Alila Jabal Akhdar

This mountain retreat offers an unparalleled escape, distinguished by its breathtaking location perched dramatically on a cliff edge overlooking a vast canyon. This signature feature provides jaw-dropping views from every vantage point, making it a truly unique destination. The hotel is an ideal fit for nature lovers and adventure seekers drawn to its extensive outdoor activities and stunning landscape. It also caters perfectly to couples seeking a romantic and tranquil getaway, as well as families with its dedicated children's amenities and engaging programs. Guests consistently praise the hotel's distinctive design, exceptional service, and high-quality dining. To maximize your experience, consider requesting a room with a direct canyon view and be prepared for the drive up the mountain, which often requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests are consistently impressed by the hotel's well-integrated facilities, which blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The infinity pool, often heated, offers spectacular canyon views, providing a serene spot for relaxation, though some note it can be quite chilly in winter. An indoor heated pool and jacuzzi are also available for year-round enjoyment. The spa is highly regarded as a sanctuary, offering rejuvenating treatments in a tranquil setting. While a fitness center is present, some guests found it to be on the smaller side with limited equipment. The hotel provides various unique amenities, including a stargazing deck with an astronomer, well-marked nature trails like the "butterfly walk," and a dedicated kids' club that offers engaging activities. Most guests find the Wi-Fi connection reliable, though a few experienced intermittent service.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel's rooms are consistently praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness, and elegant design, featuring warm wood, stone, and local craftsmanship that create a luxurious yet understated ambiance. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds as cloud-like, ensuring a restful sleep. Many rooms boast huge bathtubs with a view and generous spacious bathrooms, though some note a lack of full privacy due to glass partitions or curtains instead of solid doors. While most rooms offer stunning canyon vistas from private balconies, a few guests mentioned some rooms being less ideally aspected. Some minor criticisms include the absence of certain in-room amenities like a Bluetooth speaker or tea bags, and occasional reports of noise from nearby restaurant/bar areas, though overall, the rooms are considered quiet.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining at the hotel is a significant highlight for many guests, with the breakfast often described as a world-class feast, offering a wide variety of options served à la carte. The main Juniper Restaurant and the more relaxed Rose Lounge provide diverse menus, including local, Asian, and European cuisines. Most guests commend the food quality as superb, fresh, and beautifully presented, with the "farm-to-table" concept being particularly appreciated. Specific dishes like the Lamb Shewa and candied orange ice cream receive high praise. However, some guests found certain dishes, particularly Omani and Western options, to be bland, overpriced, or not consistently excellent. Alcohol is available but is noted to be exceptionally expensive, a common observation for the region.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's remote location is a defining feature, offering unparalleled tranquility and stunning panoramic views from its mountain perch. Situated approximately two hours from Muscat, the drive to the hotel is a significant part of the experience. It is mandatory to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access the hotel from the checkpoint, and guests are advised that the road involves steep inclines and declines. While some find the drive adventurous, others describe it as tortuous. The hotel is quite isolated, meaning there are no nearby dining or entertainment options outside the property. Guests should also be aware that hotel-arranged transfers from the checkpoint can be ridiculously expensive, leading many to recommend arranging their own 4x4 transport.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their attentiveness, friendliness, and intuitive service, often described as going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction. Many reviews highlight the team's professionalism, warmth, and genuine care, making guests feel like family. Specific mentions include excellent housekeeping, efficient valet service, and knowledgeable guides for activities like stargazing and Via Ferrata. However, there is mixed feedback regarding the check-in process and overall responsiveness, with some guests reporting issues such as delayed valet service, a perceived lack of understanding from certain managers, and occasional language barriers that led to order mix-ups. A few guests also experienced an unwelcoming attitude from staff at the entrance when attempting to visit without a prior booking.

Additional Information
The hotel offers a wide array of complimentary activities that enhance the guest experience, including guided hikes, yoga sessions, and stargazing with an astronomer. The thrilling Via Ferrata climb is a popular, though paid, adventure for the brave. The hotel's commitment to sustainability and a farm-to-table culinary approach is frequently noted and appreciated. Guests should be aware that the hotel's high-altitude location means the weather can be quite cool, especially in winter, with chilly winds, so packing warm clothing is advisable. A recurring point of feedback is the hotel's strict no entry without prior booking policy, which has led to frustration for some visitors attempting to access the property for dining or sightseeing without a reservation.