The evening light was painting the canyon walls in brilliant shades of amber and rose when I first slipped into the private infinity pool. Suspended 2,000 meters above sea level in my pool chalet at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar, I watched the sun disappear behind the dramatic peaks of Oman’s Hajar Mountains. The water seemed to spill into the vast landscape below, creating an almost surreal sensation of floating above the ancient geological wonder that is Jebel Akhdar—the Green Mountain. In that moment, with only the whisper of mountain winds for company, I understood why this newest addition to IHG’s portfolio has quickly become one of the Middle East’s most coveted retreats.

The journey from Muscat itself is awe striking. Once out of the city, you drive on massive highways cutting through the mountains towards Nizwa, until you take a right turn towards the Jebel Akhdar town. A checkpost later, the steep gradient of the mountain roads demands precision 4WD driving skills to keep climbing for many kilometres until you reach the top. The rider takes no more than 3 hours on a non-weekend day.

A Design First Approach

Perched dramatically on the rim of Oman’s most spectacular mountain range, the hotel represents a masterful marriage of contemporary luxury and Omani heritage. The property’s design philosophy celebrates the raw beauty of its surroundings through earthy interiors that echo the rugged terrain, while sleek stone and wood finishes create spaces that feel both grounded in place and timelessly elegant. Everywhere you go, the views surpass the expectations, on all sides.

The pool chalets stand as the property’s crown jewel, and rightfully so. Each chalet features its own private infinity pool that creates the illusion of merging with the mountainscape beyond. The interiors are a study in understated sophistication—natural materials and warm earth tones create an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and authentically connected to the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the canyon views like living artwork, while private terraces extend the living space into the mountain air. But even for the other rooms, views take prime focus. While I stayed in a one bedroom pool chalet, guests can also choose two bedroom suites with expansive terraces with 270 degree views of the mountains. The hotel sports a very large pool with uninterrupted views for those who never can get enough of it.

Culinary Excellence with a View

The dining experience at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar is as elevated as its location. Vue, the rooftop bar and restaurant, commands some of the most spectacular panoramic views in all of Oman and claims the position of the highest bar in the country. While savouring my gin cocktail with fresh rose petals from Damask, I watched the sky transform into a myriad hues making it very close to a spiritual experience. The bar’s contemporary design doesn’t compete with the natural drama outside; instead, it provides the perfect frame for the nightly spectacle.

The culinary team has crafted menus honouring both international sophistication and local Omani flavours. Fresh ingredients are sourced thoughtfully, and the presentation reflects the same attention to design detail found throughout the property. Whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast as morning light creeps across the canyon at Zaatar or indulging in dinner under a canopy of stars, every meal becomes part of the mountain experience.

Excellence extends to every dining touchpoint, from dining on private terraces to the Iftar meal I tasted on my first night. The restaurants together cater to multiple palates but stays true to its premise of Omani cuisine for those who want to try the local fare. The beverage program particularly shines, with carefully curated wine selections and creative cocktails that incorporate regional ingredients and inspiration, helmed by talented bartenders all the way from India.

Jala Spa: An Immersive Wellness Sanctuary

Perhaps nowhere is the hotel’s commitment to holistic luxury more evident than at Jala Spa, an adults-only wellness sanctuary that transcends traditional spa experiences. The facility represents a thoughtful integration of global wellness practices with the healing properties of the mountain environment itself.

The spa’s signature offering includes traditional hammams where steam-filled chambers provide detoxification and relaxation in the centuries-old Middle Eastern tradition. The experience feels particularly profound in this mountain setting, where the contrast between the warm, enveloping steam and the crisp mountain air creates a heightened sense of renewal.

Beyond the hammams, Jala Spa features an innovative halotherapy salt room, where guests can experience the respiratory and skin benefits of pharmaceutical-grade salt therapy. This cutting-edge wellness treatment, combined with the natural benefits of the high-altitude mountain air, creates a uniquely restorative environment.

The vitality pool serves as the centerpiece—a mineral-rich water experience designed specifically for rejuvenation. Multiple jacuzzis offer varying temperatures and therapeutic benefits, while the overall design maintains the property’s commitment to seamless indoor-outdoor living. Every treatment space, including the well appointed gym has been positioned to take advantage of the dramatic views, ensuring that the healing power of the landscape remains integral to the wellness experience. The spa menu reflects a deep understanding of how environment, altitude, and natural elements can enhance traditional wellness practices.

Adventure in Ancient Lands

While the property itself provides endless reasons to linger, the surrounding region offers compelling adventures for those seeking to explore. The area is renowned for Via Ferrata climbing experiences—thrilling horizontal rock face climbs equipped with harnesses and ziplines that showcase the dramatic geological formations from an entirely different perspective.

Cultural excursions to nearby Nizwa Fort and Bahla’s UNESCO-listed ruins provide glimpses into Oman’s rich history, while the traditional Aflaj irrigation sites demonstrate the ingenuity of ancient engineering. The Nizwa souq, famous for its exquisite silver craftsmanship, offers authentic cultural immersion just a short journey from the mountain retreat. A more intriguing discovery awaits at the village of Damask, known globally for its fragrant roses, the basis of many Omani luxury perfumes.

A Destination Transformed

Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar succeeds brilliantly in its ambitious goal of redefining luxury hospitality in one of the world’s most dramatic settings. The property manages to feel both cutting-edge contemporary and deeply rooted in place—a difficult balance that speaks to thoughtful design and cultural sensitivity.

This is hospitality that creates transformative experiences that linger long after departure. From that first evening in my infinity pool, watching sunset paint the ancient canyons, to morning coffee with eagles soaring at eye level, every moment felt like a journey, into a lifestyle that the Omani choose for a getaway from Muscat. Jabal Akhdar is quite the destination, it demands to be experienced and remembered.

Address: Street Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Saiq 621, Oman

Pricing: Rooms start at INR 180000

Hotel Website: https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/nizwa/mctja/hoteldetail