MUSCAT: Why would anyone holiday on a no sea front resort? For starters, how about lush mango trees, chirpy birds and a serene setting? Surrounded by exotic fruit trees, enhanced by ample lawns, covered with swaying and flowering trees and fringed with exotic palms and plants, Al Nahda Resort and Spa is in every sense of the phrase, sheer paradise. A day or two at the resort is a great way to cosy upto nature and make best use of the wellness treatments on offer.

When the calm and composed driver, Dawood, drove up to the front office of the Al Nahda Resort and Spa in Barka (35 km from the Muscat International Airport), the watermelon juice was a soothing welcome. Once the formalities were done with, I realized that there was a lot to discover in the lush environs of the resort that sprawls into acres.

As the front office manager, Dennis, drove us (my family) on his buggy to our villa, he informed us that the 30-acre resort boasts of 109 villas, comprising studio rooms, single and two-bedroom villas.

By the way, the golf buggy ride is a cool concept and hats off to whoever came up with this bright ecological initiative. The resort has many golf buggies to transport guests around the resort. Not just buggies, we also noticed bicycles, which we were told, are for guests to get round the resort. We could also see the idea was an instant hit with guests, with everyone from grandparent to the grandchild hopping onto one. There are cycles of all sizes.

Impressed, when we reached the villa, the ambience was a pleasant surprise with complete titled floors and a plethora of five-star comforts. As we entered the villa, a sweet and fresh fragrance wafted through our being. A platter of freshly cut exotic fruits, some from the orchards outside, waited for us. So far, so good, I thought. The room itself was cozy and deluxe. Next, I checked out the bathroom. It was huge with all the necessary amenities. Even the soaps and lotions sitting on the counter, I realised, were made with wellness in mind.

After a while, we ventured out to explore the resort. It was a pleasant stroll along sprawling lanes, dotted with trees, coconut groves, and small houses that I was told were the uber-cool spas. We also spotted birds, which was personally a pleasant surprise for me. I saw a dazzling blue kingfisher, a woodpecker and other feathered friends I’d never seen before. I found out quite a few species of birds and butterflies have made the resort their home.

We passed through the opening of a steam tunnel, which sneaks through an artificial hill next to the large outdoor swimming pool. Aerobics and dance studio, meditation and yoga hall, gym , sand volleyball and a tennis court seemed well maintained too.

We walked to the front office area to pick up our cycles. On the two-wheeler, we once again marveled at the beauty of the absolutely verdant setting, which more than makes up for the lack of sea view and brings on a magnificent sense of tranquility and well-being.

All the cycling and walking is bound to get anyone hungry. We were no exception. After a hot shower, we walked into the ‘Khalab’ restaurant, which serves international cuisines all day long. The restaurant is tactically positioned in the heart of the resort. It is also a good looking two-storey building, with the full-height glass walls, with many indoor and outdoor tables. I must confess the food at the ‘Khalab’ was very good all through our stay at the resort. Their dinner, lunch and breakfast buffets have plenty of dishes to suit Arabic, Asian and European palettes. Other restaurants at the resort include ‘Samar’, ‘Lazeez’ and ‘Nozha’.

After another stroll, we retire for the night. Waking upto the chirping of a variety of birds was an awesome experience and got me nostalgic, reminding of home in Madikeri in the southern state of Karnataka, India.

A quick breakfast and then we were off to the pool. After a relaxing swim and a soothing orange drink served from the pool bar, I remembered it was time for me to head to the spa, where I was allotted a slot.

The spa is led by therapists who have worked tirelessly over the last two years to build up Al Nahda’s reputation as a destination spa. I allowed myself to be booked for Al Nahda Signature Massage. It was definitely the most relaxing 55 minutes that I’d spent in a very long time. I could imagine why the spa treatment with many individual treatment huts remains the main draw of the resort. From Ayurveda to indulging facials and energetic Thai massages to calming aromatherapy sessions, as well as therapy by trained physiotherapist, the spa’s aim is wellness.

I stepped out into the pleasant afternoon with my body and bones feeling duly placated. After a lunch, I had one of the most relaxing siestas of my life. The rest of the evening, I spent cycling, walking and being one with nature.

If you’d like something exotic, right in the heart of Oman, this is the resort you should head for.


