Two hours inland from Muscat, on a curving rim of a majestic canyon Al Jabal Al Akhdar by Anantara is one of the most soul-searching of destinations.
In the midst of the rugged Al Hahar Mountain range on the fabled Green Mountain, adventurers, star-gazers and romantics alike make their base, a high up desert sanctuary with jaw dropping views.
Heralded as one of the world’s highest at 2000 metres Al Jabal Akhdar has 82 canyon view rooms and 33 private pool villas, including the Sultanate of Oman’s most luxurious three-bedroom pool villa, there’s a spa and hammam rituals certain to surpass expectations and a canyon edge platform where beloved Princess Diana once stood.
Most appealing…from March until the middle of May, sweet smelling Damask roses bloom on the mountain slopes and fragrant fields. Aside from their natural beauty and, almost overwhelming scent, the petals of these ancient roses are ‘Smoky Rosewater’s’ magic ingredient. For three months each year, rose picking and distilling using an 500-year old ancient recipe, occupies villagers for 24-7. Used in Oman’s Halwa factories and in Kahwa tea, rosewater is said to have medicinal properties like curing headaches and improving skin. It is also ritually sprinkled on visitors to welcome them in small mountain villages.
Recreational activities here can include a variety of adventures for both the intrepid and discerning as well as romantic. After all, where can else will the butler serve your dinner on a private viewing platform overlooking the most spectacular of settings as sun sets over the canyon and the constellations shine. Simply otherworldly!
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Wonders to explore
Nizwa Souq. One of the oldest souqs that sells fruit and vegetables, meat and fish as well as local handicrafts and the famous silver Khanjar curved dagger.
Bahia Fort. The ruins of the immense fort, with
its unbaked brick walls and towers of unbaked brick and its stone foundations, is a remarkable example of this type of fortification and attests to the power of the Banu Nebhan, the dominant tribe in the area from the 12th to the 15th century.
Birkat Al Mouz. Famous for its mud-brick fortress with stunning, colourful doors and ruins, the village is listed as one of the UNESCO World heritage sites. As you explore you’ll come to understand how the ancient irrigation systems worked and how the Omanis managed to live in such dry conditions.
