Escape to Paradise: Dusit D2 Naseem Resort - Your Unforgettable Jabal Akhdar Getaway
Dusit D2 Naseem Resort: Jabal Akhdar, Paradise… Almost? (A Rambling Review)
Alright, buckle up folks, because this isn't your typical sterile hotel review. This is me, after escaping the concrete jungle for a breath of mountain air at the Dusit D2 Naseem Resort in Jabal Akhdar, Oman. And let me tell you, it was a trip. Forget the glossy brochure; I’m here to dish the real dirt, the good, the bad, and the slightly perplexing.
First, let's get the basics out of the way. This place is gorgeous. Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Jabal Akhdar mountains, the views are… well, they’re the reason you came. That pool with a view? Yeah, it's as Instagrammable as it looks. The air is crisp, the silence broken only by the occasional bleating of a goat (more on that later).
Accessibility & the Mountain Challenge (and the Elevator of Doom!)
I’m not going to pretend to be an accessibility expert, but I did notice they had a few things catered for those with mobility challenges. Elevator access to most areas, which, considering this place is built on the side of a mountain, is a lifesaver. However, navigating the outdoor areas… well, that’s another story. The cobbled paths and uneven terrain could be tricky. Make sure to inquire beforehand if you have specific accessibility needs that are not easy to achieve.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Quirky Details) - Available in All Rooms
Okay, my room. I’m a sucker for a well-appointed space, and the D2, generally, has its act together. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double check! (Essential for someone like me who’s permanently battling jet lag). They also had a complimentary tea selection, which I, of course, devoured. A bathtub big enough to wallow in, a decent shower, and bathrobes that made me feel like a decadent sultan. They offer extra long beds… which did come in handy, though I'm not known for moving around much.
But here’s where things get interesting. I arrived to the room and immediately thought "wow this room is huge!" with a closet, a desk, a sofa, and a view fit for a king… or at least, a very tired travel writer. The mirror was well placed, the reading light was perfect (and essential!), and I loved having a window that opens – nothing beats fresh mountain air. The Internet access – LAN was available, as well as the ubiquitous Wi-Fi [free]. You know, the basics.
They had a mini bar stocked with the usual suspects, and a refrigerator that was keeping the water cool, essential for the Jabal Akhdar heat. There was even a laptop workspace, perfect for pretending I was working while, let's be honest, I was mostly binge-watching documentaries.
On-Site Dining: A Culinary Adventure (with some bumps)
Let's talk food. Okay, I’m a huge foodie, and my expectations were high. The resort boasts a bunch of options: Restaurants, a Bar, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. Room service [24-hour] is also a huge plus for those lazy moments (read: most moments).
The breakfast buffet was good, a solid Asian breakfast selection alongside the usual Western breakfast fare. They had desserts in the restaurant with a salad in the restaurant option for the health conscious, and a soup in the restaurant to warm you up in the evening (though I wasn't quite cold enough for one of those…). The buffet in restaurant itself was huge. I found myself wandering around a few times, just to see what they had and, honestly, I was probably there far too long.
The international cuisine in restaurant was hit-or-miss. One night, I had a truly stellar risotto (seriously, chef, bravo!), the next night was a plate of overcooked lamb that made me almost cry. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a highlight, perfectly spiced and flavorful. I can't say enough about the delicious dishes I had.
Oh, and the poolside bar? Excellent for a sundowner. And I mean, EXCELLENT. Watching the sun set over the mountains while sipping a cocktail is the definition of bliss. They had a decent selection of drinks and a few Snack bar bites, which were perfect for fending off the hunger.
Ways to Relax (and the Goat Conspiracy)
This is where the Dusit D2 truly shines. The Spa/sauna is a haven of tranquility. They offer a variety of treatments, including a Body scrub and Body wrap. I indulged in a massage, and I'm not ashamed to say I practically melted into the massage table, though I didn't see a Foot bath option. The steamroom was heavenly, and the Sauna was perfectly hot, though I didn’t get a chance to experience the Swimming pool inside the spa. Pure bliss!
They also have a Fitness center, though I’m not sure I actually used it, unless walking to the buffet counts. The Gym/fitness equipment looked to be in good condition and I could see that it was well-maintained.
