Sahab Resort & Spa

Sahab Resort & Spa is Jebel Akhdar's small hotel: 27 rooms on the canyon edge of the Saiq Plateau, at 2,000 m. It is run by the Omani group Al Nahda, which also operates Al Nahda Resort & Spa in the Batinah. Comfort is that of a good boutique hotel, a notch below the plateau's two five-star resorts: we chose it for travellers who want the mountain, its views and its cool air without the price of a large resort.

A hotel on a human scale

The hotel is built on the rim of the cliff, facing the Hajar gorges, and presents itself as a boutique property. Fossils several million years old can be seen on the grounds.

It plays to the outdoors: an infinity pool overlooking the valley, a yoga area on the cliff edge, and a terrace for dinner under the stars. The bar serves cocktails in a contemporary setting.

Studios and suites

There are three room types, all with mountain views, shower and bathtub, minibar, safe, individual air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The Studio suits a solo traveller or a couple out all day; for a couple, the Deluxe Suite, with its large living room, is the one to book. The Family Suite has two bedrooms, but the hotel's website does not say clearly how many people it sleeps: have it confirmed when you book.

Studios are small: for two nights or more, the Deluxe Suite is worth the difference.

Dining and spa

The restaurant has an indoor dining room and a terrace facing the mountains. The menu mixes Omani cooking and international dishes; the hotel's website gives neither a name nor opening times for the restaurant. URU Spa offers massages and treatments in its rooms or in your own.

On the plateau

The hotel organises rock climbing, walks through the terraced villages, mountain picnics and bike rides. In spring, from late March to early May, the nearby rose gardens bloom and rose water is distilled in the villages (see rose season). If you prefer to walk on your own, our Hajar hiking guide lists the waymarked trails and precautions.

Sahab, Anantara or Alila?

The three hotels in our Jebel Akhdar selection share the plateau, the altitude and the access road. They differ in size and level of service:

Sahab suits a short stay of one or two nights, as a stop between Muscat and Nizwa. Travellers who want big-hotel service should choose one of the other two.

Getting there

Sahab is on the same road as Anantara: allow about 2 to 2.5 hours from Muscat International Airport and around an hour from Nizwa. At the Birkat al Mouz police checkpoint at the foot of the mountain, only 4x4s are allowed up, with licence and registration papers. See our guide to driving in Oman.

At 2,000 m, winter evenings are cold: average highs at Saiq drop to 12 °C in January.

Price

Sahab Resort & Spa's rates are available on request: we confirm them with the hotel for your dates.

Sabaro's view

Who it suits: couples and small families who want a night in the mountains without paying for a large resort; travellers on a one- or two-night stopover.

Highlights: the canyon-edge setting; the infinity pool; a calm, human-scale hotel; a bar.

Good to know: comfort is simpler than at its two neighbours; studios are small; the hotel's website is out of date, so details need confirming; a 4.1 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor (120 reviews), below the two large resorts. See also the Jebel Akhdar region.