10 Years Above Ordinary: 10 Remarkable Discoveries Waiting at 2,000 Metres in Oman

A rose garden may seem unlikely this high in the Hajar Mountains, in a region known for desert sun. Yet every spring, Al Jabal Al Akhdar fills with the scent of Damask roses.

From March to May, local farmers gather the flowers in the cool early morning in a practice passed down through generations, before the mountain sun grows stronger. The petals then go through the traditional process of distillation to create Omani rose water, a practice passed through generations.

The harvest offers a glimpse into a seasonal rhythm that remains part of mountain life.

How Anantara continues the story of the rose…

Follow the scent of roses through the terraces during harvest season and meet local farmers who continue this tradition. Back at Anantara Spa, experience the restorative essence of the flower through rose-inspired treatments that immerse you in relaxation.

At the edge of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the ground drops away with little warning. The canyon reaches around 1,000 metres at its deepest point, creating one of Oman's most spectacular landscapes and earning the region its celebrated comparison with the Grand Canyon.

Appreciate the Anantara perspective

Stand at the rim and the scale becomes difficult to grasp. The mountains stretch towards the horizon, while the villages and terraces appear tiny against the rock.

Then, for a very different perspective, take on the Jabal Activity Wall before retreating to the privacy of your canyon view room or private pool villa, where the view changes throughout the day. Morning light catches the ridges, while sunset brings deeper colour to the canyon walls.

Brave the crossing of this steel bridge whose platform towers over the canyons.

High on the cliffs at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the Extreme Jabal Activity Wall takes adventure to another level. Navigate multiple levels of Via Ferrata along the dramatic rock face before completing the experience with a breathtaking (holding?) crossing. Suspended above the mountain landscape, simply look up or look down, but keep moving.

Step out from luxury to adventure

Take on the Extreme Jabal Activity Wall and make your way across the rock face before stepping onto the steel bridge. From the centre of the crossing, look out across the Hajar Mountains and see the landscape from an entirely different angle.

Oman is famous for its heat, yet Al Jabal Al Akhdar tells a different story.

At approximately 2,000 metres above sea level, summer temperatures can be up to 15°C cooler than capitals across the Middle East. The difference becomes noticeable as soon as you reach the mountain, when the warmth of the lowlands gives way to cooler air.

Then, as winter arrives, the mountain transforms once again. Crisp air, cooler days and exceptionally cold nights create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the Oman many visitors imagine.

Anantara’s seasonal encounters

In summer, escape the heat below and breathe in the cool mountain air. In winter, gather around an outdoor fire at Diana’s Point with traditional Omani coffee as the last light fades behind the peaks. When darkness arrives, look up and watch the stars emerge above the canyon.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar is home to communities that have cultivated the mountain for generations.

Al Aqr, Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah sit among terraces, orchards and falaj channels. Stone paths connect the settlements, while farms continue to produce fruit in an environment that might appear too rugged for agriculture.

Discover village life with Anantara

Take the Three Village Walk with a Mountain Insider. Follow ancient paths through the terraces, discover stories and traditions passed down through generations and experience Al Jabal Al Akhdar through the eyes of those who call it home.

In November 1986, Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, travelled to Al Jabal Al Akhdar during their visit to Oman.

The viewpoint where Diana was photographed has since become known as Diana’s Point. Perched above the canyon, it remains one of the most recognisable places on the mountain.

The view has changed little. The canyon stretches towards the horizon, and the Hajar Mountains catch the changing light throughout the day.

Bask in history and beauty

Stand at Diana’s Point at sunset and watch the mountains turn gold as the final light reaches the canyon. Pause for a sunset drink in the evening glow or savour a leisurely afternoon tea surrounded by breathtaking views. Return to the spot for an intimate gourmet encounter beneath the stars with the valley rolling out below.

The terraces of Al Jabal Al Akhdar produce far more than roses.

Pomegranates, peaches, walnuts, pears, tomatoes and grapes grow across the mountain, where generations of farmers have cultivated the land. The harvest changes with the seasons, bringing different flavours to the table throughout the year.

Bring your food from farm to table

Explore the chefs’ garden and surrounding terraces with the culinary team. Pick up the scent of seasonal herbs, taste produce grown on the mountain and learn how local ingredients influence the resort’s menus.

At a Spice Spoons cooking class, take those flavours into the kitchen and prepare traditional Omani dishes with the guidance of the chefs.

In Oman, hospitality begins with welcoming strangers as friends. Coffee is poured, dates are shared and conversation takes its time. On Al Jabal Al Akhdar, these customs remain part of everyday life.

The resort’s Omani General Manager and Mountain Insiders bring that spirit into the guest experience, sharing knowledge of the mountain through personal stories and connections to local communities.

The result is simple: a place where a cup of coffee can become the beginning of a conversation about life on the mountain.

Meeting the locals

Sit down with an Omani host over coffee and dates. Listen to stories from the mountain, ask about the villages and learn about the traditions that continue across Al Jabal Al Akhdar.

You may arrive knowing very little about the mountain. By the time you leave, you will know some of the people who call it home.

At 2,000 metres above the sea, water has always been precious. For centuries, the people of Jabal Al Akhdar have relied on the falaj system to carry spring water through the mountains. Channels guide each drop towards farms, orchards and settlements, allowing communities to cultivate land in an otherwise rugged environment.

The principle remains relevant at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The resort treats and recycles water for use across its gardens and landscaped areas, reducing its reliance on freshwater supplies.

The modern system follows an idea that the mountain has understood for centuries: use every drop wisely.

Learn how water flows on the mountain

Follow the journey of water from the ancient falaj channels of the mountain to the modern systems within the resort. Discover how generations of Omani knowledge and today's technology come together to care for one of the mountain's most precious resources. Because on Al Jabal Al Akhdar, sustainability is not a new idea. It is a tradition that has flowed for centuries..

Perhaps the most surprising thing of all is not something found on the mountain. It is what has been built upon it.

At 2,000 metres above sea level, on the edge of one of Oman’s great canyons, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort has spent a decade welcoming travellers into this high-altitude world.

With 82 canyon view rooms and 33 private pool villas, the resort places the Hajar Mountains at the heart of every stay.

Live life above the canyons

Wake above the canyon and watch the first light reach the peaks. Walk through ancient villages. Taste fruit grown on the terraces. Follow the route of spring water through the mountain. Return to your villa as the temperature drops and the canyon disappears into evening shadow.

Ten years ago, creating a world class luxury sanctuary at 2,000 metres above sea level may have sounded improbable. The roses would have disagreed. So would the orchards, the villages, the falaj channels and the farmers who continue to cultivate the terraces. And perhaps that is what makes Al Jabal Al Akhdar so compelling. At this altitude, the unexpected is part of everyday life.

This is why we’re ten years above ordinary. Celebrate ’10 Years Above Ordinary’ at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar.