Al Waha Hotel, Barr Al Jissah Resort Spa, Oman

The Cranley Report

Al Waha Hotel, Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Al Waha 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 Waha Hotel

Photo 1 of 41. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category

Resort Hotel

Hotel Opened

2006

Cranley Summary

The Al Waha Hotel is part of the Barr Al Jissah, Shangri La Resort which also comprises the Al Husn 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 Waha can use all the facilities of the Al Bandar hotel and the restaurants of the Al Husn hotel by prior appointment. The pool and beach at the Al Husn is for the exclusive use of guests staying in that hotel.

The Al Waha Hotel is the more family orientated of the three hotels having the children’s club located by the pool and a large main swimming pool as well as a shaded children’s pool. There is also a lazy river that connects the pool to the Al Bandar pool and runs along the boardwalk next to the beach. The hotel is finished to a high standard with a range of room types with luxury amenities and benefiting from all en-suite bathrooms having a separate shower. The hotel has a range of restaurants from fine dinning at the Bait Al Bahr to casual dinning at the Surf Cafe. The breakfast location is the Samba restaurant which serves a comprehensive buffet. For guests wishing to work or stay in touch there is a fully equipped business centre, wi-fi works throughout the resort and all rooms have high speed internet connectivity. The hotel puts on a range of daily activities for adults and children and for further entertainment the resort also has a Heritage Village due to open at the end of the year which will demonstrate local arts 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 full time to help guests 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 and a passage cleared for the road in and out of the hotel. 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 limousine. 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, Mutrah Souk 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 the Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa that also comprises of the Al Husn Hotel and the Al Bandar Hotel. The hotel is located on the right hand side of the resort as you approach from the mountain road. You enter the lobby which is on the third floor of the hotel with views at the back of the lobby overlooking the pool and beach. Within the Al Waha Hotel are guest rooms set over four floors, a number of restaurants on the ground floor and swimming pools. The spa, gym and tennis courts are located between the al Bandar and Al Waha hotels and in addition guests can use the pools and restaurants at the Al Bandar hotel. The facilities of the Al Husn hotels are for the dedicated usage of those guests with the exception of the restaurants which can be pre-booked.

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 with 45 minutes notice.
Parking	Complimentary valet parking

Cranley Comment

On entering the hotel the lobby is a spacious entrance foyer with high ceilings, extensive polished marble flooring and Arabic styling with a picture window that overlooks the pool and the Gulf. The reception and concierge are located on the left hand side and beyond the desk is a wide corridor that leads to the rooms and business centre. On the right side of the lobby is the lobby lounge with armchairs and coffee tables and a small necessities shop and a similar corridor that leads to the rooms on the right side of the hotel.

Shops & Amenities

Description

There is a small necessities shop located in the lobby of the hotel which is open 08.00 to 22.00 daily. In addition the following boutiques are located in the resort:

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 hotel 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	302
Elevators	4
Rooms per Elevator	76

Check-in Time	14.00
Check-out Time	12.00
Late Checkout	16.00 subject to availability
Smoking Rooms	Non-smoking rooms available
Room Service	24 hour ala carte menu available
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.

Cranley Comment

The Al Waha Hotel has a number of room options. The Superior and Deluxe Rooms are the same rooms with the same amenities but come with a pool view, a pool view and partial sea view or a direct sea view. There are a range of suites all of which have a separate bedroom and lounge. All the rooms are decorated in a similar style with beige walls and light coloured wood furniture and feature high speed internet connectivity. All bathrooms have a separate shower as well as a bath tub. In addition the ground floor rooms have a patio and the other room types all have balconies.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior	193	102 Pool/Partial Sea 91 Pool	Satellite television Individually controlled air conditioning Mini-bar Patio or balcony Desk and chair High speed internet Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities Armchair and coffee table Two patio chairs and circular table Iron and ironing board Safe Slippers and bathrobe Separate walk in shower Bath	2 adults and 1 child under 12	37

