Al Husn Hotel, Barr Al Jissah Resort Spa, Oman

The Cranley Report

Al Husn Hotel, Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Al Husn Hotel, Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Oman

Hotel Address

PO Box 644
Postcode 113
Muscat
Sultanate of Oman

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Cranley Rating

Al Husn Hotel

Photo 1 of 43. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category

Resort Hotel

Hotel Opened	2006
Refurbishment	N/A

Cranley Summary

The Al Husn Hotel is part of Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat which also comprises the Al Waha and Al Bandar Hotels. The three hotels are located about 50 kilometres from Muscat International Airport in an isolated location set in a sandy cove with the Hajar Mountains as a backdrop and the resort being accessed via a scenic mountain road, of which the last few kilometres were blasted through the mountains. Whilst enjoying an isolated location the resort is only a fifteen minute drive to the souks and old town of Muscat. The three hotels are located next to each other and have their own swimming pool and restaurants but they all share a common gym, spa, tennis courts and conference facilities. Guests of the Al Husn can use all the facilities of the Al Bandar and Al Waha hotels. The pool and beach at the Al Husn is for the exclusive use of guests staying at the Al Husn.

The Al Husn Hotel is the premier property in the resort albeit they are all of a very high standard. The hotel is located on top of a cliff giving it spectacular elevated views of the resort and Omani coastline and guests staying at the Al Husn benefit from having full access to all the facilities in the resort but have the benefit of the facilities, with the exception of the restaurants at the Al Husn for their sole use. The hotel does allow children but in reality it is adult orientated with children needing to be over 12 to use the beach and pool; families with children are better advised to stay at the Al Waha or Al Bandar hotels where there is a full range of child orientated restaurants and amenities.

In addition to having its own private beach and pool for its guest’s exclusive use there is a full gym but guests can of course use the larger gym and dance studio located at the Spa. There are a range of room types all of which are decorated in a light arabic/contemporary style and are well appointed in terms of the quality of furnishings and fittings and all rooms benefit from a sea views and balconies. For dining there are three fine dining restaurants, a pool and beach bar and for lighter snacks. For drinks there is a dedicated bar called the Silver Lounge and within the resort are a number of other bars and a nightclub at the Al Bandar Hotel. The business centre is located at the Al Bandar Hotel but there is wireless available throughout the hotel and high speed connectivity in the rooms. Also available later in the 2006 will be a heritage village which will demonstrate local arts and crafts and have an authentic Omani restaurant. Lastly the hotels beaches are a breeding ground for turtles and there is an environmental programme with a turtle ranger employed fulltime to help guest observe egg laying and hatching without disturbing the turtles.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

The hotel is located about 45 minutes from Al Seeb International Airport and 15 minutes from Muscat city centre and near Ruwi business district and Mutrah, the old city of Muscat. The resort is set in a spectacular back drop of the mountains and in fact some of the mountains edge was cleared to create space for the hotel to be built. Its location gives the hotel a pleasant sense of isolation but at the same time it is only fifteen minutes from Muscat and the Souks.

Airports
Distance	50 km
Airport Transfers	Muscat

Cities and Sights
Distance	20 km
City/Sight Transfers	Taxi or a chargeable hotel limosuine. The hotel also runs a shuttle bus four times a day at 10.10, 12.00, 15.30 and 16.35 to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, Muttrah Souq and the SABCO centre with the bus returning at 11.00, 13.00 16.30 and 17.35.