FACT FILE

Guest room amenities
Fully air-conditioned
Satellite TV
In-room safe
Hospitality tray
International direct dial telephone
Mini fridge
King size beds
Terrace or balcony
Hair dryer / iron & board

Guest services & facilities
22 spa treatment rooms
24-station gym
Aerobics / dance studio
Floodlit tennis courts
Sand volleyball court
Children’s play area
Swimming pool
Spa baths
Steam tunnel
Meditation centre
Relaxing gardens
24-hour room service
Laughing area
Amphitheatre
Business centre with complimentary internet facilities
Salon

Spa treatments
Ayurveda
Yoga
Aromatherapy
Detoxification
Physiotherapy
Colonic treatments
Aura management
Beauty & skin care
Wraps & scrubs
VEGA analysis
Bio stimulation
Skin peels
Massages
Magnetic therapy

Source : www.timesofoman.com

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Life-long fans, as well as the uninitiated, had their passions for opera ignited by the beautiful performance by European Chamber Opera (ECHO) at the Grand Opera Concert held at Al Nahda Resort & Spa on Thursday, October 25, 2007. It was the first ever opera concert to be held in Barka. ECHO is one of the best-known opera production companies in Europe and prides itself on its diversity of repertoire, its quality of performance and its commitment to inspiration and innovation.

Attended by nearly 300 people who came dressed for the occasion in stunning outfits, it turned out to be a glamorous evening. Guests were given a red-carpet welcome followed by a cocktail reception in the sprawling lawns where everybody was treated to mouth-watering canapés and delicious fruit juices.

A lot of people experienced for the first time what it was like to see and hear a great opera. ECHO left the audience mesmerized with their enchanting and enduring performance that included all time greats like La Traviata, Rigolleto, My Fair Lady and Don Pasquale. The attendees also enjoyed re-hearing... Seguidilla (Carmen) Toreador’s Song (Carmen). The famous duet from (The Pearlfisher’s) Mozart’s pyrotechnical Queen of Night Aria (Magic Flute).

The gala dinner hosted by Julian Ayers, the General Manager of Al Nahda Resort & Spa, turned out to be a sumptuous affair. What made it even more enticing was the grand raffle by Guerlain Paris who gave away a one-litre Eau de Cologne Imperiale bottles created in 1853 and 3 bottles of the popular perfume L’Instant de Guerlain. These had been specially flown in from Paris for the evening. Everybody seemed to have a great time with the wonderful music, excellent set-up and, above all, delicious food. It no doubt turned out to be an evening that Muscat residents are bound to remember for a long time to come.
The event was sponsored by Bank Muscat, ID Design, OUA, Toyota, Oman Air, RMS Management Services, Guerlain Paris, Oman Radio and Al Mara magazine.

For more information contact:
Hina Bakht
General Manager
MPJ (Marketing Pro-Junction)
P.O. 66232, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 009714-2128305; Fax: 009714-2277127; Mob: 0097150-6975146
Email: h.bakht@mpj-pr.com

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Hotel Industry consultant Guy Wilkinson finds himself lost among the lush mango trees of the tranquil Al Nahda Resort & Spa in Oman, contemplating the true value of independence

It takes a brave investor to create a five-star hotel single-handedly. The vast majority of five-star hotels in the the Gulf are operated by hotel chains, but there is a valiant elite in the GCC who have chosen to go it alone. Such properties as the Dubai Marina Resort, the Gulf Hotel in Manama, and the Carlton Al Moaibed and Al Gosaiby hotel in Al Khobar, for example, have proven that owner-operators can hold their own in a market dominated by inter-national and regional brands.

A future name to watch is the five-star Al Nahda Resort and Spa in Barka, located some 35km from Muscat’s Seeb International Airport, off the main coast road to Sohar and Dubai. It is the epitome of a hotel born from passion of its owner. Al Nahda, mean ‘evolution’ in Arabic, is the brainchild of Ajit Hamlai, a naturalized Omani of Indian origins , who owns the Al Bahja Group of companies, with activities as diverse as agriculture, fast moving consumer good (FMCG), solar power, pharmaceuticals and shopping malls. Hamlai also owns a farm in Barka, inland from the main road, which he originally used to grow melons for the Omani army. Then he planted some mango trees and in due course, decided to build nine villas and a swimming pool in order to entertain private guests in the midst of this delightful rural setting. But he didn’t stop there, and in 2005, he started work on developing what is now the Al Nahda Resort and Spa.

