Oman tourism: Plenty on offer as Sultanate gears up for Christmas

Muscat: With the 25th of December fast approaching, hotels and restaurants have gone the extra mile this year in their efforts to woo customers over the Christmas weekend. While themed buffets with a multitude of dining options seem to be a norm at high-end hotels, many have introduced various family-centric activities this time around to ensure there is something for everybody. From spa sessions and an elegant high tea at the Ritz Carlton’s Al Bustan Palace Hotel, to Oman’s largest gingerbread house featuring over 1,000 different pieces of candies, cakes and gingerbread and the nation’s largest tree, standing at over 45 feet, at Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah, hotels in the Sultanate are bracing themselves to welcome a large number of customers in the middle of the country’s already busy tourist season. “This year, we are proud to offer residents and tourists an ideal home away from home to celebrate the holidays,” said Christoph Schleissing, the General Manager for the Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Mussanah. “We have a whole host of surprises lined up for all our guests, including opportunities to meet Santa Claus, festive food spread, and a vintage celebration to welcome 2017. “With so much prepared, we are looking forward to delivering an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience.” With Oman known for its natural beauty, the Anantara Resort in the Jabal Akhdar is offering people the opportunity to spend Christmas high up in the mountains, amidst the tranquillity of nature and scenic surroundings. The resort’s 33 villas offer private temperature controlled infinity pools, while all rooms offer views of the dramatic canyon. Adventures nearby include mountain climbing, archery, mountain biking and abseiling, whilst those seeking a relaxing break can pamper themselves with locally-inspired treatments and authentic hammam baths at the Anantara Spa, or simply recline by a fire with a hot chocolate and soak in the stunning vistas. “Throughout the winter months, the temperature on the mountain can drop to as low as 15 degrees during the day and below freezing point at night,” said Firas Rashid, Area Director of Sales & Marketing. “With bright blue skies and a dusting of snow, it really is a unique winter experience and ideal for those looking to explore the area with an array of activities we have on offer, including mountain climbing, trekking and much more. “We make sure our guests stay warm and toasty with full heating and lots of blankets, whilst open fires create a cosy atmosphere.” Closer to the capital, one of Oman’s best-loved hotels has also opened its doors to visitors this Christmas. Located in the heart of Muscat, the Al Falaj Hotel has pulled out all the stops to provide its patrons a Christmas Eve buffet few will forget. “We are looking forward to the festivities at this time of year,” said Praveen George, General Manager, Sales. “Everything is going to be special for Christmas. We have quite a good following for our events, so we anticipate this to be a success as well. “We have already begun getting reservations for our Christmas Eve gala and we also have many customers who are patronising the hotel,” he added. “We many people are coming in and it is a good price to pay as well, so we should be looking forward to about 400 people on that day.”