Layout Description

The hotel is part of Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa that also comprises of the Al Bandar and the Al Waha Hotel. The hotel is located on a cliff top overlooking the rest of the resort and is connected to the Al Bandar Hotel via a lift. You enter the lobby which has the front desk on the left and the lobby lounge on the right hand side with a terrace overlooking the resort. At the rear of the lobby is a courtyard with a pond with fountains lining a walkway to an arabic arch through which you see a spectacular view of the Gulf and leads to the pool. The beach is located to the left of the hotel and is accessed via a pathway from the pool or via the hotel shuttle buggy that goes on request. The rooms are located on either side of the hotel and are accessed via a corridor on either side of the lobby. The restaurants are located one floor below the lobby and reached via stairs or a lift. The hotels gym and library are off the corridor on the left side of the hotel.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 Hours
Languages Spoken	English and Arabic
Payment Methods	Major credit cards
Foreign Exchange	Major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged	The hotel has a number of taxis on its own fleet that charge by the meter.
Tours Arranged	A range of tours can be arranged through concierge and include dolphin watching and snorkelling, canyon crossing by wirers, snorkelling, geology tour of the Hajar mountains, sunset boat trip, Muscat City tour, a two day wadi/bedouin and turtles trip, overnight bedouin desert trip, overnight turtle beach trip, sea kayaking, bird watching, game fishing and Nizwa City tour.

Guest Relations	Safe deposit boxes
Concierge Services	Translation services can be arranged. Parcel wrapping service.
Medical Facilities	A doctor is on duty seven days a week from 09.00 to 18.00. Outside of these hours a doctor can be called in with 45 minutes notice.
Parking	Complimentary valet parking

Cranley Comment

On entering the hotel guests arrive in an intimate circular Arabic themed lobby with a domed, gold inlaid ceiling and looks out onto a courtyard and through an Arabic arch towards the infinity pool and beyond to the ocean which together gives an impressive view. To the left is the front desk and to the right a small walkway with water features on either side that leads to the lobby lounge which has seating inside overlooking the terrace and the rest of the resort or outside on the terrace. The overall style of the entrance is Arabic with locally styled roofs, windows and use of white marble to create a stylish and sophisticated interior. The lobby also benefits from its elevated position given views over the other two hotels, the beach and the Gulf.

Shops & Amenities

Description

The hotel boutiques are located at the ground floor of the lift that connects Al Husn to the Al Bandar Hotel. Outlets include:

Al Bandar Souk Area:

Pashmina shop 10.00 to 22.00 Saturday to Thursday and 17.00 to 22.00 on Fridays.
Carpet Gallery 10.00 to 22.00 Saturday to Thursday and 17.00 to 22.00 on Fridays.
Damas Jewellers 10.00 to 22.00 Saturday to Thursday and 17.00 to 22.00 on Fridays.
Porsche Design Shop 10.00 to 13.00 and 17.00 to 21.00 Saturday to Thursdays
Jawahir Oman Jewellers 10.00 to 13.00 and 17.00 to 21.00 Saturday to Thursdays

Al Bandar Hotel

Hamac; Designer swimwear 09.00 to 22.00 daily
Turtles Bookshop 10.00 to 22.00 daily.

Cranley Comment

The resort has a range of boutiques covering basic necessities to designer jewellery. For guests who want more substantial shopping Muscat with its souks and shopping centres is fifteen minutes away and there is a daily complimentary bus to Muttrah Souk which is nearby.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	4
Total Rooms	180
Elevators	4
Rooms per Elevator	45

Check-in Time	14.00
Check-out Time	12.00
Late Checkout	16.00 subject to availability
Smoking Rooms	All non-smoking although guests can smoke on the balconies.
Room Service	24 hours full ala carte menu
Laundry Service	Items collected by 10.00 are returned the same day. Four hour express service up to 16.00 at 50% surcharge. Overnight service from 20.00 to 09.00 at a 50% surcharge. Pressing service is available 24 hours. Express 2 hour pressing service at a 50% premium 24 hours a day.
Unique Features	Butler service which un-packs and packs guests luggage and attends to their needs. The hotel has a library on the lobby level which has quiet reading areas and lounge chairs and a selection of books and magazines for guests use.

Club or Executive Facilities

The Al Husn has a Hospitality Lounge located on the lobby level which is designed for guests who want a quiet place to relax at and also as an area they can use if they have checked out of their room and need to shower and change, or use if they arrive early at the hotel before their room is available during periods of high occupancy.

