Al Waha, at Shangri-La’s Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, provides soothing space for memories and fun. Anirban Ray enjoys a cool staycation amid the sultry summer

Muscat – Some spaces live in our memories for long, some spaces create memories for a lifetime… and some spaces both, live and create, memories forever.

The Al Waha Hotel, at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, is one such haven where guests leave with a bundle of memories and an open invitation to return at the next opportunity. Countless memories are created here everyday, just like the kaleidoscopic designs created by foamy waves along its shores, accompanied by the din of racing jet-skis, and tantalizing aromas of freshly baked pizzas emanating from the nearby Assira restaurant.

A stupendous locale for quality family time, Al Waha is Oman’s first hotel dedicated for families with all the trappings of an enjoyable time together wherein every member as something special to indulge in, individually as well as collectively.

Developed in traditional Dhofari architectural style and comprising 460 rooms and suites (Al Waha and Al Bandar together) offer sparkling sea or lush garden views from either a private balcony or furnished floor-level patio. Every room is somehow or the other fitted with different views of water bodies – Ocean, Lazy River or the swimming pool.

Water bodies form one of the most attractive segments of the property. While it boasts of a 2km long pristine beach where people swim, sunbath  engage in adventure sports, the big pools offer a safer space for some. A small volleyball court at the pool is a delight to watch and so is the children’s pool and splash pad. Kids love Al Waha as they can have free popsicles and ice creams by the pool all day long

Oman’s only lazy river connects Al Waha to the town of Al Bandar. Just take a floating tube and sail the crystal-clear river overseeing the seas at the sides and the palm trees at the top. With breeze swaying down the wet body and sounds of bees and butterflies from the garden, the trip is like the lakes in a Utopian land devoid of any care or responsibility.

Currently, Al Waha is the most preferred family vacation destination due to its family friendly services and facilities, from Splash pad, lazy river, family-friendly pools, connecting rooms, in-room treats for kids and teenagers, welcome by ‘Habibi the Turtle’ and a personalised check-in experience for kids.

A wide array of amenities makes for an unforgettable stay, from thrilling watersports to a lazy river and kids club, a secluded spa and diverse dining options. The resort offers an array of activities – inland and water sports – for families and kids – kayak, wake board, jetskis, snorkeling, tours with the Turtle Ranger discovering the turtle nests, and if you one is lucky, (I was) one can witness turtles swimming in the waters.

Close by, also lies the ‘Vintage Car Museum’ where vehicles dating back to decades, greets you. It is fascinating to watch the cars and encounter their evolution with time.

Food lovers, this is the place for you – from an international buffet to barbecue evenings at Samba, live pizzas by the pool every Friday, or grabbing a bite at Surf Café or Assira, there is much on offer.

In the evening, there is also Capri Court – a fine dining Italian restaurant -which offers an A la Carte menu. In quite a romantic ambience, the restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the infinite ocean and the stretches of palm trees under the stars, is ideal for a time together for couples. Alternatively, people can also dine at Sultanah which offers Mediterranean cuisine as well as other international dishes.

They say, a hotel is incomplete without its people. A special appreciation goes out to the team who have been literally on their toes making guests feel comfortable and at home. And that is enough motivation for guests to come back again.