- Rupali & Bakshish Dean

Less than three hour flight will take you to Muscat on an astounding affordable luxurious break with great food and breath-taking views to match SAY RUPALI & BAKSHISH DEAN Unlike its more marketable neighbours, Oman symbolizes the spot-on spirit and charisma of Arabia, immersed in antiquity and myth, from Sinbad the Sailor to the Queen of Sheba. Supplementing the well-appointed resort is a biosphere of exclusive and repeatedly breath-taking experiences. The dramatic mountains, massive deserts, crystal-clear waters and a capital city that stirs with history make Oman a diverse tourism destination. FIRST IMPRESSIONS As we board the Oman Air aircraft and get shown to our business class seats, we are quite happy with the comfortable interiors. The on board entertainment system is easy to navigate with a neat selection of films to opt from and with warm Omani hospitality and lots of good food; we didn�t even realize, it was already time to land. What do you get if you overlook the Infinity pool boasting matchless views of the Desert Mountains, the Gulf of Oman and outstanding natural exquisiteness with an extravagant resort that�s recently brought along a fresh level of romance to this flourishing city, and with the most elite address in the capital? The answer is the brand new Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, An epitome of uber-luxury! From your arrival in the grand foyer, set amongst acres of luscious greens and water bodies, regally columned veranda�s you will be swept into another world, the resort spells luxury and exclusivity in a theme that runs through every room and facility of the hotel. OF SUNRISE AND VIEWS As the sun peeps out from the sea and the sky turned beautiful orange amber, we are both in awe and sad to think that this would be the last sunrise we would watch from the beach of the Shangri-La Al Husn Resort and Spa. It has become a ritual every morning to stroll along the beach to watch the sun go up before our cup of tea. The Resort is a forty five minute ride from the busy capital city of Muscat. Shangri-La�s Al Husn resort & Spa turns out to be a dream getaway, solely envisioned to resonance the distinguished architecture of Omani forts,�with an amalgamation of Moorish style in the panache of the Alhambra Palace in Spain, as well as the lasting setting of the Gulf of Oman. Each room is planned with an emphasis on home-like comfort and is well equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and services (read the mini bar is also complimentary). Most of the rooms in the resort have a sea view. Everything about my room thrilled me, the big and plus king size bed, the stunning Sea and pool view, everything was as it should be. FOOD AND BEVERAGE Table bars are uncommon and remote between so we must give glory to the Shangri-La Al Husn, for making complete use of its Oceanfront facade and setting up �Al Muheet� the pool bar offering creative cocktails and bar snacks. It also happens to be the first to break the snobbish five-star hotel lounge-bar stereotype. The bar functions as a chilled-out caf� too. �As the sun sets, �Courtyard� the lounge bar becomes idyllic for champagne or cocktails, and the best part; this comes complimentary with the package. The glimmering sea and mountains probably looks even more dramatic from �Mahhara Beach Bar�, We munch on some Mezze along with our cocktails and take in the sea-view, trust me it is awe-inspiring!. At �Sultanah�, of course the Breakfast & Hi Tea reigns supreme (part of the package). Chirpy and lively by the day, candle-lit and opulent at night, it provides a remarkable view whatever time of the day you go. We totally enjoy our dinner at �Shahrazad�, the authentic Moroccan- Arabic restaurant with live entertainment. The food is a perfect alliance between a cuisine that is light and traditional, or inventive and refined. Try the �Shuwa� aka lamb marinated in herbs and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, slow cooked in an underground clay oven�decadent to the core. SPA �AAH! The L�occitane Hareer Spa promises a unique personal experience: original music and exclusive signature treatments, with products from L�occitaine, the famous French brand. We go in for an Exhilarating massage and the soft and gentle strokes put us into a peaceful snooze, a reason why this massage is particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to shut eye. A BEFITTING END At the international airport on our way back home we enjoy access to the airline�s new premium class lounge. The lounge offers an extensive selection of food and beverage services and facilities and we love it! It isn�t a wonder to know that Oman Air, the award-winning national carrier for the Sultanate of Oman, has been recognised as �The Middle East�s Leading Airline� in both the Business Class and Economy Class categories, at the World Travel Awards held in the lead up to Arabian Travel Market. FAST FACTS Best way to Reach: Fly Oman Air Business Class, it�s extremely inexpensive if booked in advance Stay: Shangri-La Al Husn Resort and Spa, P.O. Box 644, Muscat Postal Code 100, Sultanate of Oman Reservations: + (968) 24776250