Cranley Comment

The rooms in the Al Husn range from a Deluxe Room at 48 Sqm to a Royal Suite that when it opens at the end of 2006 will be over 500sqm. In addition there are a number of different suites all of which are one bedroom and have a separate lounge and the Suite and Deluxe suite can be connected to a Deluxe Room to make a Two Bedroom Suite. All the rooms are decorated in a light Arabic styling and have an abundance of furniture and modern facilities like plasma televisions and high speed internet connectivity. All the bathrooms have separate showers and luxury amenities and lastly all rooms have a sea view with balconies and good quality patio chairs and sunbeds in the Suites.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	164	Sea	Satellite television DVD player Individually controlled air-conditioning Mini bar Desk and chair High speed internet Armchair Additional chair Round occasional table Separate shower Bath Walk in closet in the bathroom Scales Hair dryer Complimentary shoe shine Bath robes Luxury bathroom amenities Safe Iron and ironing board Complimentary mineral water Complimentary Evian mist spray Terrace/balcony	2 adults and 1 child under 12 (in existing bedding)	48

Cranley Comment

The Deluxe Room is a sizable room at 56 sqm. It has an entrance hallway with the bathroom off it and it leads into the bedroom. The bedroom has a rich coloured carpet, gold curtains and dark balanise type wood furniture. The bathroom has a walk in closet and a separate shower and bath with a sliding screen that opens the bathroom to the room and allows natural light into the bathroom. The bathroom is decorated in beige marble with white sanitary wear. The room overall is decorated in a sophisticated style with deep pile carpets. The balcony is a larger than "normal" size with two armchairs, a table and ample space for dining al fresco.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Suite	6	Sea	As per the Deluxe Room plus: Separate lounge Dressing room Guest toilet Additional plasma television Double length balcony Open bar Lounge furniture includes: Two seat sofa Two armchairs Chaise longe Round coffee table Bedroom includes: Desk with internet connection Two armchairs	2 adults and 1 child under 12 (in existing bedding)	116

Cranley Comment

The Suite has the benefit of being twice the size of the Deluxe Room and is a well appointed room with a separate lounge, walk-in dressing area and guest toilet. The Suite is decorated in the same rich Arabic style as the Deluxe Room and has an entrance hallway off which is the guest toilet and the doorway to the dressing area which also leads through into the en-suite bathroom. The hallway leads into the lounge which has an array of furniture and state of the art plasma screens and an open bar. There is also access to the balcony that runs the length of the lounge and bedroom and has two arm chairs and two sun beds. The bedroom is also richly decorated and as well as armchairs and coffee tables has a desk area with high speed internet connectivity. The bedroom also has access to the balcony.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe Suite	6	Sea	As per the Suite plus: Additional space Large shower with side jets	2 Adults and 1 child under 12 (in existing bedding)	132

Cranley Comment

The Deluxe Suite has an entrance hall which leads round to a lounge and off which is the dressing room and access to the en-suite bathroom that allows it to double as a guest toilet without guests having to enter the bedroom. The lounge is a square shaped room that has a range of sofa’s and chairs and a plasma screen and looks out to the ocean. Opposite the lounge window is a bar area and to one side is a guest washroom. The bedroom is entered into via a doorway next to the television and is a square shaped room with two armchairs, a desk and plasma screen. From the bedroom are double doors into the en-suite bathroom which has a feature of the shower which is a large area with seating and with side jets as well as an overhead shower head. The Deluxe Suite is decorated in a sophisticated style like the Deluxe Room with gold themed carpet and light coloured walls with some light wood panelling as well as dark wood screens behind the bed and along one wall of the bathroom. Outside is a patio with a range of furniture.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Specialty Suites	3	Sea	As per the Deluxe Room plus: Separate lounge/dining room with Dining table for eight persons Plasma Screen Two seater sofa Two armchairs Chaise longe Bar area Kitchenette with: Sink Two pan hob Separate entrance for staff Separate guest washroom Larger bedroom with Plasma satellite television in the bedroom Desk in the bedroom Chaise longe Armchair Round coffee table Round occasional table Larger bathroom with: L shaped dressing room. Jacuzzi on the balcony Two sunbeds on the balcony	2 Adults and 1 child under 12 (in existing bedding)	174

