A few hours drive from the glitz and glamour of Dubai, past date plantations, wadi valleys, and historical forts, perches a decidedly different high-end destination: the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. A luxury hotel set 6,500 feet high in Oman's Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain) range.
Related: Oman Three Ways: By City, Mountain, and Sea
Oman may be near Middle East shopping favorites Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi but the quietly opulent country caters much more to adventure travelers seeking luxury. A country where sweeping desert dunes meet soaring mountain ranges and tranquil beaches.
Designed to be in harmony with the environment and to preserve the natural charm of the area this 115 room resort combines a minimalist and authentic décor seamlessly. Each room faces the canyons below making it a secluded haven, the perfect escape for those who are craving some solitude, fresh air, and panoramic views in the lap of luxury.
It's so secluded that for many years, this part of Oman was inaccessible to travelers. Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana once sought out its breathtaking heights by helicopter, alighting to revel in the scenic views.
Fellow adrenaline junkies will have plenty to do here. Besides the incredible hikes to UNESCO sites, archery, and quad bike excursions, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar also has their own "via ferrata", a terrifying but safe abseiling and zip lining route that takes daredevil guests between the crevices and, after a couple of hours clinging to the rock face, they pop out by the infinity swimming pool.
The hotel describes the experience in detail: "Climbers use their hands and a series of strategically placed metal steps to trace their way along the vertical rock face, before navigating jagged rock formations, ladders, and vertical stairs. Below, a vast canyon plunges to 1,000 meters at its deepest point, providing climbers with a front row seat to as they soak in the peaceful silence. Towards the end of the hour-long climb, two zip lines suspended high above the canyon allow thrill seekers to fly through the air for the ultimate adrenaline rush."
Those looking for a little zen have plenty to do too. The resort offers a full-service spa, complete with a private hammam suite and Himalayan salt room, there's mountaintop sunrise yoga and stargazing beneath the blanket of a remote night sky. Or guests can indulge in one of six restaurants and lounges.
