Natalia Rachlin

Alila Jabal Akhdar

  • Where:
  • Why:Cushy pit-stop during a five-day road trip through Oman.
  • When:October 2014
  • Who:Me + my boyfriend.
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Alila Jabal Akhdar And the view doesn’t get any worse at sunset!

And the view doesn’t get any worse at sunset!

Alila Jabal Akhdar The bed is incredibly comfortable, the room spacious and quiet.

The bed is incredibly comfortable, the room spacious and quiet.

Alila Jabal Akhdar The indoor pool is heated and excellent for a dip at night when the temperature drops.

The indoor pool is heated and excellent for a dip at night when the temperature drops.

Alila Jabal Akhdar Not a half-bad view, right?

Not a half-bad view, right?

Alila Jabal Akhdar The lobby is a lovely place to have a tea. In winter, there will be a huge fire blazing in the hearth. Grab a date from a tray always fully loaded with the sweet treats.

The lobby is a lovely place to have a tea. In winter, there will be a huge fire blazing in the hearth. Grab a date from a tray always fully loaded with the sweet treats.

Alila Jabal Akhdar His and her sinks and everything chic as can be.

His and her sinks and everything chic as can be.

Alila Jabal Akhdar The hotel is built from rocks gathered from the local mountains. This is where you sit and have breakfast, looking out on to the scenic surroundings.

The hotel is built from rocks gathered from the local mountains. This is where you sit and have breakfast, looking out on to the scenic surroundings.

Highs & Lows

  • The view is just bonkers – it’s almost impossible to imagine a more amazing perch for a hotel, and the surrounding landscapes are ideal for those who are hiking-happy.

  • The rooms are very spacious and the bathrooms are outfitted with amazing wooden bathtubs that beckon for a relaxing soak.

  • The staff is incredibly lovely and all local – they’ll give you great tips for what to do on your way back from Alila.

  • So there were a few moments when the hot water… went cold. But after many hours on the road we weren’t particularly phased by it, we just needed a shower.

  • It’s remote – which is really only a minus if you don’t realize ahead of time just how hard it is to get to.

  • If you’re set on having a glass of vino with dinner, then I’m afraid you’ll be left hanging. At least for the moment.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 46/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Tasteful, Arabian-chic luxury with incredible natural surroundings.

  • Vibe

    Minimalist, mountain-chic meets traditional, Omani flourishes.

  • Location

    At the top of Jabal Akhdar (The Green Mountain) on the Al Hajar mountain range in North Oman. You’ll need a 4x4 (you will pass through a police check-point where you will need to provide your driver’s license and car insurance…) to get up the long, winding, and ridiculously steep road that takes you to Alila, which sits some 2,000 meters above sea level. Needless to say, the view is unreal.

  • Rooms

    78 suites and villas.

  • Music

    Nothing but the birds.

  • Year Opened

    2014

  • Designed By

    ATKINS

  • Health & Wellness

    Amazing outdoor infinity pool + two jacuzzis, smaller indoor pool, full gym, and lush spa.

  • Restaurant

    Yes...excellent, fresh local fare.

  • Bar

    In theory, yes, but they’ve been waiting on a liquor license since they opened in May 2014… and they don’t expect it to be arriving anytime soon, so think of it as an excuse to detox.

  • Minibar

    Mini-mal bar: a few fruit juices, a Pepsi, and a chocolate bar.

  • Children

    Bring 'em.

  • Price

    No way around it: pricey.

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