Cranley Comment

The Superior Rooms are located overlooking the courtyard where the swimming pool is located with the hotel on three sides and the Gulf on the other. The rooms have a pleasant view over the courtyard and a clear side view of the ocean or just a view of the pool. The rooms come with either a balcony or a patio that opens out on to the pool. The rooms themselves are a standard rectangular shape with an entrance corridor (with a double wardrobe) that leads into the room. They are decorated in a contemporary style with light brown carpets and brown/gold curtains. The furniture is a light wood colour with magnolia painted walls. The en-suite bathroom entrance is next to the bed and is tiled with a similar beige marble effect and with a light brown speckled marble sink counter. The bathroom benefits from having a separate shower and bath tub.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	87	Sea	As per the Superior Rooms with the added benefit of: Direct sea frontage	2 adults and 1 child under 12	37

Cranley Comment

The Deluxe Rooms are the same room as the Superior Room but have a direct sea view and therefore come with either a balcony or a patio. The rooms themselves are a standard rectangular shape with an entrance corridor (with a double wardrobe to one side) that leads into the room. They are decorated in a contemporary style with light brown carpets and brown/gold curtains. The furniture is a light wood colour with magnolia painted walls. The en-suite bathroom entrance is next to the bed and is tiled with a similar beige marble effect and with a light brown speckled marble sink counter. The bathroom benefits from having a separate shower and bath tub.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive	8	Sea	As per the Deluxe Room with the added benefit of: Two seater sofa bed	2 adults and 1 child under 12	50

Cranley Comment

The Executive Room is very similar to the Deluxe Room but slightly larger with an additional 13sqm. The additional space allows for a two seat sofa that also converts into an additional bed and allows two children to share a room with their parents. The room itself is decorated in a contemporary style with light brown carpets and brown/gold curtains. The furniture is a light wood colour with magnolia painted walls. The en-suite bathroom entrance is next to the bed and is tiled with a similar beige marble effect and with a light brown speckled marble sink counter. The bathroom benefits from having a separate shower and bath tub.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Premier	1	Sea	As per the Executive Room with the added benefit of: Large terrace/balcony Two sunloungers	2 adults and 1 child under 12	78

Cranley Comment

The Premier Room is located on the top floor of the hotel and its principle feature is a large external terrace that is on the side of the room and overlooks the pool and beach and extends also around the front of the room. The terrace is ideal space to entertain or sun bath in privacy. The room itself is decorated in a contemporary style with light brown carpets and brown/gold curtains. The furniture is a light wood colour with magnolia painted walls. The en-suite bathroom entrance is next to the bed and is tiled with a similar beige marble effect and with a light brown speckled marble sink counter. The bathroom benefits from having a separate shower and bath tub. The additional sqm compared to the Executive Room is the terrace not internal space.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
One-Bedroom Suite	3	Sea	As per the Superior Room with the added benefit of: Separate lounge Guest bathroom Two seater sofa bed Two armchairs Additional mini bar Coffee table Round dining table for four persons Additional plasma satellite television Additional desk Walk through wardrobe	2 adults and 1 child under 12	73

Cranley Comment

The One Bedroom Suite as its name implies comes with a separate lounge as well as an en-suite bedroom. On entering the room there is an entrance corridor with the guest bathroom on one side. The guest bathroom also cleverly doubles as the toilet of the en-suite bathroom via a connecting door to the bathroom. The lounge is on one side at the end of the entrance hallway with the bedroom on the other side. The lounge has a range of furniture including a dining table for four persons and a sofa bed and benefits from upgraded amenities like a plasma television. The bedroom is similar to the Deluxe Room but benefits from a larger en-suite bathroom and a dressing area with walk through wardrobes. The Suite also has a balcony that runs across the lounge and bedroom and has two sets of table and chairs. The room is decorated in the same theme as the other room types.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe Suite	9	Sea	As per the One Bedroom Suite with the added benefit of: Shower in the guest bathroom Larger bathroom No balcony off the lounge. Additional armchair in the lounge One set of patio furniture	2 adults and 1 child under 12	87

