I just finished a 3 night stay, 2 nights booked on points, 1 night booked through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts. I’m a Globalist, but breakfast is included for all stays. Even though I arrived very early in the morning, just after 7 AM, my room was ready (much appreciated for a quick nap!). As a welcome amenity, I received a tray of sweets and a large fruit basket. I received an upgrade to a Terrace Suite, which had a huge outdoor space with a day bed, 2 lounge chairs, and a table with chairs in addition to the separate balcony with a couch and table. There were Alila branded bottles of sunscreen, aftersun gel, and cooling face mist on a tray by the lounge chairs; this was a nice touch along with the insect repellent in the bathroom (however insects weren’t an issue at all during my stay). There were pilates mats in the walk-in closet, perfect for a workout on the terrace. There were plenty of glass bottles of filtered water in the room, but be sure to bring a reusable bottle if you like to carry water around.

Breakfast is a la carte, with several small dishes brought out to all tables (a bread and pastry basket with butter and homemade spreads, fresh fruit, smoked salmon with horseradish, and cheeses and meats. 1 savory and 1 sweet option per person from the a la carte menu was included. Coffees and fresh juices were also available.

I tried Juniper Restaurant and Rose Lounge for dinners and personally preferred the lounge menu. The lounge has happy hour from 5-6 PM daily with a selection of half priced drinks; I was offered the happy hour special even though I didn't order until a few minutes after 6. Sunset at the lounge is absolutely spectacular. The staff proactively brings out heaters and blankets if it’s chilly. The menus are not particularly large and could become monotonous for longer stays (especially as a vegetarian), but everything I ordered was tasty and well-prepared.

I used the hotels transfer service from the airport and then back to Muscat. It was pricey, but once again service was wonderful with water, blankets, pillows, and eyeshades provided for my very early morning airport pick-up. During both rides the drivers made a surprise stop during the journey to get me chai karak and Omani snacks. I also booked the Via Ferrata experience through the hotel which I enjoyed.

I found the staff extremely friendly and service to be excellent. In most cases, the staff was proactive, anticipating guest needs. For example the staff asked for my room number at dinner so they could provide turn down service while I was out. Truly my only disappointment was that the front desk couldn’t make change for the 50 OMR bill I received from the airport ATM; I requested change on 2 different days so I don’t think this was an isolated problem and I don’t think this was an unrealistic request in such a remote location.

Overall I had an amazing stay in a beautiful location and I’d return in a heartbeat!