What is the best Shangri-La hotel in Oman? Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort which has the family Al Waha wing vs. Shangri-La Al Husn Resort. Which is ideal for families with kids, and which should honeymooners choose? How do these two resorts compare to The Chedi versus Kempinski vs. Al Bustan Palace by Ritz-Carlton.
When to Visit?
The best time to visit Oman is between November and March, when the cooler air lets you see the mountain scenery and daytime temperatures average 25°C. For the rest of the year, Oman is hot and hazy, particularly between May and August. Conversely, May to August is the time to visit if you want to pick up a bargain and don’t mind the heat.
Best For Families
Al Waha is Oman’s first dedicated family hotel. It is one of two wings at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Sultanate of Oman. Comprised of 262 guestrooms, each room provides guests with either a 5 m² balcony or patio featuring a sea view or sea-facing views.
The name Al Waha means “The Oasis”, and has been designed such that the hotel’s several swimming pools form an oasis incorporating many date palm trees.
The architecture of Al Waha is traditional Dhofari from the southern region of Oman. Nestled at the foot of a mountain range, vehicular access has been made possible by an artificial tunnel.
Al Waha is set up for families, Al Husn is the opposite, as there are no kids or teens under 16 years old allowed in the pool or dedicated beach area. Al Bandar is somewhere in between. Al Waha is definitely the best choice for families of these 3 resort areas.
Other family-friendly options include the Kempinski. If you want to be in town, go for the Kempinski, but we also like the Al Bustan Palace with its beautiful setting. We love their lagoon access room, particularly if you are staying with children, as you can walk straight into the pool from your private terrace.
Best For Honeymooners And Couples
Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa is the most luxurious of the 3 hotels and is definitely the Shangri-La to choose if you are on your Honeymoon. The private beach area is superb and is much nicer than the beach at the rest of the resort. The lack of children makes for a very quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
Service is excellent, and staff immediately set up sun loungers for you and a cool bag with cold drinks. In the afternoon, complimentary tea is served in the interior courtyard, with excellent canapés.
Breakfast is fantastic here with an A-la-carte menu of hot dishes that change daily with high quality and beautifully presented dishes. There is a huge variety of restaurants within the resort, and the fish restaurant is particularly good.
How About The Al Bandar?
There are some disadvantages of Al Bandar. The terrace rooms at Al Bandar feel exposed and overlooked, and the overall resort is not as luxurious.
Must Do’s For Your Family Holiday Or Honeymoon in Oman
If you stay at the Shangri-La Resorts, hire a boat to take you out from the resort to the surrounding coves or along to Mutrah. Alternatively, or additionally, hire a 4×4 and explore by land.
Which is best? Chedi vs. Shangri-La Al Husn
The Chedi is excellent, but Shangri-La Al Husn Resort has a nicer location and a better beach, plus the service is much better at Shangri-La Al Husn Resort. This is particularly obvious around the pool, where the Chedi gets very busy, and staff don’t always help guests find a space. The Chedi is in the middle of nowhere but right on the beach. While the pools are incredible here, the beach is disappointing.
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