Is the idea of spending this holiday season at an exotic destination with unique experiences on your mind? A short-haul flight from India followed by a scenic 45-minute drive can bring you to Shangri-La Muscat, where dream vacations turn into reality. Nestled at the confluence of rich Omani heritage and world-class hospitality, the dual resort complex has two properties – Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and Shangri-La Al Husn. While Barr Al Jissah is perfect for family vacations, the adult-only Al Husn perched on a clifftop is for couples seeking elevated luxury and discretion.
This December, both properties are gearing up for Christmas and New Year celebrations. The balmy weather is just the cherry on the cake.
Families day out at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
Travelling with kids or teenagers? Look no further than Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Muscat. Snuggled between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, it blends culture with family-friendly fun. Its two wings – Al Waha (the oasis) and Al Bandar (the town) – are troves of cherished moments. Al Waha has six temperature-controlled swimming pools, including a mushroom baby pool, a toddler’s pool and recreational amenities. Al Bandar, drawing inspiration from the old Muscat, weaves a tapestry of excitement with restaurants, bars, and shopping outlets. Little adventurers aged up to 10 can enjoy the Cool Zone, a kids club designed to spark their creativity or the aquatic play zone under mists, touch sprays, and projection jets. Teens can engage in Turtle Talks at the Eco Centre, loom band making and henna painting. Adventure Zone beats with excitement, from a 6.5-metre demon drop slide to over/under hurdles, swing-over nets, a climbing wall, and gaming consoles. Aspiring golfers find their playground in a nine-hole course. A 500-metre lazy river enables you to float between the two wings on inflatable tubes. With sunset cruise, water sports facilities, kayaking and snorkelling sessions, there is never a dull moment.
Parents can unwind at Chi, The Spa at Barr Al Jissah or experience the Frankincense-inspired treatments at Luban Spa at Shangri-La Al Husn.
An unmatched gastronomic journey
Innovative menus and impeccable service ensure that good times are always on the menu this festive season. The resort’s offerings span 11 restaurants, featuring local, contemporary Indian, and international cuisines crafted by a diverse team hailing from 21 countries. Al Tanoor offers classic Arabian, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, and Mediterranean dishes. Chow Mee features Southeast Asian delights, while Capri Court fulfils Italian food dreams. Bait Al Bahr invites you to savour fresh seafood with unique flavours, and Samba serves Latin American, Asian, and Mediterranean dishes. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the magic of the evening with cocktails and live music at the Piano Lounge, bars, and beachside.
The Dine by Design invites guests to dine on the clifftop against the backdrop of the Gulf, on a beach with a candle-lit pathway, or in the privacy of their own pavilion.
Opulence meets romance at Shangri-La Al Husn
Al Husn is a castle designed for guests seeking elevated luxury and intimacy. Every detail handcrafted by experts offers a fusion of culinary artistry and entertainment. The infinity pool overlooking the private beach cove is a perfect romantic setting. The exclusivity is matched with afternoon tea and pre-dinner cocktails, served daily at sophisticated spaces like the courtyard. Aangan, curated by Michelin Star Chef Rohit Ghai, presents a special five-course menu that features signature dishes and those inspired by his childhood memories in a fine-dining setting. Sultanah is a chic venue with a nautical theme that offers a creative menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours. You can enjoy barbecue evenings on the cliffs at Sultanah every second Thursday of this festive month.
A fairytale like Christmas
Amid gently echoing carols and light-strung palm trees, Santa Claus will appear, accompanied by the resort’s mascot, Habibi the Turtle, to delight the children and give them gifts on December 25th. Kids Creative Atelier will invite them for pizza, pasta and gingerbread making, concluding with a special lunch.
The kitchen teams will prepare a festive 3- or 5-course set menu. Capri Court features a 4-course set menu with homemade pasta, lobster, French seabass, and panettone desserts. Chow Mee’s set menu includes Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, and Thai delicacies, while Bait Al Bahr offers a symphony of flavours with caviar and black truffle. Samba presents Christmas buffets with turkey, barbecue, seafood, sushi, sashimi, and classic desserts. Al Tandoor’s live station features black truffle pasta. Kids (6-12 years old) enjoy discounts at the Whimsical Festive Brunch on December 22nd.
Welcome 2024 in grand style
As the clock counts to midnight, the excitement will peak as Al Bandar’s lawn area will light up. Under a canopy of stars, a UK-based four-piece band, Dynamic, will set the mood with their electrifying music. For those seeking intimacy, the Piano Lounge awaits with a selection of signature mocktails infused with Oman’s rich flavours and cocktails inspired by iconic personalities like British perfumer Jo Malone. Special New Year feasts will be served at Capri Court, Bait Al Bahr, Chow Mee, Al Tanoor and Samba.
Short haul flights & easy Visa for Indians
Shangri-La Muscat is connected with direct flights from major Indian cities. The visa application process is straightforward, requiring minimal documentation and usually taking three business days for approval. Visitors holding a US or UK visa can also obtain an e-visa.