Luxury beach escape at the Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa in Oman

The numbers alone say it all about this place: three fantastic hotels in one stunning location. Al Jissah resort has all the luxury facilities you could wish for on your doorstep, including a signature spa.

Sheltered against the sturdy backdrop of honey-coloured rock, the al Jissah is a dramatic sight. Its bright white buildings give way to a kilometer-long strip of pristine sand, where the clear, warm waters of the Arabian Sea gently lap at the shore.

There are three fabulous hotels to choose from, spread over 124 acres: Al Waha (meaning ‘The Oasis’) is Oman's first dedicated leisure hotel and is ideal if you’re coming with the family. The hotel's swimming pools form an oasis that incorporates iconic date palm trees, allowing youngsters to explore without going to far from your sights. Each guest room offers a minimum of 37 square metres of space, including a balcony or terrace, and there’s a good choice of family rooms featuring to interconnecting bedrooms with their own en suite bathrooms, DVD player and PlayStation.

Meanwhile, the resort’s focal point is Al Bandar (meaning ‘The Town’), where the architecture is inspired by old Muscat. There are no less than eight different places to eat and drink here, and guestrooms are slightly larger, offering a minimum of 45 square metres (including a balcony or terrace).

If you’re after an even higher level of service, then Al Husn (‘The Castle’) is the place. With swanky facilities like an infinity pool and a private beach and larger guestrooms offering a minimum of 53 square metres you’ll quickly forget the stress of home. Down on the beach there’s a full bar and butler service and an adults-only policy ensuring complete peace and quiet.

The Inside Word

We Love...

The fact that you can pick the luxury accommodation to suit your mood, budget or family requirements, without foregoing the gorgeous scenery.

Indulge Yourself...

At CHI, the spa. With 12 private villas, featuring spa baths and beautiful carved wood furniture, it’s the most luxurious spa in Oman. Book yourself a treatment (we recommend the ‘Aroma Vitality’, a 90-minute blend of Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology) or relax with a Turkish bath and say hello to a whole new you.

Time for Action...

If you can drag yourself away from the sun lounger, we recommend the daily dolphin excursions or perhaps a sunset cruise – soaking up the day’s remaining rays with a glass of something cool. Aside from all this, there’s kayaking and windsurfing – while on land there are four tennis courts, beach volleyball, beach football and a fully-equipped fitness centre looking out over the beach and out to sea.

All guests are invited to join the daily catamaran sailings.

Learn Something New…

The diving here really is excellent, so if you’ve never tried it before, now’s your chance. The on-site EURO-DIVERS dive centre caters to all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced divers, and the waters are full of brightly patterned fish, so colourful that they look like they’ve been painted.

Experience a Taste of...

Traditional Omani seafood at the Bait al Bahr restaurant. Book a table on the verandah and watch the sun go down on another idyllic day as you tuck into a grilled Omani tuna fillet, marinated with Omani spices. Each of the three hotels has a range of restaurants to tickle your tastebuds. For example, at Al Waha you can sample Latin flavours or pick up a low-key, child-friendly meal at the Surf Café. At Al Bandar hotel, try some contemporary Italian cuisine at Capri Court or soak up some evocative Arabian atmosphere at Al Tanoor. And if you’re looking for something a bit special, head to Sultanah at the Al Husn hotel; a stylish restaurant with a luxury cruise theme; or Shahrazad, the only authentic Moroccan restaurant in Muscat, serving traditional Moroccan cuisine with a contemporary twist.

For Children...

There are great facilities for youngsters of all ages here. At the Little Turtles Kids Club, for example, in the Al Waha Hotel, there are air-conditioned indoor and outdoor play areas where children from four years old upwards can play all day under trained supervision (little ones under four should be accompanied by a nanny or parents). Meanwhile, the Teens Club in the Al Bandar Hotel, is dedicated just to young adults. On top of all this, there’s a dedicated children’s pool, and the Omani Heritage Village – a fascinating cultural centre where they can meet authentic Arabian horses and camels.

Flying Time From the UK

Seven to eight hours, direct.

The Last Word

Three hotels, one stunning location and all the facilities you’ll need for the perfect family beach escape. The Shangri La has it all.

Don't Forget

An underwater camera. Grab a mask and snorkel and bag some pictures of the beautiful, brightly coloured fish that swim in the crystal clear waters here.

We can tailor make any escape to suit your requirements so if you wish to amend the suggested itinerary in any way, just let us know.

Price From

£1,150 to £1,720 (Al Waha), £1,280 to £1,930 (Al Bandar) or £1,650 to £2,450 (Al Husn) per person, based on two sharing seven nights’ B&B accommodation, including flights and private transfers.

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