Cranley Comment

The hotel has three Speciality Suites. They are sizable suites at 174 sqm and comprise of an entrance hall off which is the guest washroom and leads into a lounge/dining room. At one end of the room is the dining area with a bar unit against the wall and a doorway leading into the kitchenette which can also be accessed by room service staff from the outside to bring and prepare food. At the other end of the room is the lounge area with an array of furniture and a plasma television on the wall. The bedroom door is next to the television and comprises of a larger bedroom that the Deluxe Room with a desk area and comfortable style arm chairs. The en-suite bathroom again is a sizable room and as well as the usual amenities also has a walk-in dressing room and wardrobes that is in an L shape. The room is decorated with a gold themed carpet, light wood wall panelling and dark wood dining table. The bathroom is decorated in similar beige tiling as the Deluxe room. Around the room are various sculptures and vases to add to the sophistication. Outside there is a large balcony with a Jacuzzi and sunbeds and tables and chairs.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Royal Suites	1	Sea	To be advised	To be advised	500

Cranley Comment

The Royal Suite is due to open later in the year when a full description will be available.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

As well as having two fine dining restaurants the Al Husn also has a lobby lounge and casual food at the pool and beach. Within the rest of the resort are numerous other restaurants covering a number of food types like Italian, Omani and other international cuisines.

Sultanah

Restaurant Type	International
Restaurant Capacity	Total 100, inside 70, outside 30
Opening Times	Daily 06.30 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities	High chairs
Breakfast Options	A full buffet breakfast with live cooking stations is available from 06.30 to 11.00

Cranley Comment

The Sultanah Restaurant is named after the first boat to sail from the Middle East to the United States. The restaurant overlooks the resort and as well as being the breakfast location is also the main all day international restaurant and serves a daytime and evening menu. The menu has typical dishes like oven roasted red snapper, seared king fish with smoked eggplant mash and steamed fillet of sole. In addition the restaurant has some themed menu’s which at the time of the review was the foie gras specials. The restaurant is laid out in a subtle nautical theme and has two private dining rooms and seating inside or outside on a terrace overlooking the resort and ocean.

Shahrazad

Restaurant Type	Moroccan
Restaurant Capacity	Total 102, Inside 82, outside 20
Opening Times	Daily 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities	High chairs
Breakfast Options	N/A

Cranley Comment

Shahrazad is a fine dining Moroccan restaurant decorated in an authentic Moroccan style. The restaurant is located on the level below the reception and is next to the Sultanah. There are a range of low arabic style seating and rich interiors with red fabrics and small semi enclosed seating booths. The menu is prepared by a team led by the head chef and his wife who run the kitchen and the specialities include the MechouI and Kebabs and the Tangine Lamb Tfaya which is the lamb braised with honey, prunes and boiled eggs. For entertainment a Moroccan string musician plays seven nights a week from 20.00 to 23.30.

Al Husn Lobby Lounge

Restaurant Type	Lobby lounge
Restaurant Capacity	Total 45, inside 25, outside 20
Opening Times	Daily 07.00 to 01.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No separate non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities	No specific facilities
Breakfast Options	N/A

Cranley Comment

The Al Husn Lobby Lounge is located to the right of the entrance lobby and is a square room with high ceilings and decorated in an Arabic style with the shape of the windows and doorways reflecting traditional Arabic architecture. There are white marble walls which are lit with blue neon lighting to add to the ambiance. In the lounge is a number of armchairs and coffee tables and it overlooks the rest of the resort and the main beach. There is additional seating outside on the terrace. The menu has a range of speciality teas, coffees and juices as well as a full range of alcoholic drinks. For food there is a small menu including classic caesar salad with roasted shrimp, millefuille of grilled marinated vegetables, tian of smoked & cured salmon and a Club sandwich. There is also afternoon teas and evening specialities like Iranian caviar, foie gras terrine and olive oil poached lobster tail.