Now, about those goats… They are everywhere. Wandering around the grounds, bleating incessantly. I swear, I caught one giving me the stink eye. I half expected them to start demanding room service. It's part of the charm, I guess, but it did make a peaceful mid-afternoon nap a bit of a challenge. The Pool with view was nice, but I saw those goats eyeballing us from afar.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Post-Pandemic Peace of Mind
In these times, safety is paramount. The Dusit D2 seems to take it seriously. They had all the usual protocols in place: Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and the like. They also had Individualized-wrapped food options, though, to be honest, I missed proper salt and pepper shakers!
There were First aid kits and a Doctor/nurse on call, which gave me peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They really tried to think of everything. They had a Concierge who was super helpful with arranging activities, a convenience store for forgotten essentials, and a Currency exchange service. Daily housekeeping kept the room spotless. They offered Laundry service and Ironing service, thank god. And the luggage storage was a lifesaver when I arrived at the resort.
They also offer Babysitting service and Kids facilities - for people who are not me!
Getting Around & Other Bits and Bobs
Airport transfer was smooth and efficient, and they offer Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Valet parking is available, although I didn't use it.
Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], and CCTV in common areas all do their best to make you feel safe. The Non-smoking rooms are appreciated (especially by this smoker). They also have some rather quirky features like Couple's room, Exterior corridor, and Proposal spot.
In conclusion…
Dusit D2 Naseem Resort is a stunning place, offering a truly unique experience. The views are breathtaking, the spa is divine, and the staff are genuinely friendly. The food is generally excellent, and the rooms are comfortable and well-appointed. However, don't expect perfection! Go with an open mind, embrace the quirks (and the goats!), and you'll have an unforgettable escape. It's certainly not a flawless paradise, but it's pretty damn close. And honestly, that's what makes travel interesting, right?
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Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is the real deal, my attempt to conquer the Jabal Akhdar, the Green Mountain of Oman, and survive the Dusit D2 Naseem Resort in one piece. Expect meanderings, meltdowns, and maybe a spiritual awakening (or just a really good date seed). Here we goooooo…
Operation Jabal Akhdar: Survival & Spices (and Mild Panic)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and the Great Date Dilemma
- 14:00 – Arrival in Muscat: Okay, first hiccup. My flight was delayed. Classic. Already feeling the travel grumps creeping in. But hey, the Omani airline staff had genuinely kind eyes, so maybe this won't be so bad.
- 15:30 – Mountain Taxi Drama: The pre-booked taxi to the resort… well, let's just say the driver really liked the song "Desert Rose" by Sting. For like, the entire two-and-a-half-hour drive. Started out scenic, those views were breathtaking, though. Winding roads clinging to the mountainside, the desert unfolding below. Then the fear kicked in. One wrong turn, and we'd be off the edge. But hey, Sting.
- 18:00 – Check-in at Dusit D2 Naseem: The lobby… ah, that lobby. More like a modern art installation that happens to have staff. Check in was smooth, which, in travel terms, is a miracle. The room? Pretty swanky. Balcony overlooking those mountains? Jaw. Dropped. I actually gasped. This place is… beautiful. Seriously, photos never do it justice. Okay, I'm instantly smitten.
- 19:00 – The Date Predicament: So, the Jabal Akhdar is famous for its dates. Millions of dates. And then there's the Date Juice. Apparently, this is a THING here. I went to the resort's shop that sells dates. The sheer VARIETY overwhelmed me -- stuffed dates, chocolate-covered dates, date paste this, date syrup that… I had a full-blown existential crisis in front of a bin of Medjool dates. So many dates… such little stomach space. I just bought some classic ones, hoping I wouldn't have to become a full-fledged Date Connoisseur.
- 20:00 – Dinner at the 360 Restaurant: Dinner was at the hotel's restaurant. Ambiance? Chic. Food? Pretty darn good, though. I'm not a big lamb person, but the lamb tagine was seriously good. I'm getting that. Also got some Omani rice. Very aromatic.
- 21:30 – Stargazing (Attempt One): The Dusit D2 boasts amazing stargazing, apparently. Head on out to the balcony, glass of water. Realize the air up here is thin. I felt lightheaded. Clouds. More clouds. No stars. Defeated, I went to bed. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 2: Hiking, Heights, and a Thousand Almonds (and a Tiny Terror)
08:00 – Breakfast Buffet: Breakfast buffet – the sacred ritual of all travelers. Fluffy omelets, exotic fruit I couldn't even pronounce, more dates (seriously, they're everywhere!). And the coffee? Strong. Bless.
