On a plateau amidst Oman’s Al Hajar Mountains lies the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort, a natural stone and wood structure which reflects the mountain landscape as much as it opens its visitors to adventure, to a uniquely compelling space.

A desert plain stretching between mountain ranges to the North and South, Oman dips gently into the Persian Gulf at the foot of the Arabic Peninsula. At cliff’s edge, on a plateau amidst the Al Hajar Mountains at Oman’s northern end, lies the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort. Rocks crumble off the edge, mirroring textures and tones of the stones which compose the peppered exterior of the hotel. Similarly, UK-based architecture firm Atkins' LEED-designed structure utilized both local building materials and traditional techniques. Within, the resort is also built and fashioned with stone, wind-toughened wood, and the natural fibers of Oman’s mountain landscape.

“Our goal is to send guests home with spiritual and emotional memories, and not just souvenirs.”

— Mark Edleson

The suite’s subtleties belly the true grandeur of the locale; step out onto the balcony and view twilight blue ridges stretching off to meet the sky. Below, an infinity pool stretches along the curve of the plateau, reflecting water-colored mountains like a shimmering mirage. Apart from the 78 custom suites, the infinity and indoor pools, there is the Juniper Restaurant and Rose Lounge, for evening drinks. Try the Spa Alila featuring “age-old regional traditions,” or one of two private villas (with their own pools) for a more personal experience.

The hotel is part of Mark Edleson’s suite of resorts focused on Southeast Asia, built to create defining experiences, where so many hotels cater merely to an appetite for luxury. As Edleson explains, “Our goal is to send guests home with spiritual and emotional memories, and not just souvenirs.” Wander through Alila Jabal Akhdar and you see local artifacts and artwork, aged copper basins and ornately-crafted tea carafes. Step outside and you are immediately there amidst the Al Hajar Mountains, where wild olive and fig trees sprout amidst the Juniper shrubs and scattered, ageless rock. Here, truly, the hotel is a meditation on place, a celebration of the landscape and art which make Oman such a compelling destination.