CHECK IN: THE VIEW, OMAN
Oman has a lot of cosy, welcoming guesthouses at one end of the spectrum, and uber sleek, 5* luxury resorts at the other. But there are far fewer mid range options. The View, a lovely hotel perched on the edge of Jebel Shams, is therefore a welcome addition. It is a fraction of the cost of the more well known luxury mountain top hotels on Jebel Akhdar, but has equally super views and a fabulous infinity pool to admire them from.
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Need To Know
The Headline It’s all in the name. Tranquil Arabian nights amongst the clouds.
Best For Slow travel loving couples – take a break from a packed road trip itinerary and relax with little to distract you from the eponymous views.
Amenities A spectacular – but chilly – infinity pool perched on the edge of Jebel Shams. The hotel can organise a number of activities, including hiking, mountain biking and tours around the local area. On site restaurant offering meals throughout the day.
Getting There Al Hamra is an 8km drive away over an unpaved road. Although bumpy, accessible by 2WD. Nizwa is an easy hours’ drive away.
Getting Around Explore nearby mountain trails on foot. For anywhere further afield you need your own wheels.
Price approx £120 per night
THE LOCATION
With a name like The View, it will come as no surprise that the location is fairly dramatic. The hotel is perched on a ridge above the town of Al Hamra, on the side of the Jebel Shams mountain range.
The Views sits at about 1,400 metres above sea level, meaning that even in the hotter months the temperatures are slightly cooler. The route is around 8km from Al Hamra, on an unpaved road that winds its way ever higher up Jebel Shams. Although bumpy, it is accessible by 2WD making it a great option if you are not keen on off roading.
The location is really fantastic for exploring Jabreen and Bahla Forts, the old town of Al Hamra, Misfat al Abriyeen and the ruins of Tanuf. It is also an easy drive from Nizwa.
THE ACCOMODATION
The View has a total of 30 rooms, with two categories to pick from – Superior and Premier. Both rooms are the same size – 39 sqm – but premier rooms are set on at the front of the hotel, with uninterrupted views out over the Al Hamra valley. The superior rooms are set in a row behind, but slightly higher so still have good views. But it is hard to beat the feeling of sitting on a balcony with nothing but panoramic landscape in front of you, watching an Egyptian Eagle soar overhead, so I would definitely recommend going for a premier room. Try to get either Room 27, 28, 29 or 30 for the best located of the bunch.
Rooms are all standalone cabins. They are basic but comfortable, with a king sized bed, wardrobe, desk and TV. There are also big, private verandas on each cabin, with a table and chairs – perfect for watching the spectacular sunset over the mountains. The full length doors onto the verandas have fly screens, meaning you can sleep with doors open. It is like a taste of camping for those who hate camping!
If the rooms are on the simple side, the bathrooms more than make up for it. All rooms have bath, separate rain shower and WC. It was one of the best views I have ever had from a bath! A soak as the temperatures cool at sunset is lovely, but it was really special lying in the bath once the sun had gone down as the lights of Al Hamra twinkled in the dark far below me.
THE EXTRAS
The highlight of the communal spaces is without doubt the infinity pool. I have taken it upon myself to test out infinity pools around the world, and The View is one of the most effective I have seen. It really does feel as though you are perched right on the side of the mountain.
The grounds of the hotel have been landscaped really sympathetically, and in an understated way. There are beds of herbs to be used by the kitchen, which give off the loveliest scent in the evening. At night, fires are lit around the hotel adding to the glamping vibes.
There is a small restaurant overlooking the valley, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a mixture of Middle Eastern and international dishes. Food is good, and portions very generous, but nothing outstanding. The coffee however was surprisingly excellent! The View does not have an alcohol license, but guests are permitted to bring their own to consume in their own room.
Wi-Fi is only available in the reception area, which has both an indoor and outdoor seating area.
The hotel can organise a number of activities, including hiking, mountain biking and tours around the local area. There are a number of national walking trails not far from the hotel.
THE LESS LOVEABLE
The pool is unheated. This may not seem an issue in the heat of the Gulf, but given the altitude the water is pretty chilly in the winter months – exactly the time of year you will want to visit Oman! I love cold water swimming, but for a luxurious infinity pool you really do want it to be a bit warmer so you can simply lounge at the edge admiring the view.
Service is very friendly, but a bit haphazard. Although The View is less expensive than many of Oman’s other luxury hotels, it is still not a cheap option. I would therefore expect service to be a bit slicker.
Don’t forget to check out my guides to Oman if you are planning a visit – especially the guide to the Hajar Mountain range that The View sits atop. And if a trip to the Middle East isn’t on the cards for you for now, have a look at my other favourite places to sleep for inspiration for travels elsewhere.
