Al Husn, Oman

At the end of November 2016 the hubby and I headed off to Oman for a week in the sunshine. We flew British Airways from London Heathrow (out business class and back premium economy for under £1,000 each). On arrival in Oman you must race to the currency exchange counter to pay for your visa (5 OMR per person for less than a ten day stay) and queue up for the passport stamping. We then took a taxi (fixed price) for 20 OMR to our first stop The Shangri La Al Husn.

We had a deluxe sea view room and was honestly one of the most incredible four nights of our lives. The room was stunning, we had a giant double bed, English movie channels, a free mini bar (think coke, diet coke, mixers, Fanta, juices, water, chocolates, peanuts, pringles etc etc) and a gorgeous balcony overlooking the pool and the ocean. The bathroom was large with a dressing area, separate bath and rainforest shower and every amenity under the sun. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, hair bands, L'Occitane shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel and moisturiser. There were fluffy robes and comfy slippers as well as a beach bag and flip flops to borrow.

View from the room at night

The journey to our room took us past the games room where we played snooker but there was darts, chess, a cigar lounge and every board game you could imagine. The resort also had mini golf, a lazy river connecting the other two hotels, tennis courts, a spa, gyms, camel rides along the beach, the list of entertainment goes on.

The swimming pool was divine. No children under 16 are allowed so was peaceful and tranquil. It was a huge infinity pool overlooking the ocean with sun loungers spaced miles apart. There were poolside toilets (the best I have ever seen) and a restaurant, which served up the juiciest lunchtime burgers with French fries, salad and warm mushrooms (big enough for two to share). The beach was simply stunning again with toilets and a restaurant. Both the pool and beach are exclusive to Al Husn guests only. Everyday there was fresh fruit, sunglasses cleaning, sorbets, cold towels and a cooler box with juice, water, ice and Evian face spray.

Everyday from 3:45pm - 4:45pm the hotel serves Afternoon Tea. This is served on the terrace overlooking the ocean with a mountain back drop. Any type of tea or coffee is served along with three savouries, which change daily. Think chicken and avocado on sourdough, or smoked salmon on rye etc as well as three cakes such as chocolate éclairs, mini mousse or Victoria sponge and fruit / plain scones with cream and jam.

Each evening from 6-7pm there is cocktail hour served in the hotels open to the stars courtyard. There are canapés, a live harpist and as much as you can drink wine, sparkling or spirits.

Breakfast really is the best meal of the day at Al Husn. It is served indoors or outdoors and is a la carte style. The menu has everything from American pancakes, waffles and French Toast to omelettes, porridge and cooked items right through to beef tenderloin! Each morning a home made smoothie is served in a champagne flute. All of this can be topped up with the buffet serving Arabic delights, hot options, cold meats, cheeses, a juice bar and a pastry counter (including gluten free options). We spent at least an hour a day savouring breakfast!

If you fancy a seriously splash out holiday then look no further than the Al Husn. It has all the luxury of a 6* Middle Eastern hotel, it's drenched in sunshine and it also has the benefit of the resort facilities offered by the other two large Shangri La hotels on the property.