The deep turquoise blue water of the Sea of Oman is hypnotic, contrasting vividly with the majestic mountains that rise behind the resort. This is the fascination of Oman.

The experience is elevated at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Sultanate of Oman. Three hotels await your arrival. And each gets better as you explore. Approaching Al Waha, your excitement heightens as a man-made tunnel through the mountain leads you to a sanctuary facing the Sea of Oman. Al Waha lives up to its name with several swimming pools merging to form a serene oasis. Date palms and traditional Dhofari architecture remind you that you are in Arabia.

Lunchtime closes in as you head for the resort's focal point, Al Bandar Hotel. Like its name suggests, this hotel is akin to a town with a mélange of fine restaurants. After you savour the exquisite Arabian flavours of tender roasted meats at Al Tanoor restaurant, you decide to take home a piece of Oman with the intricately-designed crafts, jewellery and artwork from the gift shop and art gallery.

You saved the best hotel for last. The palatial Al Husn is indeed as its name implies: a suitably exclusive castle. Rooms and suites are amongst the largest in all of Oman, and it’s almost as if you have walked into a real Arabian palace.

It's hard to pull yourself away from it all, but Muscat, Oman’s capital just 15 minutes away, beckons. You leave, knowing that wherever you go, you can return to the indulgent luxury of Shangri-La, at Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Sultanate of Oman.