With Dubai and Abu Dhabi now on everyone’s been-to lists, it’s time to look at the rest of the Arab world to find an discovered tourist gem; and we can’t recommend Oman enough. Spectacular mountains, vast deserts and a stunning, pristine coastline beckon, but it’s the rich heritage with strongly felt Bedouin values and an ancient Arabian soul that dazzles it’s growing stream of visitors. A more than suitable base for your time here is the Atana Khasab Hotel, a 4-star resort perched on a rock face, offering panoramic views of the spectacular Musandam shoreline.
Location
The hotel is located in Khasab in the Musandam region towards the north of Oman. The region is mountainous with a rugged, jagged coastline and an abundance of sheltered fjords giving the area the nickname “The Norway of Arabia”. The hotel is 10 minutes from the airport of Khasab in Oman, with connecting flights from London taking around 22 hours, you can also fly direct to Dubai in less than 7 hours and the hotel is only a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Dubai airport.
Style & Character
So much of the character of the Atana Khasab Hotel, which is managed by the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), comes from its location. It feels almost as if the entire hotel has been carved into the rock face and the ocean views are stunning. Take your snorkel, you can jump right into the sea from the rocks below the hotel! Inside the hotel is comfortable with hints of Arabian beauty shining through. Hospitality is important here; the hotel is run by local people who are more than happy to share their knowledge of the area.
Service & Facilities
The facilities are state of the art and include an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site PADI dive centre, a fitness centre, a children’s playground, meeting room, as well as a wide range of eateries – but more on those later. The beautiful freeform swimming pool is ideal for adults and children alike but it’s the ocean views here that are really special (look out for the dolphins), it’s the perfect spot to watch the gorgeous sunsets, and sunrises too if you can get up that early!
Rooms
The 60 deluxe rooms and suites are spacious and warmly decorated. They all include private balconies with a view of either the Oman Sea or the majestic mountains, a satellite flat-screen TV, coffeemaker, minibar, safe, air-conditioning, free high speed wireless internet, and an ensuite bathroom with bathrobes and luxury amenities. The Deluxe Sea View Rooms and the Mountain Sea View Rooms (yes, they do give a view of both but it’s mainly the mountains!) are 37 m² and 42 m² respectively. The Panoramic View Rooms, at 37 m², offer the most breathtaking views and also give direct access to the swimming pool so they’d get my vote! The Junior Suites are the most spacious at 72 m² and offer an additional living room space so that you can really spread out.
Food & Drink
A choice of dining options is available; Al Mawra Restaurant offers all-day international dining and traditional Omani and fusion cuisine; the Atana Khasab Restaurant overlooks the swimming pool and sea; the Finyon Cafe is ideal for coffees, light snacks and cocktails; the Al Tal Oriental Tent serves shisha and snacks on the top of the hill with beautiful sea and mountain views, and finally the Darts Bar, which offers a wide selection of beverages and light snacks in a relaxed atmosphere.
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