Every spring, the mountain slopes of Jabal Akhdar in the Al Hajar mountains in Northern Oman come alive with indigenous pink Damask roses. Found exclusively on the hillsides of Jabal Akhdar, the Jabal Akhdar rose is unique to the Green Mountain in Oman. Known in Oman and outside the country for its fragrance, the pink rose is traditionally harvested in March and April, and is widely used in fragrances and herbal remedies, and is also a favourite in spa treatments in the Sultanate. Located two hours’ drive from Muscat at 2,000m above sea level, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is one of the highest altitude hotels in the Middle East.
Set among climbing routes and hiking trails, guests can explore the surrounding landscape while the roses are in full bloom. During rose season, which runs from mid-March until early May, tourists get an opportunity to learn how the flowers are used to make oil for perfume and rose water, explore the rose-covered slopes with an expert mountain guide, and meet the local rose-pickers for a truly immersive experience.
Accompanied by the resort’s Mountain Guru, who grew up in Jabal Akhdar, guests can visit one of the area’s oldest rose water distilleries, where they can discover the ancient technique of extracting pure rose water from the harvest petals. They can join local rose-pickers plucking the blossoms from the stems, which are then placed inside traditional mud ovens, known as ‘Al-duhjan’, for distillation.
Anantara Spa features a signature 90-minute ‘Rose Rescue Ritual’ that uses the soothing, balancing and hydrating properties of the Damask rose. The treatment starts with a rose-infused welcome drink, followed by a milk and rose petal foot ritual and a calming and nourishing rose-themed express facial. The treatment ends with a body massage with balancing rose oils.
There is also a special Rose Season Package for two, which includes an overnight stay in a room or villa with breakfast, the rose water tour and the Rose Rescue Ritual treatment from OMR 299.