Bars

Number of Bars	3
Bar Comments

As well as the silver Lounge cocktail bar at the Al Husn Hotel there is another bar called the Long Bar at the Al Bandar Hotel which is connected to Xyro's nightclub.

Silver Lounge

Bar Type	Cocktail Bar
Opening Times	18.00 to 00.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Adults only

Cranley Comment

To be updated on next site visit.

Al Muheet

Bar Type	Pool bar
Bar Capacity	Total 52
Opening Times	Daily 10.00 to 19.00
Dress Codes	Pool wear/casual

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Over 12's only

Cranley Comment

Al Muheet is located on a level below the infinity pool overlooking the ocean on the edge of the cliff. Its position gives it unique views over the Gulf. The bar itself is a modern design that has a mirrored wall at the rear which reflects the views of the ocean. There is a range of typical pool bar foods like salads, sandwiches, grilled meats and fish and a range of soft and alcoholic drinks. The staff also provide a pool butler service.

Mahhara

Bar Type	Beach bar
Opening Times	Daily 10.00 to 19.00
Dress Codes	Beach wear/casual

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Children over 12 only are allowed on the beach.

Cranley Comment

The Mahhara beach bar is located a few steps above the beach which gives it an elevated view over the private Al Husn Beach. It provides a butler service to guests on the beach and also has a number of table and chairs for guests to sit at. The bar serves a range of soft and alcoholic drinks and has a food menu including a range of salads and other light options.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Chargeable wireless is available throughout the resort.

In-Room Services

Chargeable high speed internet
Desk

Business Centre

There is no business centre but guests can use the business centre at the Al Bandar Hotel which is a five minute walk away and is open daily from 09.00 to 22.00. It comprises of a dedicated room with a manned reception offering a variety of secretarial support. The room itself has two open plan terminals with a screen between them for a level of privacy and two private work rooms one of which has a desk and PC terminal and the other a round table and four chairs for small meetings.

Meetings & Events

There is a full range of conference facilities located at the Al Bandar Hotel which includes a Grand Ballroom which is accessed via a grand staircase. As you would expect from a new hotel it has the latest audio visual facilities for meetings and presentations and features chandeliers in the Grand Ballroom which change colour for added effect. The rooms are located at the Al Bandar Hotel and the principle room configurations are:

Ballrooms

Barr Al Jissah Ballroom
1056 sqm, 22 x 48m and can hold 850 in a Reception, 850 in a Theatre, 700 in a Banquet and 550 in a classroom.

Ballroom Section A, B and C each
275 sqm, 12.5 x 22m and can hold 230 in a Reception, 250 in a Theatre, 180 in a Banquet and 150 in a classroom.

Ballroom section A, B and C
825 sqm, 35.5 x 22m and can hold 700 in a Reception, 750 in a Theatre, 600 in a Banquet and 500 in a classroom.

Ballroom section A/B or B/C
550 sqm, 25 x 22m and can hold 460 in a Reception, 500 in a Theatre, 360 in a Banquet and 300 in a classroom.

Pre-function Area 1
366 sqm, 8.5 x 43m and can hold 300 in a Reception

Pre-function Area 2
198 sqm, 6 x 33m and can hold 165 in a Reception

Pre-function Area 3
144 sqm, 6 x 24m and can hold 120 in a Reception

Meeting Rooms

Assifah
68 sqm, 8.2 x 8.3m and can hold 24 in a Boardroom, 55 in a Reception, 60 in a Theatre, 48 in a Banquet and 36 in a classroom.

Tiwi
52 sqm, 6.3 x 8.3m and can hold 20 in a Boardroom, 45 in a Reception, 48 in a Theatre, 40 in a Banquet and 27 in a classroom.

Qalhat
52 sqm, 6.3 x 8.3m and can hold 20 in a Boardroom, 45 in a Reception, 48 in a Theatre, 40 in a Banquet and 27 in a classroom.

Assifah/Tiwi/Qalhat
173 sqm, 20.8 x 8.3m and can hold 140 in a Reception, 150 in a Theatre, 120 in a Banquet and 90 in a classroom.