It is worth mentioning that the weather in Barka is significantly milder than that of Dubai, for example. The farm also benefits from two bore wells, which have allowed it to become a true oasis of exotic fruits, flowering trees and ample lawns. There are no less than 1500 mango trees. The 30-acre resort, which soft opened in December last year and launches officially this coming Eid, now boasts 109 villas, comprising 101 studios ranging from 63mts to 76mts in floor area, and eight two-bedroom villas of 107m2. The main feature of the resort is its large spa – another of Hamlai’s enthusiasms – with 22 individual treatment huts offering a huge variety of treatments from Ayurveda to pampering facials and vigorous Thai massages to gentle aromatherapy sessions, as well as rehabilitation by qualified physiotherapist. A novel steam tunnel snakes through an artificial hill next to the large outdoor swimming pool and kiddies’ water slide, equally complemented by the garden setting.

A large gym features the Fitlinxx fitness assessment system, which has appealed especially to those guest without prior experience of health clubs.

The restaurant block, strategically located in the middle of the resort, is a wonderful two-storey building, with the full-height glass curtain walls of the main Khalab restaurant surrounded by tall hedges and laden date palms, giving it a fantastic impression of dining al fresco (which guests can also do in the many outdoor tables). A Far Eastern fusion outlet, Lazeez, opens soon next to the bar upstairs. A wide lawn nearby is home to fully-equipped events stage and an Arabic restaurant and, can stage events for up to 800. A traveling opera company will perform in October, in what promises to be a magical night.

The hotel has 17 golf buggies to ferry guests around the resort, as well as some 250 bicycles for more sprightly visitors, which have proven a surprising hit with guests to date. Other outstanding feature of the resort includes a related hot springs facility at near by Rustaq, now under development with Ministry of Tourism.

The hotel’s GM, Julian Ayers, who brings significant experience to the project from the UK and the Caribbean, was instrumental in supervising the fit-out of the hotel, along with his department heads, who were further challenged when the Omani Ministry of Tourism revised its building standards for five star hotel mid-project.

The resort is fully booked from Eid onwards and has enjoyed particular interest from health-conscious Western expats in the Gulf, visiting typically for a minimum of three nights and four days. Al Nahda is also being promoted in the UAE by Coral International.
“Most guests come for the spa, that’s out main draw” says Ayers.

“People come to detox, for weight loss, and end up learning skills that allow them to maintain a healthy lifestyle or to kick-start their fitness regime. Staying here is a holiday you can take home with you”

For this corresponded, however the experience goes further than that. The RO 10 million (US$26 million) hotel s virtually unique in the Gulf, thanks to its supremely lush setting, which more than compensates for the lack of beach and induces a wonderful sense of peace and well being upon check-in.

The truly relaxed nature of the place is also reflected by the gracious, smiling attitude of the staff, of which 67% are Omanis. It’s an example of what can be done when an owner really puts his hear into a project. Ask for Hamlai on most weekends, and you’ll find him somewhere on the property, making sure everything is ‘just so’


Guy Wilkinson for
Middle East Hotelier Magazine
Sep 2007
Wilkinson is a hotel industry consultant based in Dubai. For more information email
guy@wilkinsonline.com

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Summer holiday still not sorted? Don’t despair – Al Nahda Resort & Spa has some smashing offers lined up this season.

GCC residents and nationals can enjoy a fabulous Spa Escape from OMR 130 per couple. This includes dinner, bed, breakfast and one spa treatment per adult guest per night.

If spa is not high on your wish list, than you can opt for a chill out Summer Break from OMR 94 per couple. This incredible offer includes dinner, bed & breakfast for two guests.

All rates are inclusive of local taxes. Children under 12 can share the parents’ room free of charge.

Al Nahda Resort & Spa enjoys a magical location barely 30 minutes from Seeb International Airport. Set in 30 acres of lush botanical gardens, it’s a cute collection of 109 rooms and villas each well-equipped with the latest amenities. Offering elegant but understated comfort, the rooms are designed for relaxation and are very spacious.

The resort gives you close access to a range of activities in stunning locations including eco tours, camel and horse riding, perfumery tours, hot spring baths and desert safaris. It’s also perfectly located to explore the historic sites of Nakhal, Rustaqa and Muscat.

