Close

Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel in Oman showcases traditional building and local materials

The boutique hotel is set against the backdrop of Oman's mountain landscape

Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel

As part of identity‘s Summer Escapes feature, originally published in the 200th issue, we have compiled a number of hotel projects across the globe that offer a strong sense of storytelling that is either related to its previous function, its cultural environment or the surrounding nature.

The second in the series is Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel, located in Oman’s Jebel Akhdar mountain, designed by Atkins.

Built using traditional Omani construction techniques, in harmony with the serene landscape of Jebel Akhdar and the backdrop of the Grand Canyon, Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel is barely visible upon approach. It slowly emerges from the landscape within which it was built from local materials, making it barely discernable from the surrounding rock formations.

Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel

The thoughtful and well-proportioned simplicity of the structure is infused with subtle touches of local crafts – carved wooden doors, woven mats, pottery from nearby Bahla, local fabrics and motives of Damask rose – a nod to the local essential oil production.

Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel

This is a contemporary resort that still manages to evoke the feeling of Omani living and hospitality through its subtle introduction of craft. The setting on the cusp of a canyon awes guests with the scale of the drop below, highlighting the amazing vastness of the surrounding mountainscape, and providing a sense of protection from the outside world.  The history of the area touches the guests throughout their stay, from its traditions and ritual dining to the use of essential oils within the spa that is harvested from nearby terraced rose plantations.

This article was originally published in the 200th issue of identity.  You can also read about Dexmenes Seaside Hotel by K-Studio Architects in Greece, that is part of this series. 

The Latest

Heritage Reimagined

Designlab Experience turns iconic spaces into living narratives of Emirati culture, luxury, and craftsmanship.

Nakhla by Nada Debs

Nakhla symbolises resilience, prosperity and a deep connection to the land

Wave: The New Mediterranean Haven in Dubai

IDST’s design invites exploration with a thoughtful blend of artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary style.

The Chedi Wadi Safar

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and KCA International are collaborating to launch this new hotel

A New Era of Early Learning

Roar crafts the PIF Daycare Centre in Riyadh with a calming, sensory-rich environment where design, nature and childhood development come together.

When Art Meets Light

Brush and Switch by Sans Souci bend light in unexpected ways

The Importance of Community-Driven Design

We speak to Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International on the story of Seed & Bloom – a café designed to nurture connection and community engagement

Finasi at Downtown Design 2025

Finasi x ROAR presents – Made in UAE

For this year's Downtown Design, Finasi and Pallavi Dean will unveil a bold new installation that speaks the language of material honesty, exceptional craftsmanship, visionary design, and local identity.

A Lesson in Restraint

This Palm Jumeirah home proves that luxury can be achieved with intention, rather than scale

Vote for your favourite projects at the identity Design Awards 2025

You can now choose your favourite project from the identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist

identity Design Awards 2025 shortlist: Interior Design

The shortlist is revealed for the interior design categories