Oman

Review: Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa – Oman’s Ultimate Mountain Escape

words: Sophie Alexander-Osman
photography: Sophie Alexander-Osman
published: August 27, 2025

Perched 2,000 metres above sea level on Oman’s Green Mountain, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa is the ultimate summer escape from the desert heat. Often called the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, this rugged plateau offers a completely different world just a few hours from Dubai. We left 42-degree heat behind and arrived to crisp 28-degree temperatures in August, with refreshing rain showers and cool breezes we hadn’t felt in months. Being able to sit outdoors comfortably, surrounded by dramatic canyons and terraced villages, felt incredible. The hotel sits right on the edge of the mountain, offering uninterrupted views across deep gorges and rocky peaks that stretch for miles.

Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar opened in September 2024 as IHG’s first Hotel Indigo resort in the Middle East and the brand’s debut in Oman. The design reflects the heritage of the Al Hajar mountains and Oman’s agricultural roots, with interiors inspired by roses, pomegranates, and local craftsmanship. Each floor of the hotel is themed around local flora, including damask roses, pomegranates, saffron, honeycomb, and indigo, and these motifs are incorporated into artwork, textiles, and décor throughout the building. The interiors use earthy tones and natural materials to mirror the surrounding landscape, while bespoke pieces from Omani artists and carefully curated installations — over 3,000 in total — immerse guests in the region’s culture and natural beauty, ensuring every space feels connected to the heritage of Jabal Akhdar.

*Partly hosted as a press stay with Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar.

The Journey from Dubai to Jabal Akhdar

The journey from Dubai to Jabal Akhdar covers around 470 kilometres and took us roughly seven hours, including a one-hour border crossing between the UAE and Oman. Double check you have the correct car insurance to enter Oman – we bought ours at the border – and don’t forget your passport.

The route is generally quiet and easy until reaching Nizwa, where the climb up the mountain begins. The road leading to Jabal Akhdar is very steep and full of tight bends, and only 4x4 vehicles are allowed past the police checkpoint at the base. If you don’t have a 4x4, you can rent one or arrange a transfer through your hotel. Drivers comfortable with long uphill drives and hairpin bends can make the journey themselves, but for anyone less confident, hotel transport is the safer option. Heavy rain and sudden fog are common, which can reduce visibility and occasionally cause flooding, so these conditions should be factored in when planning the drive. Also watch out for the oncoming traffic, we witnessed some cars overtake on some bends that became dangerous at times.

Alternatively, you can fly to Muscat and take a two-hour drive up to the mountains for a less strenuous journey.

Room Options

The resort offers 173 rooms, suites, and private chalets across several categories, including Standard Mountain View Rooms, Canyon View Rooms, One-Bedroom Pool Chalets with private plunge pools, Two-Bedroom Chalets, and Terrace Suites with a fireplace. If you’re confused on which room to book, I recommend upgrading to a Canyon View Room or Chalet for the panoramic outlook. Standard Mountain View rooms overlook the car park and the back of the property, which in my opinion takes away from the experience.

Our canyon-facing room had floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony big enough for lounging, and a sleek modern design. The interiors combine earthy tones and natural textures that reflect the surrounding landscape. Bathrooms are spacious with rainfall showers and luxury bath products by The Different Company. Every room comes with a Nespresso machine, TV, minibar, premium bedding, robes, slippers, and artwork celebrating the culture and nature of Jabal Akhdar.

Dining Options

The resort has three main dining venues. Zaatar is the all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites alongside Omani dishes. Breakfast is an extensive buffet with eggs cooked to order, fresh pastries, Omani bread and a separate pantry filled with goodies. The à la carte menu spans Indian, Thai, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, with standout dishes including Paneer Masala and Angus Beef Burger.

Wadi Habib Café is a relaxed space inspired by Omani souqs, offering specialty coffee, fresh pastries, ice cream, and light bites, making it perfect for afternoon tea or a quick snack.

The highlight is the Vue rooftop bar, the highest in the Middle East. It’s a must-visit for sunset cocktails, offering a modern menu with sharing plates such as halloumi skewers, wood-fired flatbreads, and premium grills. The setting is spectacular, with panoramic canyon views, swing chairs, private igloos, and even a converted Land Rover food truck serving churros and ice cream.

Wellness and Leisure

The resort’s Jala Spa & Wellness is the largest hotel spa in Oman, spanning over 3,000 m². It features thermal experiences including saunas, steam rooms, Himalayan salt rooms, cold plunge pools, and a Royal Hammam. Guests can enjoy an indoor vitality pool, hydrotherapy pool, and Aquamoon multi-sensory showers. The spa also includes a yoga pavilion and sound therapy sessions, with treatments using organic brands such as Ila and Mauli Rituals.

For leisure, the hotel offers a heated infinity pool overlooking the canyon, a fully equipped gym with mountain views, a kids’ pool, and plenty of sunbeds for relaxing. Private spa sessions are available for couples, and the entire wellness and leisure area is designed to take full advantage of the cool mountain air and stunning scenery.

The pool area is undoubtedly one of the best I’ve seen. My eyes stayed on the mountains the entire time.

Nearby Highlights

Jabal Akhdar is a destination in itself, with terraced farms, pomegranate orchards, and ancient villages to explore. The Saiq Plateau is dotted with hiking trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints and hidden wadis. Visit the famous Diana’s Point, named after Princess Diana’s 1986 visit, for panoramic views. You can also take guided tours of local rose gardens, especially in spring, or visit abandoned mud-brick villages like Wadi Bani Habib. For adventure seekers, there’s mountain biking, via ferrata climbing, and zip-lining at nearby resorts.

Final Thoughts

I loved everything about this stay. The views are incredible, the air is fresh and cool, and the whole experience feels far removed from city life. The hotel is spotless and beautifully designed, with plenty of facilities for families and couples. It’s the perfect weekend escape if you’re based in the UAE. The only downside is that balcony privacy is limited unless you book a private chalet. From our room, we could see into more than 20 other balconies, so if seclusion matters, I recommend you to upgrade. Still, with those canyon views, a calm atmosphere, and the quiet mountain setting, it’s a place I’d return to in a heartbeat.