Atana Musandam Resort in Khasab
The Musandam Peninsula is one of the most fascinating landscapes that we have ever seen and one of the most beautiful and at the same time most untouched places of the Oman. If you visit Oman, take a look at this peninsula in the far north of the country. It is a must for anyone going on a tour of Oman. The area is so impressive and so different from anything we've seen before. Most comparable to the Norwegian fjord landscape - only with summer temperatures and water with bath temperature. If you're looking for a hotel to explore the area properly, check out the Atana Musandam Resort [ad]. In our opinion an excellent choice in Khasab.
LOCATION OF THE ATANA MUSANDAM RESORT
The Atana Musandam has a sensational location overlooking the Strait of Hormuz and the sublime cliffs of the Musandam Peninsula. If you have a sea view room, you can watch the small and large dhows at work. The locals use the dhows - traditional Omani wooden boats - for fishing, transporting and trading food. The remote villages on the peninsula are often only accessible from the water. Of course, as a tourist you can also explore the most beautiful corners of the Musandam Peninsula by dhow.
The proximity to the national airport of Khasab is of course also great. You only need a few minutes by car to the airport. It's best to let the hotel organize a transfer for you. Public transport and taxis are rather rare in Khasab.
The journey takes place either by plane from Muscat or by land from the United Arab Emirates. A third alternative that we have not tested is the arrival by ferry from Muscat.
The Musandam Peninsula is an enclave of the Oman included in the United Arab Emirates in the far north of the Arabian Peninsula and located directly on the Strait of Hormuz.
Equipment and design
The design of the hotel is really impressive. The combination of modern and classic Arabic runs from the lobby to the restaurant and pool area to the rooms. There is really an eye catcher or a lovingly designed detail on every corner. High-quality wood and stone dominate the style of the hotel.
The rooms are equipped with a very luxurious bed and a modern flat screen TV. The ensuite bathroom has a very elegant stone look and is equipped with high-quality care products such as fragrant shampoos, creams and shower gels. The terrace with a view of the sea or mountains is small, but quiet and very private. Nobody disturbs you at dinner on your own terrace.
The rooms are equipped with safety boxes, WiFi, telephone, air conditioning, mini bar and coffee machine. Of course you can also have your laundry washed.
The pool is perfectly integrated into the beautifully maintained garden and offers a great view of the water or the surrounding mountains. In the pool area you can let the Arabian sun burn on your stomach on high-quality and comfortable loungers. SPA, playground and fitness center are also of high quality, great in design and of course sparkling clean and hygienic.
The Atana Musandam is probably the most luxurious and best hotel in Khasab. In addition to this hotel, Atana operates a second hotel in Khasab, the Atana Khasab. It is located on the seafront, but just outside of Khasab. We didn't see it from the inside.
Activities
The approach to the Musandam Peninsula gives an idea of what you can experience here. There are so many activities to do during your stay in Khasab. Jeep Safari (4 × 4) in the higher parts of the area with a view of the fjords or day trips through the Musandam Fjord.
We chose a 2-day dhow tour at the time. We were traditionally fishing, enjoyed delicious BBQ with the fished fish, snorkeled in the fjord and watched dolphins who accompanied our dhow jumping and dancing. A unique experience. Here you can read about our Musandam Tour with a local provider.
Of course, the Atana Musandam Resort also offers a variety of activities in the region: You can take part in mountain safaris, dhow tours, fishing, diving or a traditional zaree ceremony.
In the hotel you will also find an excellent SPA - the URU SPA - where you can pamper yourself with massages and other therapies.
CULINARY PLEASURE AT THE ATANA MUSANDAM RESORT
The restaurant and room service are of a good standard and impress with a first-class price-performance ratio. In the evening we ordered the mezzeh platter for two in our room and were surprised with great humus, various oriental salads and delicious pastries. We can fully recommend the plate.
The "Fresh catch of the day" activity is of course really cool, whereby you first go out to sea to fish and your catch is later prepared for dinner according to your wishes and served back at the Atana Musandam Resort in the Al Mawra restaurant.
Breakfast also offers an excellent selection of Western and Arabic delicacies. You can sit in the restaurant area or outside, where you can enjoy your coffee while the morning temperatures are still pleasant. Breakfast is served in buffet form. Strengthen yourself for the day with tropical fruits, muesli, various nuts, bread, rolls, flatbread and a large selection of sweet baked goods. The breakfast chef will be happy to prepare every conceivable egg dish for you on site. Here you will not only get the traditional Arabic mocha, but also cappuccino, latte macchiato and other coffee specialties. Simply delicious.
Conclusion
We really liked the Atana Musandam. We would have loved to spend another night there and continue to enjoy the great location, great service and delicious food.
All in all, the Atana Musandam is an excellent choice for your stay in Khasab and the ideal starting point for your adventures on Musandam. If we come back to the Musandam Peninsula, which we definitely intend to do, we will stay at the Atana Musandam again, because here we felt in good hands, it tasted good and we didn't get bored. What more do you want when you can be a guest in a very remote area with breathtaking nature? In any case, we enjoyed it very much and would therefore be happy to recommend the hotel to you.