Cranley Comment

The Deluxe Suite is similar to the One Bedroom Suite but benefits from having a shower in the guest bathroom, an additional armchair in the lounge and a larger en-suite bathroom. The room itself has an entrance corridor with the guest bathroom on one side with a shower. The lounge is on one side at the end of the entrance hallway with the bedroom on the other side. The lounge has a range of furniture including a dining table for four persons and a sofa bed and benefits from upgraded amenities like a plasma television. The bedroom is similar to the One Bedroom Suite but benefits from a larger en-suite bathroom. The Suite also has a balcony that runs across the bedroom but not the lounge. The room is decorated in the same theme as the other room types.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Royal Suite	1	Sea	As per the Deluxe Suite with the added benefit of: Kitchenette Larger rooms Two plasma televisions. Two wash basins in the en-suite bathroom.	2 adults and 1 child under 12	117

Cranley Comment

The Royal Suite is the premier room type at the Al Waha Hotel. You enter into a large lounge/dining room off which is a small kitchenette/serving room which can be accessed from the hotel hall way by room service to avoid disturbance to guests. Also off the lounge/dining room is the guest bathroom with a shower and the en-suite bedroom. The Royal Suite benefits from additional space in each room and a larger bathroom with two sink basins. The Royal Suite is again decorated in the same theme as the other room types. The balcony runs across the lounge and bedroom. The Royal Suite can also be connected to a Deluxe Room to make a two bedroom suite.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

The Al Waha Hotel has a range of restaurants to choose from. The main breakfast location is Sambas which also has a different themed international buffet each evening of the week. Bait Al Bahr offers more formal dining set in a purpose built building next to the beach and there is also casual dining at the Surf Cafe and the Lobby lounge. For guests by the pool the Assira pool bar also serves a range of food options. As Al Waha is part of the larger resort there are also a number of additional restaurants at the Al Bandar and Al Husn Hotels guests can dine at.

Samba

Restaurant Type	South American/Argentinean
Restaurant Capacity	Total 240, Inside 102, outside 138
Opening Times	Daily 06.30 to 23.00 Breakfast 06.30 to 22.30 Dinner Buffet 18.30 to 22.30
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non smoking area
Children’s Facilities	Children's menu Children under 12 buffet is complimentary
Breakfast Options	A comprehensive buffet is served with live cooking stations

Cranley Comment

Samba is the hotels main international restaurant. It is located on the ground floor with dining inside in the air-conditioning or outside on the terrace overlooking the pool. The restaurant has a comprehensive buffet at breakfast, an ala carte lunch menu and a themed buffet in the evening or an ala carte menu. The evening buffet typically includes theme evenings like Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai and Malaysian. The evening ala carte menu has a range of grilled dishes like Anticuchos, Celviche, Sashimi and has a speciality Churrasquinho which can be any combination of marinated grilled hangers of beef, veal, lamb, chicken and chirizo.

Bait Al Bahr

Restaurant Type	Seafood
Restaurant Capacity	Total 120, inside 60, outside 60
Opening Times	Daily 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	Standard children's menu plus the restaurant has its own children's menu.
Breakfast Options	No

Cranley Comment

Bait Al Bahr is a semi-fine dining restaurant that specialises in indigenous seafood which tends to be cooked with Omani massala spices to give a local edge to the food. The restaurant has a monthly special and as well as having the hotels children's menu also has their own children's menu and they can prepare children's portions from the main menu. As well as fish there are vegetarian and some meat options. The restaurant is set next to the beach and is constructed of dark wood and has a veranda at the front and sides for outside dining overlooking the beach and boardwalk.

Surf Cafe

Restaurant Type	Cafe style internet cafe
Restaurant Capacity	Total 95 inside 45, outside 50
Opening Times	Daily 08.00 to 22.00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	High chairs Children's menu
Breakfast Options	Pastries, Danish and croissants

Cranley Comment

The Surf Cafe is an internet styled cafe. It has a range of seating inside and outside. There is a serving counter at one end of the room with the food on display. Around the room are two plasma screens playing sport and MTV, there is also a pool table and a glass enclosed room with eight pc's set around an octagonal column which are chargeable at 50% of the normal hotel internet rate. The cafe serves a small range of food options including salads, sandwiches, burgers, burritos and pasta.

