Whisk yourself away to the Middle Eastern palatial surrounds of Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, a remarkably well-equipped sea view property not far from Muscat that packs a punch with its evocative décor, and palm-fringed grounds. Beginning with the hotel’s location, you’re in for a treat while staying at Shangri-La Al Husn, as the property sits atop a gorgeous cliff edge overlooking the Gulf of Oman and a private beach below. This means glistening sea views at every turn and fun-filled activities too, such as wakeboarding, snorkelling, boat trips and dolphin-watching tours while here.

The grounds of Shangri-La Al Husn are as spectacular as its coastal location, with a multi-layered ocean-view infinity pool, sun terraces lined with palms and rattan furnishings, and gardens down at sea level. Another major highlight of this luxe Muscat resort is its health club, gym and Hareer Spa by L’Occitane where scented massages on the beach, relaxation remedies and holistic treatments are the order of the day.

The décor and design of Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa is distinctly Middle Eastern, though with a modern twist. So while the draped archways, patterned balconies and decorative pools look decidedly Arabian, this is all infused with sleek restaurant spaces, comfy sun loungers and plenty of creature comforts in the hotels 21st century guestrooms and suites.

In fact the same can be said of the gourmet cuisine served within each of two fantastic restaurants, where traditional Moroccan and Middle Eastern flavours, aromatic spices and Lebanese wines meet cutting-edge cooking techniques to mouthwatering effect. Add in plentiful facilities, kids and teens’ clubs, butler service (depending on your room category), an onsite beauty salon and boutique, beach and pool bars and this is a resort which packs a lot in under one roof. If that weren’t enough, you will also have use of the resort’s sister hotel next door too!

What’s more, the list of day trips and activities available from Shangri-La Al Husn is also long – from camel racing to kitesurfing, bird-watching to off road drives, guided shopping trips, desert walks, caving, or simply visiting the highlights of Muscat, you’ll certainly not be clock watching here.

Rooms: 180

Location: Muscat, Oman

Nearest Airport: Muscat International Airport

Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board

1. The setting of this hotel is superb, perched on a cliff edge with sea views and beach access to match
2. Butler service in the suites is an extra special touch
3. All guestrooms and suites at Shangri-La Al Husn enjoy a furnished balcony and a wall of glass leading out to it, meaning great views and lots of light too
4. The list of activities available at this hotel is extraordinary, both onsite and further afield as day trips
5. The beach bar, infinity pools and elevated sun terraces are a real highlight of Shangri-La Al Hus
6. For a gastronomic journey around the Middle East, the two gourmet restaurants at Shangri-La Al Hus more than fit the bill