If you’ve ever been to Muscat, Oman, chances are you’ve heard of Barr Al Jissah, that stunning coastal resort tucked between the mountains and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. For years, it’s been home to three beautiful Shangri-La hotels that many travelers considered among the best in the region. But big changes are coming: Hilton is taking over the entire Barr Al Jissah complex starting January 1, 2026.
Three Hotels, Three Hilton Brands
The Barr Al Jissah resort has always been a destination on its own, made up of three separate hotels and all of them are getting new names.
1. DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha
Formerly Shangri-La Al Waha, this will become the family-friendly option of the trio. Expect 300+ rooms, four restaurants, and a warm, welcoming style complete with those signature DoubleTree cookies at check-in, of course.
2. Hilton Muscat Al Bandar
The former Shangri-La Al Bandar will become the flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Muscat. Think 198 rooms and suites, six dining spots, a grand ballroom, multiple meeting rooms, and a full spa. Perfect for both business and leisure travelers.
3. Waldorf Astoria Muscat Al Husn
This one’s exciting. The adults-only Shangri-La Al Husn will be completely renovated and reopened as Waldorf Astoria Muscat Al Husn, the first Waldorf Astoria in Oman. Expect 180 rooms and suites, five dining venues, the Waldorf Astoria Spa, and a private beach cove.
What Makes Barr Al Jissah So Special
If you’ve never been, Barr Al Jissah is one of those rare places that instantly takes your breath away. Just a 40-minute drive from Muscat International Airport, the resort sits in a dramatic setting where rugged mountains meet the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. The entire area feels like a hidden oasis, a mix of natural beauty and thoughtful design. You can float down the lazy river that winds through the property, spend the day between multiple swimming pools, or take advantage of the dive center, tennis courts, and the long stretches of private beach. One of the best parts is how connected everything feels: you can walk between the hotels, explore cafés and pools along the way, and it all comes together like a small resort town carved into the cliffs.
What to Expect When Hilton Takes Over
The big change officially happens on January 1, 2026, when Hilton steps in to manage the entire Barr Al Jissah complex. All three hotels, soon to be the Waldorf Astoria Muscat Al Husn, Hilton Muscat Al Bandar, and DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha, are already listed on Hilton.com, though you can’t book them just yet. Once they open, they’ll be fully integrated into the Hilton Honors program, meaning you’ll be able to earn and redeem points, take advantage of your elite perks, and enjoy the consistency of Hilton’s global service standards. The Waldorf Astoria, however, will undergo a full renovation before reopening, so its debut might come a bit later than the other two.
Conclusion
If you’re a Hilton Honors loyalist (and we definitely are!), this is fantastic news. You’ll soon have three new properties in Oman where you can use your points, earn nights, and enjoy all your elite benefits. Even more exciting, Oman is finally getting its first Waldorf Astoria, joining the brand’s growing list of luxury destinations in the Middle East. With the addition of Hilton Muscat Al Bandar and DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha, travelers will have more options than ever, whether you’re planning a family getaway, a business trip, or a romantic escape.
Right now, Hilton operates just three hotels in Oman: Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair, Hilton Salalah, and DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Qurum. So this expansion marks a big step forward for the brand in the region.
Book with Gaja Dreams Hotels
Waldorf Astoria Muscat Al Husn will join Hilton’s luxury program, Hilton for Luxury. Booking with Gaja Dreams Hotels gives you more value for the same best flexible rate. Here’s what you’ll enjoy when booking through our platform:
- Daily complimentary breakfast for two
- $100 hotel credit per stay
- Double Hilton Honors points
- VIP recognition during your stay
- Room upgrades (when available)
- Early check-in and late check-out (when available)
Looking for your next luxury getaway? With Gaja Dreams Hotels, you can book over 4,000 premium properties worldwide and enjoy extra perks including daily breakfast for two, hotel credits, room upgrades and more – all at the best flexible rate. Book here.
