Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is the most complete luxury resort on Jebel Akhdar, Oman's "Green Mountain": 82 canyon-view rooms and 33 private-pool villas strung along a cliff on the Saiq Plateau, at around 2,000 m. Every room faces the canyon. The hotel belongs to Anantara, the luxury brand of Thailand's Minor Hotels, and bills itself as one of the highest luxury resorts in the world.

On the edge of the canyon

The resort runs along the clifftop. Its best-known spot is Diana's Point, a wood-and-glass platform over the drop, named after the Princess of Wales, who stopped here to take in the view during her visit to Oman in the 1980s. Guests come for sunset drinks, private dinners by reservation and the hotel's stargazing sessions.

At this altitude the climate has nothing in common with Muscat. At Saiq, average highs are 12 to 17 °C from December to March, and winter nights can get close to freezing. In June, when Muscat passes 40 °C, the mountain stays around 27 °C. From October to April, pack a jumper and a jacket for the evenings.

Room or villa?

The rooms are enough for a two-night stay built around hiking and the spa: they look out over the same canyon as the villas. The Garden Pool Villas open onto a walled garden and suit couples who want privacy above all. For the view and a pool together, book the Cliff Pool Villa, the honeymoon choice (see honeymoon). Its retractable outer wall can join it to the neighbouring villa, which works well for two couples travelling together.

Several restaurants on a remote plateau

There are few places to eat on the plateau, so most dinners happen at the hotel, which has planned for it. Times are local:

• Al Maisan, international cuisine: breakfast 7 am to 11 am (from 6.30 am on Fridays), dinner 6 pm to 10 pm;
• Bella Vista, contemporary Italian with a view, noon to 10 pm;
• Al Qalaa, Middle Eastern dining in a fort setting, with shuwa nights (slow-cooked Omani lamb) on Wednesdays and Sundays; it was closed in October 2026;
• Al Baha, courtyard café and deli, 11 am to 6 pm;
• Al Burj, bar with shisha and light bites, 4 pm to midnight;
• Designer Dining, tailor-made private dinners, including at Diana's Point, booked in advance; 24-hour in-room dining.

The Spice Spoons workshop runs Arabic and Thai cooking classes.

Spa and activities

Anantara Spa has five treatment rooms, two of them for couples, plus separate men's and women's thermal areas with aroma sauna and steam room. Treatments follow the brand's Thai tradition (see spa and wellness). The main pool is heated and the gym is equipped by Technogym.

The activity programme follows the plateau's seasons: guided hikes to terraced villages, sunrise over the canyon, coffee with a 360° view, rose water in spring, then pomegranates and olives. The rose harvest runs from late March to early May, peaking in April (see rose season). If you want to walk on your own, our Hajar hiking guide covers the trails and precautions.

With children

Anantara is the most family-friendly hotel on Jebel Akhdar: the Asfour Kids Club takes children, the Jabal Teens Club teenagers, and babysitting can be booked 24 hours ahead. Abseiling and archery are open from age 8. The Premier Canyon View Room sleeps 3 adults and 1 child, and interconnecting rooms are available. See also Oman for families.

Getting there

Allow about 2.5 hours by road from Muscat International Airport and 55 minutes from Nizwa. The plateau road starts at the Birkat al Mouz police checkpoint, where only 4x4 vehicles may continue, with licence and registration papers. The resort arranges transfers from the airport or from the checkpoint. Our guide to driving in Oman explains the mountain road rules.

Check-in from 3 pm, check-out by noon (local time). Wi-Fi is free.

Price

In October 2026, for two nights in March 2027, the cheapest room was offered on the official site at about €450 a night for two adults, breakfast included, free cancellation up to three days before arrival, possible local taxes extra. Villas cost considerably more.

Sabaro's view

Who it suits: honeymooners, families with children, and travellers who want a full-service mountain resort with a choice of restaurants and a proper spa.

Highlights: the canyon-edge setting and Diana's Point; the Cliff Pool Villas; the choice of restaurants, rare on the plateau; the kids' and teens' clubs; a 9.4 out of 10 rating on Booking.com (485 reviews).

Good to know: a 4x4 is compulsory, or use the hotel transfer; evenings are cool from October to March; the Garden Pool Villas look onto their own garden. For a quieter stay, Alila Jabal Akhdar sits higher and more remote; for a smaller budget, Sahab Resort & Spa is on the same plateau. See also the Jebel Akhdar region.