Assifah/Tiwi
120 sqm, 14.5 x 8.3m and can hold 40 in a Boardroom, 100 in a Reception, 100 in a Theatre, 80 in a Banquet and 63 in a classroom.

Tiwi/Qalhat
104 sqm, 12.6 x 8.3m and can hold 34 in a Boardroom, 85 in a Reception, 85 in a Theatre, 80 in a Banquet and 54 in a classroom.

Yiti
18 sqm, 4.2 x 4.2m and can hold 6 in a Boardroom

Qantab
30 sqm, 5 x 6m and can hold 12 in a Boardroom

Sidab
76 sqm, 6.3 x 12m and can hold 18in a Boardroom

Qantab
72 sqm, 6 x 12m and can hold 18 in a Boardroom

Cranley Comment

The Al Husn is principally a leisure hotel but it has a range of facilities geared for the traveller who wants to stay in touch. There is a full service business centre with secretarial support at the Al Bandar Hotel, wireless connectivity in all public areas, high speed connectivity in the bedrooms and a working desk. In addition for conference and events there is substantial facilities at the Al Bandar Hotel including a state of the art ballroom and meeting rooms.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities	See Restaurants
Playground	There is a large Dhow boat located next to the beach at the Al Waha Hotel children to play on.

Children's Pool	See Pools
Games Room	See the Teen Activities in the entertainment section.

Children's Club

Located at the Al Waha Hotel the "Little Turtles" is open daily from 09.30 to 18.00. It is for children aged between three and ten years of age and is located in a purpose built building next to Samba's restaurant. The club has a range of facilities within it like a games area, televisions with play stations and a library. A range of activities are also provided and include try surfing, tiny tots tennis, story time, drama time, mini football, movies, swim races, kite flying, jewellery making, drawing competitions, funny hat parties, face painting, henna painting, water polo, arabic crafts, treasure hunt, arabic dance, sand castle fun and coconut bowling. The activities are run at set times which allows children to join for the whole morning or afternoon sessions or turn up for a specific event. The club does not provide lunch so children need to be collected from 12.00 to 14.00.

Entertainment

See Children's Club and the Teen Activities in the entertainment section.

Babysitting service

A babysitting service is provided by hotel staff with ideally six hours notice.

Cranley Comment

The Al Husn is an adults orientated hotel with no children's facilities. Guests with children are better served at the Al Waha Hotel where there are comprehensive activities for children as detailed above.

Entertainment

Daytime Activities

Adult activities

For adults there is a publicised daily programme of activities at 10.30, 11.00, 11.30, 16.00, 17.00 and 18.00 and include easy stretch, fun games on the beach, splash pool fun, beach volleyball, beach jog, intro to the gym, aqua aerobics, try kayaking, try windsurfing, beach football, power walk, fun tennis and social tennis doubles. In addition there is a range of aerobics classes listed in the sports section and there are tours detailed in the concierge section of this report.

Teen's Club

There is a teen's club located at the ground floor of the Al Bandar Hotel and is open daily from 12.00 to 21.00. It organises activities like computer games, table football, table tennis, magnetic darts, and game boys. There are also two pc terminals with games and internet access and a range of books and board games. Lastly there is also a mini theatre with 32 inch LCD television, DVD, Karaoke player with disco lights and an electric key board.

Turtles

At the resort is the rare opportunity to observe sea turtles nesting, laying eggs or hatching. The nesting season is January to June and in the 2006 season the beaches at the Shangri-La nestles over 9,300 eggs! The hotel has a dedicated turtle ranger who advises the appropriate time and most unobtrusive position to observe the turtles in their natural habitat.

Cranley Comment

There a range of organised activities for all age groups and in addition there are a variety of different excursions that can be booked. Also nearby is a Dive Centre where divers can explore some of the wrecks offshore.

Evening Activities

Xyro

Xyro is located next to the Long Bar at the Al bandar hotel and they form one outlet with Xyro being the nightclub/lounge. It is a darkened room with a high ceiling with a DJ at one end playing the latest dance tracks and a small number of chairs around the edge of the room. The room has a wide opening into The long Bar so guests can spill out into the bar or from the bar into Xyro.

