The Story of Oman’s Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar, as Told by the Mountain

In the heart of Oman’s majestic Hajar Mountains, at the highest point of Jabal Akhdar and 2,000 metres above sea level, the recently opened Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa weaves the rugged beauty of its surroundings into the first boutique hotel of its kind in the Middle East. 

Approaching the Saiq Plateau where the hotel is nestled, a sense of discovery begins to unfold. The winding roads, cutting through rocky cliffs and mist-covered valleys, transport you to another world—a portal to the soul of the mountains. The journey itself mirrors the spirit of Jabal Akhdar, a region steeped in hidden treasures, from terraced orchards and ancient villages to lush oases tucked away in its craggy folds. 

Stepping inside the threshold of the resort, where each of the five floors mimic and celebrate the flora of the mountains, the first thing you notice is how every detail feels like a pristine piece of the landscape—the pink blush of damask roses, the deep red of pomegranates, the gold of saffron, and the indigo hues of a centuries-old dye plant. Even in the lobby, a handcrafted wooden donkey—a tribute to the creatures that once traversed these rugged paths—welcomes guests, inviting them into a story that’s been told for centuries but remains uniquely theirs to explore. 

Every one of the 173 rooms, suite, and chalets offers a window to the wild, untamed world outside—from jagged peaks and sweeping canyons to skies that shift from deep sapphire to burnished gold. 

But, it’s not just the view that makes this resort special—it’s the deep connection to the land and the people that have inhabited it for generations. This isn’t a destination built on the fringes of the mountain—it’s rooted within its heart. The stories of the Saiq Plateau run through the very walls of the resort, inviting all those who enter to engage with the culture, history, and traditions of the Green Mountain. 

Here, the landscape may seem barren at first glance, but as you explore deeper, the hidden beauty reveals itself. Luckily, the resort offers curated experiences that bring these neighbourhood tales to life. Hike along ancient paths, where every twist in the trail tells of those who came before—farmers, traders, and explorers who shaped the land and were shaped by it in return. Take part in cooking classes where the flavours of Oman come alive through saffron-scented rice, rosewater-infused sweets, and the aromatic spices that have long passed through these valleys. Or gaze at the stars, unobscured by city lights, as you soak in the sheer silence of the night. 

Culinary experiences at Hotel Indigo are equally rooted in the land. Vue Rooftop & Lounge, perched as the highest rooftop in the Middle East, offers sweeping views to accompany its signature wood-fired dishes and craft cocktails. It’s a dining experience that marries the warmth of Omani hospitality with the sophistication of international cuisine. 

Zaatar, the hotel’s market kitchen, celebrates both local and global flavours, offering a diverse selection of dishes that reflect the history of the region. Lastly, Wadi Habib, inspired by the ancient spice trade routes, serves up a menu where every dish tells a story of far-off lands brought together by the fragrances of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. 

Yet, despite the enchanting everythings at Jabal Akhdar, the crowning emerald of the Green Mountain is perhaps Jala Spa & Wellness, where rejuvenation draws from ancient Omani traditions and relaxation unfolds across three zones—immunity-boosting Himalayan salt rooms, extensive thermal zones, and indoor vitality pools with healing waters. 

With rugged mountains waiting for the adventurous traveller to explore, cultural experiences that might just bring the family together for a calm bonding trip amidst nature, and a world-famous spa where a bride might wish to unwind before the big day, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar is not only a place where the mountains tell their own timeless tale, but it is also shaping up to be the regional hospitality hub to watch.