LUXURY

Shangri-La Al Husn
at a glance
Eratap Beach Resort
at a glance
Category: Beach Resort
Category: Beach Resort
Suite reviewed: Deluxe Seaview Room
Suite Reviewed: Three Bedroom Villa
Shangri-La
Barr Al Jissah Resort, Oman
Eratap
Vanuatu
What’s great: We loved the magazines that
were available at the poolside for guests to
read and the fresh flowers in the room.
What’s not so great: A bit of a drive out
from the main centre of Muscat but once
you’re there it’s easy to slip into the resort
ambience and unwind. The exterior is not
as grand as the interior would suggest.
Editor’s tip: If you are into water sports
then there is a great selection available and
the boat marina is only a short drive away
for chartered trips. Ask for a room with the
view facing the private beach.
Rate: From NZ$980; AU$775 per room per
night for Deluxe Seaview Room.
Website: www.shangri-la.com/muscat
Reservations: For more information or
enquiries please contact United Travel
on 0800 730 001.
This exclusive resort is nestled between the dramatic backdrop of a rugged
mountain landscape and the glistening blue waters of the Gulf of Oman.
The complex comprises three hotels - Al Waha, Al Bandar (both 5-Star) and
Al Husn (6-Star).
Al Husn means ‘The Palace’ and it certainly
lives up to its name. The entrance greets
you with a wafting aroma of incense.
Following that, the presence of still water,
a high atrium ceiling and expansive space
in the lobby belies the plushly carpeted
hallways and the lavishly decorated
guestrooms that have secluded balconies
overlooking the resort or private beach.
Guest rooms are plushly furnished with
the kind of carpet that you sink your toes
into. The fabrics are in warm, rich colours
that complement sleek Arabian elements,
like the intricate lampshades and backlit
panels, creating a muted lighting effect.
The private balcony was of a good size,
complete with a comfortable lounge suite
(nice touch!) and Dedon table setting.
This resort is one where you could arrive
and not leave for several days because
of what it has to offer. Guests are able
to use the facilities at all of the hotels,
which include boutique shopping, six
restaurants, seven casual dining outlets
and pool bars, several pools, three private
beaches, the CHI spa and numerous land
and water activities.
Al Husn is elegant with attentive staff to
tailor your stay. Nothing appears to be too
much trouble. We definitely felt a sense
of ‘hush’ at Al Husn, compared with Al
Waha, which was more ‘hustle-bustle’. It
was very restful to return here after a day
out exploring. The quality of the food is
outstanding and complements the overall
exclusive feel of the property.
Eratap Beach Resort enjoys an idyllic position on its own mini peninsula, set
amongst tropical gardens. With just 12 villas, the place has a private and
exclusive feel, as if you have your own personal beach to relax on. All the villas
enjoy beachfront locations with panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
The buildings are constructed of painted
masonry with clean lines and good
attention to detail. Thatched roofs are
beautifully detailed and the use of quality
woods hints at indigenous Melanesian
style with a touch of Bali. It truly feels as if
you’ve arrived at the end of the road, with
relaxation at the top of the agenda.
As amicable as the hospitality may be, it’s
the natural setting that takes centre stage
at a beach resort. Eratap’s beach is simply
stunning, with a lagoon opening out
onto dozens of pristine islands. The resort
provides two long boats and the staff are
happy to take you on a cruise. Gaze at the
colourful coral reefs or take advantage of
the snorkelling gear provided to explore
the undersea world. Good surfing is
also available and if you fancy a spot of
fishing, that’s easy to arrange too.
Children are welcome at certain times of
the year and the resort makes an extra
effort to provide them with enriching
experiences. For instance, they’ll be
shown how to catch sardines off the
jetty and then taught how to make a
fire without matches to cook their catch
on the beach. It seems so simple, but as
every parent knows, these are the sorts
of experiences that live on in the memory.
We emerged from our stay at Eratap
Beach Resort with a real affection for
its understated charm. It’s just the sort
of luxury retreat that Vanuatu has been
crying out for. Best of all, it’s only three
hours – plus a 20-minute jungle drive –
from Auckland.
What’s great? Having access to snorkelling
equipment, reef shoes, ocean kayaks and
longboats with knowledgeable boatmen to
take you to neighbouring islands, the coral
reefs or on fishing excursions.
What’s not so great: The standard of the
food is very high and although there is a
daily specials board, if you are staying for
a length of time there can be a bit
of repetition.
Editor’s tips: Definitely make use of the
kayaks and longboats to go exploring
whether it be above or below the water.
Rate: From NZ$675; AU$535 per night for
1-bedroom villa. From NZ$990; AU$785
per night for 3-bedroom villa.
Website: www.eratap.com
Reservations: For more information or
enquiries please contact United Travel
on 0800 730 001.
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Location
Location
Suite size
Suite interior
Overall service level
Food & beverage
Hotel pool
Business needs
Recreational facilities
Spa facilities
Value for money
Villa size
Villa interior
Overall service level
Food & beverage
Hotel pool
Business needs
Recreational facilities
Spa facilities
Value for money
Arabian style and
cultural elements
87% combine into modern,
opulent surroundings.
Photo caption xxxx
89%
A destination of choice
for travellers seeking
luxury in the Pacific.