Al Waha Lobby Lounge

Restaurant Type	Lobby lounge
Restaurant Capacity	Total 52, Inside 32, outside 20
Opening Times	Daily 07.00 to 01.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities	Children's menu
Breakfast Options	None

Cranley Comment

The Al Waha Lobby Lounge is located in the reception in a sophisticated setting with a range of armchairs and coffee tables inside and wicker furniture outside on a balcony overlooking the pool and Gulf. The menu consists of a range of beverages including speciality coffees, fruit and regular teas and alcoholic beverages. For snacks there is a small selection of salads, finger sandwiches and cakes.

Bars

Number of Bars

Assira

Bar Type	Pool bar
Bar Capacity	Total 48
Opening Times	Daily 10.00 to 19.00
Dress Codes	Pool wear/casual

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking tables
Admissions Policy	Children's menu High chairs

Cranley Comment

The Assira pool bar is located next to the pools. It has a number of tables and chairs around the bar most of which are under shade as well as a number of bar stools for guests to sit at. The bar serves a range of light food options and grills and soft and alcoholic beverages although guests should note because of Oman law alcohol is not served between 15.00 to 18.00 on Saturday's to Thursday's and not until 14.00 on Friday's. The bar also has a happy hour from 11.00 to 12.00 for soft drinks and 18.00 to 19.00 for alcoholic beverages.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Chargeable access is available in most public areas

In-Room Services

High speed internet connection

Business Centre

The business centre 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

The hotel has extensive meeting and conference facilities including a Grand Ballroom which are 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 Waha 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, 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 for children to play on.

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

Children's Club

"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 hotel is geared for young and teenage children with a children’s club with a range of activities as well as a teenage program and a teenage games room/club. In addition there are numerous swimming pools and the “Lazy River”. There are also a number of sports activities.

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

The teen's club is 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 Bar Al Jissah Resort hosting over 9,300 eggs! The hotel has a dedicated turtle ranger who advises the appropriate time and most unobtrusive positions 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 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.

Cranley Comment

The hotel has a variety of restaurants and a nightclub/bar. In addition there are a number of night-time and overnight excursions available via guest relations.

Pools

Cranley Comments

The hotel has one principle pool, a smaller children’s pool, a shower pool and a lazy river. In addition there are additional pools next to the Al Bandar Hotel which is a short walk away along the beach boardwalk. The three pools all share the same facilities and are in close proximity to each other and the beach.

Main Pool

Opening Times	06.00 to 20.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 28c
Depths	Standard depth of 1.3m
Size	Irregular shape approx 50 by 30 meters

Facilities	Metal sunloungers Parasols Towels Toilets Showers 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 Assira 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

Children's pool

Opening Times	06.00 to 20.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 28c
Depths	Max 0.3 meters
Size	Circular shape approx 8 meters in diameter

Facilities	As per the main pool
Safety	Lifeguard on duty

Cranley Comment

The Children’s Pool is located next to the Main Pool at the beach end. It is a “half moon” shape and a standard depth. It is positioned near to the beach and grass play area where the Dhow and children’s football pitch is.

Shower Pool

Opening Times	06.00 to 20.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 28c
Depths	Maximum 0.3 meters
Size	Circular shape approx 8 meters in diameter

Facilities	As per the main pool
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The Shower Pool is a small circular pool designed for children but also enjoyed by adults. It is set under a canvass canopy and has a central shower that guests stand under to cool off. It is located next to the main pool and the pool bar.

Lazy River

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

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.

Circles Pool

Opening Times	06.00 to 20.00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 28c
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 is located next to the Al Bandar Hotel and 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.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	07.00 to 22.00
Description	3 Bikes 2 Cross trainers 1 Rowing machines 3 Treadmills 7 Resistance machines Life fitness machines 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	Main gym 12 by 20 meters Aerobics studio 12 by 16 meters

Cranley Comment

The fitness centre is located next to the Spa with the 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 flooring 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 water sports available on the main beach which are chargeable.

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

15th September 2006

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