09:30 – Diana's Point Hike (Trial by Terrain): This was the whole reason I’d come. Diana's Point - a hike to the edge of a canyon. Well, I tried. The guides were very nice. I’d booked the hike in advance, which was smart. That sun beat down. The altitude, though. Oh man, the altitude. I swear I saw my lunch start to levitate. I got about halfway, then my lungs said, "Nope." Turned around, defeated but alive.
11:00 – The Almond Grove Escape (And the Terrorist Squirrel): Back at the resort, I decided to wander around. Discovered a hidden almond grove. Perfect! I sat down under a tree, cracking nuts, enjoying the peace… until. Something dropped out of the tree and onto my head. I screamed. Then another one. A tiny, furry terror that looked like a squirrel. And those squirrels are aggressive. I'm talking full-on rage mode. That tiny terrorist just ate my almonds.
12:00 – Swimming Pool: Needed to recover. The pool was gorgeous, a shimmering oasis. Took a dip. Bliss! I'd never been so glad to have a pool.
13:00 – Lunch by the Pool: The service at the pool bar was… relaxed. Waited an age for a sandwich, but hey, the view made up for the wait. Also got a ridiculously overpriced, yet delicious, mango smoothie. Money well spent, I think.
15:00 – Jebel Akhdar Village Exploration: Ventured to some nearby villages. Got lost. Found a local with kind eyes, He gave me directions and some fresh juice with so many dates. The villages were fascinating, traditional mud-brick houses clinging to the mountainside. Took some pictures. Didn't get eaten by a goat. Success!
16:30 – Back at the Resort: More napping. More reading. More altitude adjustment. Basically, I'm turning into a professional vacation-er.
19:00 – Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant Dinner was good. The view. Man, the view.
21:00 – Stargazing (Attempt Two): More clouds. More disappointment. Maybe tomorrow? I'm starting to think the stars here are actually shy.
Day 3: The Rose Water Revelation, the Date Oasis, and the Departure Blues
- 08:00 – Same breakfast, different day. Still fantastic. Coffee, dates (of course), and contemplating how I'm going to fit all this deliciousness back into my life.
- 09:30 - Rose Quarter Tour: Okay, now we're cookin'. The Jabal Akhdar is famous for its rose water. Visited a local rose water distillery. The scent! Like walking into a perfumery designed by angels. Learned about the distillation process. Bought a bottle that cost more than my plane ticket! That stuff better work its magic. It was nice.
- 11:00 – A Date Oasis? Finally, A DATE FARM. A real, working date farm. So what, the farmers were just happy to talk about dates. And taste them. So much of it was just talking and learning.
- 14:00 – Farewell Lunch: This was the saddest part. I was not ready to leave. The Omani hospitality, the dramatic scenery, the delicious food. I wanted more.
- 16:00 – Departure: I’m pretty sure I'm already planning my return. Sting in the taxi again, unfortunately.
Final Thoughts: This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about embracing the unpredictable, accepting the imperfections, and allowing myself to get lost (literally and figuratively). The Jabal Akhdar? Stunning. The Dusit D2 Naseem? A sanctuary. The dates? I'm a convert. Highly recommend. And I still can't see a darn single star. Until next time, Oman! And maybe, just maybe, then I'll finally figure out how to be a Date Connoisseur. Now, where's that map?
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Christof, Your Dream Italian Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Dusit D2 Naseem Resort - Your Unforgettable Jabal Akhdar Getaway FAQs (…and My Honestly Messy Thoughts)
Okay, so *what* is the Dusit D2 Naseem Resort all about? Seriously, what do I *do* there?
Alright, so picture this: you're *high* above the world, in the Jabal Akhdar mountains of Oman. Think stunning views, cooler air (seriously, a *blessing* after the heat!), and a resort that's trying really, really hard to be all chic and modern. The Dusit D2 Naseem is kind of like…a spa retreat with a fancy Instagram filter on it. You're there to relax, unwind, and maybe take a few pictures that will make your friends *super* jealous. Activities? Hiking (that’s a must!), exploring the abandoned villages (creepy but cool!), stargazing (if the light pollution cooperates!), and, of course, pool lounging. They also tout all sorts of spa treatments. I *tried* the massage…more on that later.