Beaches

Al Husn Private Beach

Location	Located to the side of the hotel.
Private/Public	Private
Size/Frontage	80m x 30m

Facilities	Toilets Showers Towels Sun beds Parasols Beach bar Shuttle bus form the hotel
Safety	Lifeguards on duty
Parking	N/A

Cranley Comment

The Al Husn is a private beach exclusively for the use of Al Husn guests. It is located at the foot of the cliff the hotel sits on and is in a cove like environment with the cliffs on two sides that rise from the sea. The beach itself has soft fine sand and a gentle incline into the water. On the beach are wood sunbeds and parasols and a lifeguard is on duty during opening hours. Next to the beach is the beach bar which also has toilets and showers. The beach is accessed via a winding path at the side of the hotel and there is a golf buggy shuttling guests to and from at their request.

Pools

Cranley Comments

The Al Husn has a dedicated adults only (over 12's) infinity pool which because of its elevated position above sea level and its infinity design gives it spectacular views. In addition in the resort is a large pool at the Al Bandar and Al Waha hotels and a lazy river. There are also shaded children's paddling pools at the other two hotels ensuring children are well catered for.

Infinity Pool

Opening Times	06.00 to 20.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 29c
Depths	Standard depth of 1.20 metres
Size	34m x 20m

Facilities	Sun loungers Parasols Showers Toilets Towels Double sunbeds Pool bar Jacuzzi
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The Infinity Pool is located at the rear of the hotel and is set in a large terrace with the hotel on three sides and an elevated view of the ocean on the remaining side. The pool is approached from the lobby through a courtyard and an arabic archway which gives impressive views of the Ocean. Given the overall elevated position of the hotel the infinity pool has unique vies of the ocean over the 'infinity' side of the pool. Set around the pool are good quality sun beds, double sun beds and there are also some elevated areas with additional sunbeds. For drinks and food the Al Mukheet Pool Bar is located on a level below the pool with seating and also provides a butler service. Children under 12 are not allowed around this pool as it is an adult orientated pool.

Al Bandar Pool

Opening Times	06.00 to 20.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 29c
Depths	Max 1.3m Min 0.0m
Size	Extensive

Facilities	Whicker sun beds Parasols Towels Showers Toilets Jacuzzi Pool bar In-water sun beds
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

Circles Pool takes it name from the fact that it is three interconnecting/adjacent pools in broadly circular shapes. The pool is located next to the beach in front of the hotel with the end of the "Lazy River" next to one end of the pool. The pool is surrounded by palm trees and mature shrubs which gives it a sense of isolation and a degree of privacy for guests and the larger of the pools has an island in the middle with a bridge to it for guests to sunbath on. The pool has twelve built in sun beds and a Jacuzzi next to it. For smaller children on one side of the pool is a beach style ending suitable for toddler aged children to play at.

Al Waha Pool

Opening Times	06.00 to 20.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 29c
Depths	Standard depth of 1.3m
Size	Irregular shape approx 50 by 30 meters

Facilities	Whicker sun beds Parasols Towels Showers Toilets Jacuzzi Pool bar
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The Main Pool is located between the three sides of the hotel and next to the beach. Its location gives it a courtyard style setting with numerous palm trees and shrubs to add colour and a garden feel. The pool itself is an irregular shape which narrows in the middle and has a small ornate bridge that crosses over it. Next to the pool is the pool bar which serves a range of drinks and snacks and provides a butler service to the sun loungers. The pool is also located next to the Children’s and Shower pool and the Lazy River.

