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 and Spa, an epitome of uber-luxury!

From one’s arrival in the grand foyer, set among acres of luscious greens and water bodies, regally columned verandas one would be swept into another world ~ the resort spells luxury and exclusivity in a theme that runs through every room and facility of the hotel.

The resort is a 45-minute ride from the busy Capital city of Muscat. Shangri-La’s Al Husn resort and Spa turns out to be a dream getaway, resonating 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. Most of the rooms in the resort have a sea view.

Shangri-La Al Husn makes complete use of its oceanfront facade by 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 café too. As the sun sets, Courtyard, the lounge bar, becomes idyllic for champagne or cocktails. And the best part is this comes complimentary with the package.

The glimmering sea and mountains probably looks even more dramatic from Mahhara Beach Bar as we munch on some Mezze along with our cocktails. At Sultanah, breakfast and hi-tea reigns supreme. Chirpy and lively by the day, candle-lit and opulent at night, it provides a remarkable view whatever time of the day.

Dinner at Shahrazad, the authentic Moroccan- Arabic restaurant with live entertainment, was completely enjoyable. The food was a perfect alliance of a cuisine that is light and traditional, or inventive and refined. The Shuwa, aka lamb marinated in herbs and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, slow-cooked in an underground clay oven was decadent to the core.

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. This gentle massage is particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to shut-eye.