With sustainability at its heart, this luxury boutique resort on a towering plateau of the Al-Hajar mountains is Oman’s first LEED-certified hotel. Built with the minimum of disturbance to nature and locals, it blends traditional Omani construction techniques - including rustic timber posts and random-rubble masonry of stone retrieved from the site excavations - with contemporary design to seamlessly integrate it with its unspoilt surroundings. Local artisans and artists were employed for both the construction and the interior artwork. The main building of lounge, restaurant, spa and meeting rooms, and the 86 suites - mostly in clusters - are all set along the cliff to maximise views; the services building tucked discreetly away. The landscaping minimises water usage through plant choice and treated-sewage-effluent recycling.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture