Our opinion
Shangri La Barr al Jissah is an extensive resort that offers excellent facilities and the highest standards of service.
Hotel description
In a most dramatic position surrounded by spectacular rock formations, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa sits on the edge of a private bay, twenty-five kilometres from Muscat. This expansive resort opened in early 2006 and is composed of three separate hotels: Al Husn, Al Bandar and Al Waha, all of which offer an excellent range of accommodation and experiences, creating a most exclusive retreat. Al Bandar sits at the heart of the resort whilst Al Husn provides a high level of luxury and is recommended for adults, benefiting from its own secluded beach with butler service in the suites. Al Waha is a great family hotel, offering excellent and extensive accommodation. Interconnecting rooms are available and all rooms face towards the sea, looking out over the swimming pools. All of the rooms throughout the resort are spacious and have been beautifully decorated in calm, warm colours and luxurious furnishings. The resort’s grounds terrace down towards the long private beach and are scattered through with palm tree and fountains. There are 600 square metres of swimming pools at the resort, including a lazy river and pools for children and toddlers. An excellent variety of water sports ensure that guests can enjoy the marvellous sea life, from diving and sailing to night safaris. A number of activities are arranged daily, including beach volleyball, pool games, power walking and beach football, allowing guests to make the most of the hotel’s situation. Chi, the Spa, offers an excellent variety of revitalising and rejuvenating treatments and therapies. Oman is rich in historical and natural treasures and the resort organises a superb array of excursions to ensure that guests can experience this; from camel rides to exploring mountains and visits to the enchanting city of Muscat. Children aged between 4 and 12 years old can enjoy the Little Turtles Club, which is open throughout the year and comprises a children’s pool and playground as well as plentiful space for a wide range of activities. Guests are spoilt for choice with six main restaurants, and many more casual dining outlets and bars, some of which are exclusive to certain hotels. The resort provides everything from South American specialities in Samba to seafood on the beach and al fresco mezze on the piazza: a truly overwhelming selection. This is an extensive and exciting resort in a very private position that has much to offer guests.
Distance from airport
About 45 minutes by car.
Room types
640 rooms. All rooms have private bathroom with separate bath and shower, balcony or terrace, ocean view, telephone with data port, satellite television, safe, tea and coffee facilities, iron and ironing board.
Al Waha
Type A Superior room.
Type B Superior Sea View room.
Type C Executive Sea View room.
Family rooms on request.
Al Bandar
Type A Deluxe room.
Type B Deluxe Terrace room.
Type C Deluxe Sea-Facing room.
Type D Premier room.
Type E One bedroom suite.
Al Husn
Type A Deluxe room.
Type B Deluxe Sea View room.
Type C One bedroom Suite.
Type D Speciality Suite.
Hotel facilities and services
6 main restaurants, 7 casual dining outlets, 3 lobby lounges, 2 bars, nightclub, 3 freshwater swimming pools, 450 metres of private beach, 4 tennis courts, Fitness centre, Spa, Sauna, Children’s club, Water play area, Scuba diving, Sail boats, Omani heritage village, Souq shopping area, Complimentary shuttle to downtown Muscat, Hair and beauty salon, Children’s playground, Nightclub, 24-hour room service.
Water sports
Complimentary: Swimming.
Chargeable: Diving, Sailing.
Land sports
Complimentary: Fitness, Access to the lazy river, Tennis.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
The resort is located on the bay at Barr al Jissah, 25 kilometres from Muscat.
Highlights for families include Muttrah Souq, Dolphin watching, Museums and forts, Camel rides, Wadi bashing, Dune bashing.
Children
Children under 18 years of age will not be accommodated or be able to access the facilities of Al Husn Hotel. It is recommended that guests with children under 18 years of age stay at either Al Waha or Al Bandar which cater to the needs of holidaying children.