The grand opening of Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa was celebrated, in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and other members of Oman's royal family, and over 900 national and international guests and dignitaries.  The opening represents the first three-hotel luxury resort for both Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and the country of Oman.

The much anticipated property comprises the exclusive Al Husn ("the Castle" with 180 suites and guestrooms), Al Bandar ("the Town" with 198 rooms and extensive meeting facilities), and the family-oriented Al Waha ("the Oasis" with 302 rooms). All 680 rooms and suites are sea-facing and overlook a total of 580 metres (1,900 feet) of beach.

The resort and spa is set in 50 hectares (124 acres) of landscaped gardens approximately 40 minutes from the international airport and 20 minutes from downtown Muscat.  Located on the bay ("barr") against a dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains fronting the Gulf of Oman, the hotel provides a daily 10-minute shuttle to the nearby suburb of Ruwi, home of the Sultan's palace and the "old" port of Muscat, known as Muttrah.

When the separate CHI Spa Village is completed in May, the resort facilities will include a spa with eight large and four single private villas; three fresh-water swimming pools (two inter-connected by a specially designed "lazy river"); 19 food and beverage outlets (including six main restaurants, seven casual dining outlets and pool bars, three lobby lounges, two bars and a nightclub); extensive conference and meeting facilities; four tennis courts; an Omani Heritage Village; an open-air amphitheatre seating up to 1,000; a dedicated marina and Dive Centre; an archeological site open to visitors; a full-time "Turtle Ranger"; and a myriad of water sports including dolphin and whale watching.

"Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is our third Middle East hotel.  We are committed to this region and can think of no better location for our newest resort than in this incredible location in the beautiful country of Oman," said Mr. Giovanni Angelini, chief executive officer and managing director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.  "Our delivery of ‘Shangri-La Hospitality from Caring People' is distinctly Asian; when it is combined with the warm welcome and hospitality of Oman, it will be an unbeatable combination."

"This project represents a pioneering step in the process of laying down the foundations of tourism and developing Oman as a prime and distinct international tourist destination," said Mr. Ziyad M. Al Zubair, managing director of the Zubair Corporation, the resort's developers.  "One of the most important elements for selecting Shangri-La Hong Kong to operate the resort is that it attaches high importance to the human resource development and follows the most advanced training standards."