Those who prefer to be laidback, Al Nahda Resort & Spa is a holiday destination by itself. The spa is all lovely and indulgent and features 22 treatments rooms with an enticing selection of traditional and modern therapies.

The sprawling gardens alone merit a visit! The ripe mangoes and dates offer a tantalizing taste of summer. Part of this beautiful scenario, are 4 wonderful restaurants with menus to die for! The dishes are cooked with the freshest locally produced ingredients under the strict supervision of Food & Beverage Director and Executive Chef Ralf Schink.

Sports and fitness addicts too have plenty of options, including a state-of-the-art gym with Fitlinxx Personal Trainer Software, floodlit tennis courts, sand volley ball court, aerobics/dance studio, laughing area and amphitheatre.

With so much on offer, Al Nahda Resort & Spa is definitely hard to resist. However, you will have to move fast if you want to snap up this special summer promotion at the resort as it is valid only until August 31, 2007.

For more information contact:

Hina Bakht
General Manager
MPJ (Marketing Pro-Junction)

P.O. 66232, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 009714-2128305; Fax: 009714-2277127; Mob: 0097150-6975146
Email: h.bakht@mpj-pr.com

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Set in 30 acres of botanical gardens, Al Nahda Resort & Spa is an enticing retreat. Barely an hour away from Muscat, the fascinating deluxe 5-star resort is as restful as it is scenic.

Featuring 109 sumptuous rooms and villas, it promises its guests a relaxing and refreshing stay away from the maddening world.

Part of this romantic hideaway is a wonderfully indulgent spa that offers a delicious combination of soothing and stimulating treats and therapies.

Says Julian Ayers, General Manager, Al Nahda Resort & Spa, ‘The spa programme at Al Nahda is truly unique and blends the world’s finest spa treatments and traditions. These have been carefully conceived and selected to not only soothe the body, but seduce the soul.’

From Aromatherapy to Ayurveda, Al Nahda Resort & Spa packs in plenty to tempt both the ‘spa-aficionados’ and the uninitiated. Aside from a long list of ‘pamperers’, included in the menu are an alluring array of wellness and rehabilitation therapies ranging from Bio Stimulation to Colonic treatments, VEGA Analysis, physiotherapy, Detoxification, Magnetic Therapy and Holistic Healing.

Says Julian, ‘Rehab is definitely emerging big in the international spa trends and at Al Nahda Resort & Spa we have many special therapies that help to regenerate weary souls and bodies. For instance our intensive detox treatment is perfect to purge the body of toxins and emotional baggage. Similarly, the hot stone therapy removes blocked energy from affected areas and energizes others. In addition, we have an exciting variety of scrubs, facials and massages that help unknot those stiff muscles and aching joints, brighten those dull skins and awaken those jaded senses. All in all, our spa programme is designed to nurture mind, body and spirit’.

Like the rest of the resort, the spa is spread out in a huge area that features 22 treatment rooms – thoughtfully done in calming colours. There are separate areas for both men and women each equipped with the finest amenities. Experienced wellness consultants are on hand to guide around guests. The products too have been carefully selected and sourced from trusted brands around the world.

An added attraction is the lip-smackingly delicious yet balanced spa cuisine that has been created keeping in mind the special needs of the clientele.

Al Nahda Resort & Spa is an enchanting destination by itself – an ultra luxurious resort that is both idyllic and alluring. A place where you can pamper yourself in privacy leaving behind your day-to-day worries.

The service too is designed for solitude seekers: you can either stay cocooned indoors without anybody disturbing you or step out and enjoy the great outdoors. The lush gardens, the relaxing spa baths, the soothing swimming pools, the invigorating steam tunnel and the calming meditation centre all seem so inviting.

Sports and fitness addicts too have plenty of options, including a state-of-the-art gym, floodlit tennis courts, sand volley ball court, aerobics/dance studio, laughing area and amphitheatre. Diners as well are spoilt for choice with four world-class restaurants, a pool bar and a chill-out lounge bar.

For more information contact:

Hina Bakht
General Manager
MPJ (Marketing Pro-Junction)

P.O. 66232, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 009714-2128305; Fax: 009714-2277127; Mob: 0097150-6975146
Email: h.bakht@mpj-pr.com

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