Planned as a self-contained resort town, Jebel Sifah has amassed a particularly impressive collection of hotel brands. Oman’s first Four Seasons will offer 200 rooms and 70 real estate units.
There will be a 133-room Banyan Tree Hotel and a 150-room Angsana Hotel, opening in 2011 and 2012 respectively, which will have 77 related real estate units. Rezidor’s Hotel Missoni will offer 250 keys and open in 2014. The hotel is being designed by top American architect Michael Graves, who also created the Nubian-style Sheraton in El Gouna, while Rosita Missoni is the interior designer.
Muriya has also signed an MoU with the Omani Ministries of Tourism, Manpower and Education to create a hotel school on the site.
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For those who decry the filling of this lovely beach with concrete, it must be said that Muriya is taking particular pains to create a sensitive low-density development, wherein only 25% of the land is used for building. According to the developer, the architecture takes its design cues from the local culture and environment, involving local building techniques, materials and the employment of local craftsmen and artisans. All Muriya’s projects — which include others in Salalah, Sodah Island and Muscat — are being developed in a ‘socially responsible’ manner. For example, vegetation clearing is being minimised to reduce habitat loss. There will be an on-site recycling plant, while a supermarket will be operated by the local people. As part of the project, a mosque in As Sifah village has been rebuilt and Muriya will work with the Ministry of Heritage and Culture to renovate the historic citadel of Sifah.
Guy Wilkinson is a Partner of Viability, a specialist hotel and real estate consulting firm in Dubai. Email him at guy@viability.ae
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