The Lifestyle

Oman's Mountain of Luxury

Oman's Mountain of Luxury

Situated in the heart of the Hajar mountain range, Alila Jabal Akhdar offers an eco-friendly luxury retreat.

Words by Aneesha Rai in The Lifestyle · May 17th, 2015

Perched 2,000 metres above sea level, the Alila Jabal Akhdar resort overlooks a valley gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of Oman’s Al Hajjar Range. Jabal Akhdar means “Green Mountain” in Arabic. The location is a haven for luxury seeking wanderlusters at heart. Often termed the “fruit bowl” of Oman, the area is fraught with various types of desert flora and fauna. Views from the resort encompass mountains, uninhabited villages, caves and canyons. A nature lover will revel in discovering walnuts, pomegranates and and the famous damask rose native to the region and used in the manufacture of famous Omani rose water. 


Located close to heritage sites including UNESCO-protected Bahla Fort, the area is perfect for any history buff. Designed by UK-based architecture firm Atkins, the hotel has won several awards for its breakthrough design, including Condé Nast Traveller for “Super Styled Futuristic Flintstone-esque Buildings” in 2014 and Dosier Construction’s “Best Project Design” in 2013. Comprising of 78 suites and two Jabal Villas with private pools, the resort’s interiors were designed by Thailand’s P49 Deesign. This LEED-designed building was constructed with local building materials and traditional techniques that eventually culminated in a twist of contemporary that blends Oman heritage. This green building is fashioned from local stones and wood in order to blend with its landscape. Owner of the Alila brand, Mark Edleson is committed to the right mix of cross-cultural exchange, sustainability and business. He stated, “From my first stay to the present day, what most attracts me is the link that Asia embraces between its rich, colourful past and the future.” 


 The interiors of the resort feature local artisan works and artefacts to create an inviting atmosphere. One of the most striking features includes the leaves of the juniper tree painted on the walls by a local artist, thereby bridging both interiors and exteriors of the property. Splashes of red add a bit of colour and texture to the surroundings, while earthy hues are used in the design of its rugs and furnishings. The efforts made by the interior designers ensure a composition and sync of the interiors and the exterior facade of the hotel as well as its surroundings. The most exclusive two villas in the resort offers stunning views. In addition to the in-house jacuzzi, pool and steam room, the villa offers utmost privacy to its discerning inhabitants.

Alila Jabal Akhdar ; +968 2534 4200 ; www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar 

Pictures Courtesy: www.designhotels.com