea where the dolphins gracefully duck and dive into the calm waters. If you’re lucky, you might see a whale too! The two-hour boat trip also includes a cruise along the coastline taking in the Sultan’s palace and several ancient Omani forts.

F&B: Choosing somewhere to eat can be tricky because there are so many options from which to choose. At Al Husn, a buffet breakfast and a choice of hot à la carte dishes are served in Sultanah on the ground floor, which at night is an a la carte international restaurant.

At this property, we tried Moroccan restaurant Shahrazad, which didn’t disappoint due to the many traditional and authentic dishes on offer including tasty tanginess and some of the best Moroccan mint tea I’ve ever tasted.