Banking on its customised luxury offering which has proven to be a hit in India, especially for destination weddings, Shangri-La Al Husn Muscat hotel is now targetting greater footfall from India, Nick Flynn, Hotel Manager, tells India Outbound. Flynn adds that the demand is coming not only from main metro cities, but also from Tier II towns.

Which are your largest source markets?

Our key source markets are Europe, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, GCC and, of course, India. We have consistently observed immense potential in India and are keen on continuing our efforts to leverage it, especially when it comes to wedding celebrations.  

What is your Indian traffic like and from which parts of India?

We witnessed a remarkable growth in travel from India as tourist arrival numbers crossed the half-million mark for Oman in 2023. We have observed a substantial year-on-year increase in Indian guests visiting our resort. Along with luxury FITs, honeymooners and families looking for luxury experiences tailored to their preferences have increased at our property. One segment that has been doing tremendously well is the destination wedding. We have been hosting both grand and intimate weddings. It has given us an edge as a property that deeply understands Indian customs and distinct requirements.

We have noticed a diverse influx of Indian travellers from major metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, as well as Tier-II cities, underscoring the appeal of our hotel across India.  

What is your USP in terms of luxury offerings?

Our USP lies in our commitment to deliver luxury experiences rooted in genuine Omani hospitality. From luxurious accommodations adorned with elegant furnishings to exquisite dining experiences, we offer a seamless blend of luxury, comfort and personalised service that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it is the culinary experiences featuring Michelin star chef, Dine by Design concept, luxury beauty brand offerings or immersive cultural experiences, our resort brings the best of both worlds-global flair with Omani warmth.

Last year was an exciting year for us as Shangri-La Al Husn collaborated with iconic London-based perfumer Jo Malone CBE to create an exclusive Jo Loves gift set that included spa sessions and beauty products for guests. We trained and appointed Oman’s first accredited Frankincense sommelier and launched a guided tour to explore art dotting the resort and its own Frankincense Garden. Shangri-La also brought Lyre’s non-alcoholic cocktails to Muscat and added guided aerial yoga sessions to our fitness offerings.

The year 2024 has started with a bang as we launched two new spaces. Adding to the existing dining offerings is Si02 the Beach Lounge, which redefines the coastal experience in Muscat making our resort a premier beachfront destination. 

We also added Turath Café, the new coffee shop in Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, which is fast becoming a cultural hub blending past and present with flavours of coffee and fragrance of luban or frankincense. There is a mobile museum and art gallery by Bait Al Zubair at the café showcasing the local culture through artefacts and paintings by local artists.

How do you customise for the Indian visitors?

We understand the distinct preferences and cultural nuances of our Indian guests. We have a contemporary Indian restaurant by Michelin star chef Rohit Ghai at Al Husn that offers a specially curated menu bringing back the memories of home. Our wedding experts and on-ground staff have mastered the rituals and can tailor them according to modern-day couples. We even have the option of bringing your cook or Maharaj as they are called, and allowed to work in our kitchen. 

 

We also have buyout options for weddings to offer complete privacy and discretion to the newlyweds and family. One interesting fact is that we offer an extravagant entry for the groom or bride since we know how important an entry is during an Indian wedding. They can choose options like a helicopter or one of the classic cars from our private collection.   

What is your strategy in India?

Our approach is multifaceted, combining various initiatives to engage our audience effectively. Firstly, we focus on driving awareness of Oman as a destination. By showcasing the features and experiences of Oman, we aim to capture the interest of Indian travellers and position Shangri-La Muscat as the preferred luxury destination.

Our team runs targetted campaigns and interacts with travel agents, MICE operators and wedding planners from India. We are also working on media outreach, influencer collaborations and social media campaigns to reach out directly to consumers. By establishing direct relationships and offering firsthand experiences, we aim to solidify our position as the top choice for luxury events in Oman.

How important is sustainability for you and how do you integrate sustainability in luxury?

Sustainability is paramount to us as we recognise our role in preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Oman. We integrate sustainable practices across all facets of our operations, be it a ban on single-use plastic or water conservation.

We also work closely on safeguarding endangered turtle species during their hatching seasons as our private beach happens to be one of the Top 5 nesting spots for them. These initiatives are championed by our turtle ranger who also hosts Turtle Talks for our guests, educating them about the importance of local ecosystem conservation. We have important projects in the pipeline to add to our efforts. 

How do you bring innovation into luxury?

From pioneering eco-luxe philosophy in the region to embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance guest experiences, we are committed to redefining luxury. For example, as a part of our Dine by Design concept, our guests can pick from beautiful spaces around the resort, be it a private dinner on the clifftop, a 4-course menu on a 100-metre-long private beach or an intimate meal under the starry sky in the lush gardens.