Also, they do weddings. I saw one. It was…dramatic. Seriously, mountains, beautiful people, tears, the works. Made me feel single. Good thing they have cocktails.
Is it *actually* a good escape? I need REAL relaxation. No faff.
Okay, so, the *idea* of relaxation is there. The location? Unbeatable. The air? Divine. However…and this is where my honesty kicks in…it depends on your tolerance for "resort-level perfection." I'm talking overly eager staff (bless their hearts, truly), slightly generic decor (lots of beige and grey), and the faint scent of aspirational luxury everywhere. If you’re someone who NEEDS a picture-perfect escape, you'll probably love it. If you're like me – someone who finds "perfect" a little… suffocating – you might find it takes a bit to settle in.
The *best* part? Waking up and seeing that view of the mountains. Seriously, it makes all the little imperfections melt away. That, and the fact that there are literally *zero* distractions. Can't even get decent cell service. Pure bliss, once you embrace it.
About that Spa…is it worth the hype?
Okay, so… the spa. I *wanted* to love it. I really, really, *really* did. I booked the "signature" massage (because…when in Rome, right?). The setting was lovely: dim lighting, peaceful music, the works. The massage itself? Well…let's just say it was… inconsistent. One moment I was melting into the table, the next I was wondering if the masseuse had ever actually *touched* a human back before. Seriously, there were some areas that felt like a delightful kneading, and others that felt like… gentle poking. I'm not entirely sure what went wrong, but the experience definitely wasn't the blissful escape I was dreaming of. I'm still a bit traumatized.
And then there's the issue with the locker room. Seriously, why is it always so…cold? I had to rush out of there as fast as humanly possible.
What about the food? I'm a foodie!
Right, the *food*. Okay, so the main restaurant is… fine. It's buffet-style, which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because there's always something, a curse when you want something truly exceptional. There’s a mix of international and Omani options. The Omani food was, in my humble opinion, the real winner. The *shuwa* (slow-cooked lamb) was incredible. The shawarmas, they weren’t bad either. They also have a poolside bar with snacks. The fries were pretty good. My stomach still feels great.
The overall atmosphere of the restaurant, similar to the resort, leans toward a bit generic. Still, don't starve yourself. The overall quality is pretty good, but don’t expect a culinary revelation.
Anything I *shouldn't* do? Any hidden fees?
Okay, a few things to avoid, or at least be aware of. First, *don't* assume the mini-bar is included. It's probably not. Second, be careful with the taxi situation. Prices can fluctuate wildly, so negotiate beforehand. And third… try not to get caught up in comparing yourself to the perfectly-tanned, effortlessly-stylish people who seem to frequent the resort. You'll just end up feeling inadequate, and we all deserve to be there.
The biggest hidden fee? The inevitable temptation to overspend on souvenirs. You will want to buy all the frankincense.
What about the rooms? Are they…nice?
The rooms are… perfectly adequate. Clean, spacious, with a balcony to enjoy the view. The beds are comfortable. The bathrooms are… functional. Nothing groundbreaking, but nothing actively offensive. The decor is, yes, you guessed it, a bit beige. I swear, I’m seeing a lot of beige in this world.
The best part? The blackout curtains. Glorious, life-saving blackout curtains. Because sleep is the most important part!
Is it kid-friendly?
I saw *some* kids. But it's not exactly a "kid-centric" resort. There's a pool, of course (which kids love), but not a ton of specifically kid-oriented activities. If your kids are the type who are happy to chill by the pool and explore, it's probably fine. If they're the type who need constant entertainment…maybe not. Personally, I'm happy there aren't too many screaming toddlers around.
Note: the trails have potential for kids to explore the outdoors, but the terrain isn’t always the best, so keep a close eye on them!
What's the best time to go?
Autumn and winter are your best bets. The weather is perfect – sunny days, cool nights. Summer? It's HOT everywhere so going to higher altitudes is welcome, but even there it's HOT. The mountains will always be cooler than the coast, but the heat can still be intense, and it's less ideal for hiking. Also, consider the shoulder seasons (late spring/early fall), but be aware of potential weather shifts (the mountains can get crazy fast!).
Okay, sold! How do I *book* this thing?
Easy! Check the Dusit D2 Naseem Resort’s website, or your favorite online booking site. There’s a good chance you'll find the best prices on the official website (butHoney Dew Transient House: Angeles City & Clark's BEST Kept Secret?
