Review: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

_Location: One of the highest luxury resorts in the world, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar lies 2,000m above sea level in the central Al Hajar mountains. A two-hour drive from Muscat airport and five hours from Dubai airport, government regulations state the mountains can only be accessed with a 4x4 – so be sure to hire appropriate transport.

_{First impressions:} Friendly staff greeted me with pomegranate juice and a rose-scented towel was placed in my hands. I was struck by the beauty of the light and shadow dancing across the hotel, which resembles one of the many ancient forts that still dot the Omani landscape. The sweeping canyon views and silence take your breath away.

_{The facts:} Built in 2016 and designed to complement the local landscape and reflect Omani traditions, the resort has signed up to Unesco’s Sustainability Travel Pledge – the first hotel in Oman to become Green Growth 2050-certified. It boasts 115 luxurious rooms and villas, all with canyon, cliff or garden views.

The two, three and four-bedroom villas include a private pool, a majlis-style living area and a 24-hour concierge service. Guests can enjoy speciality teas and flavoured shisha in the Al Burj Lounge, while three restaurants serve a variety of dishes from across the world.

The Royal Edge offers an intimate experience for a special occasion, with 360-degree views overlooking the Al Hajar mountains where pomegranates, apricots and damask roses grow in abundance. Those wanting to unwind can spend time at the spa, which offers treatments enriched with the essence of the fruits and flowers that grow nearby.

_Explore: Activities range from sunrise yoga, tennis and 4x4 tours to luxury mountain picnics and stargazing. The climate also makes it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking and climbing. The resort can arrange bespoke experiences to reflect the seasons such as exploring rose-covered slopes with an expert mountain guide in mid-March to early May.

During my stay I visited three local villages. Under the watchful eye of our guide Hussein, we walked along a narrow falaj, an ancient irrigation system, past olive, fig, pear and pomegranate trees.

_{Ideal for:} Those wanting a remote break and some peace and quiet among beautiful mountain scenery.

_Wow: Enveloped by the majestic mountains, you are engulfed by silence and natural quiet. From my balcony it felt like I was at the centre of the Earth’s axis – watching the sun set and the moon rise in peaceful contemplation.

_{Book it:} Prices lead in at £514 a night, including breakfast for two.
Anantara.com