Lazy River

Opening Times	06.00 to 20.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 28c
Depths	Standard depth of 1.3m
Size	500 metres

Facilities	N/A
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The Lazy River is located next to the boardwalk and runs between the Al Husn and Al Waha hotels. It is a 500 metre stretch of waterway that propels guests in a gentle fashion between the two hotels sitting on round inner tubes. It is partially shaded and set in a garden environment.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	07.00 to 22.00
Description	Al Husn Gym 2 Treadmills 1 Cross trainer 2 Bikes 1 Rowing machine 3 Resistance machines Free weights Personal Training Life fitness equipment with individual television screens in the CV. Showers and changing facilities Resort Gym 3 Bikes 2 Cross trainers 1 Rowing machines 3 Treadmills 7 Resistance machines Life fitness equipment with built in television screens Free weights Sauna and Jacuzzi in ladies and gentlemen's changing rooms Showers Toilets Aerobics studio with daily classes which include: Flexible stretch Body dance Free style aerobics Aerobic training yogacise Body Sculpt
Size	Al Husn Gym 12m x 6m Resort Gym Main gym 12 x 20 meters Aerobics studio 12 x 16 meters

Cranley Comment

The Al Husn has a dedicated gym for its guests located on the lobby level. It has a range of state of the art equipment and as well as having a range of C.V. equipment also has a small number of resistance machines and free weights. The gym is supervised and personal trainers are also available. The gym is designed for guests who want to work out in a more intimate environment. The resort also has a comprehensive fitness centre located at the Chi Spa near the Al Bandar hotel. It has a gym on the ground floor overlooking the gardens with the aerobics studio on the first floor above the gym. The complex has the latest cardio vascular equipment with inbuilt television screens and has good quality fixtures and fittings with wood floor and sauna and Jacuzzi although the gym is on the small size for a hotel of this size. There are personal trainers available and a range of aerobics classes are run each week.

Water Sport

Opening Times	06.30 to 18.00
Description	Jet ski's Hobbi Cat's Wind surfing Snorkelling

Cranley Comment

There is a limited range of chargeable water sports available on the main beach.

Land Sport

Opening Times	08.00 to 21.00
Description	Four floodlit tennis courts

Cranley Comment

There are four floodlit tennis courts located next to the Chi Spa. Lessons both individually and as a group can be organised and fun and social tennis matches can be arranged.

Golf

Oman Golf

Description

Oman currently has no golf courses although one is under construction by a leading international designer.

Location	To be advised.
Holes	18
Length/Par	To be advised

Facilities

To be advised

Spa

Name of Spa	Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La
Opening Times	10.00 to 18.00

Facilities

Chi Signature Massages

Chi Balance, Aroma Vitality, Herbal Harmony,

Traditional Massages

Balinese, Foot Reflex Zone Therapy, Philippine Hilot Massage, Rejuvenating Head and Shoulder Massage.

Body Scrubs

Sandal Wood Scrub, Healing Salt Scrub, Mountain Tsampa Rub.

Body Wraps

Frankincense Linen Wrap.

Facial Treatments

Chi Facial and Exotic Rejuvenating Facial
Men’s Skincare Treatments
Chi Vitality Facial

Cranley Comment

The Chi Spa is planned to be fully open in October 2006. The Spa is in a purpose built building between the Al Waha and Al Husn hotels. It has a reception, boutique, eight treatments rooms for couples and four for singles and a relaxation garden with pool. In the interim there are ranges of treatments available form a more comprehensive menu that will be available once the Spa is fully opened.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

Wheelchair accessible

Rooms & Bathrooms

Two adapted rooms

Restaurants & Catering

Wheelchair accessible

Recreation Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Cranley Comment

Being a new build the hotel has been built with the appropriate considerations for guests with special needs. This includes two adapted rooms, ramps alternatives and special needs toilets in the lobby of the hotel.

Environment

Measures

Recycling
Energy Saving
Beach Cleaning
Minimise Cleaning Materials
Wildlife Protection
Sealife Protection
Water Saving

Cranley Comment

The hotel has an organised conversation program to protect the turtles that use the beach to lay their eggs. This includes education pamphlets for guests and a dedicated turtle warden to advise guests where to observe the turtles from to minimise disturbance. In addition the hotel recycles materials and re-uses water for the gardens and encourages guests to reduce unnecessary cleaning of towels by giving them the option to not have the towels changed daily.

Al Husn Hotel, Barr Al Jissah Resort Spa, Oman, Report Details

15th September 2006

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