TRAVEL Escapes

magnificence. In addition to traditional Moroccan tagines, meat and seafood dishes the restaurant also presents diners with the finest Lebanese grills and Omani specialities. Most would consider taste to be the sense most used when sitting down to dinner however, scientists increasingly believe that sight is vastly more important and the setting in which food is enjoyed can itself actually enhance the flavour. Clearly those behind this restaurant concept had heard about this. Shahrazad’s intricate styling and menu choices will delight and satiate diners whilst exhibiting the flawless standards which permeate every area at the Shangri La.

So many second days staying in beautiful hotels begin with first day breakfasts - but not here. Each day saw us embarking on a new route to ‘flavourtown’ with incredible dishes along the way. I could find no fault with preparation, quality, variety or service. Stunning. A fitting precursor for our Spa experience. Hareer (meaning silk in Arabic) is the first L’Occitane Spa in Oman and was designed to deliver a Mediterranean experience. The natural tones and shades of lavender are evocative of the colours of Provence where oil infusions were first sold in local markets in the late 1970s and the iconic brand L’Occitane was founded. The oils and treatments combine phyto-therapy and aromatherapy in a luxurious and authentic way. At the time we were the first couple to enjoy the Omani Honey Heaven Treatment together. L’Occitane worked with Hareer Spa to create a bespoke product which is built around the properties of Omani honey. The softening scrub smoothed and soothed the skin and prepared us for the deep relaxing massage with oils further infused with Omani honey. The treatment was a journey of wellbeing leading to a sense of contentment and pure relaxation.

The resort is also able to offer guests full use of neighbouring Shangri-La resorts where you may choose to dine or partake of water sports, additional spa facilities and a vast beach. The plat de resistance at the neighbouring Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa resort is the opportunity to experience their Turtle Care Project. Hawksbill and Green Turtles have made the beach close to Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa resort their nesting ground. Resident full time Turtle

Warden Mohammed Al Hasani ensures the safety of the nesting turtles and runs a full time education programme which guests can access.The first turtle release this year was on Sunday 15th April and we were fortunate enough to witness one of the most awe inspiring sights imaginable - the emergence of said baby turtles.

When considering how best to precis the highlights of my visit I hit a brick wall. At no point during my stay did one drink or meal or host surpass the rest. Everything was an unequivocal standard of excellence. Perhaps the best way is to mention the feeling of abject disappointment we felt as we grudgingly packed our cases and resigned ourselves to the fact that we must leave. As we bid farewell to the soaring escarpments and rugged coastline we thought of James Hilton’s mythical ‘Shangri La’ and agreed that he would be tipping his hat in approval. The Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat is one of those secrets you simply have to share as it is too good not to be enjoyed by all.

For more information please call: (968) 2477 6388 @shangrilaalhusn www.shangri-la.com/muscat/alhusnresortandspa