Travel Daily connected with René D. Egle, Area General Manager, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah & Shangri-La Al Husn, Muscat to find out more about the popular family, weddings and honeymoon resorts.
Travel Daily (TD): What is the USP of Shangri-La Muscat?
René D. Egle (RE): The fact that Shangri-La Muscat is not one, but two distinct resorts – Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and Shangri-La Al Husn – offering different experiences makes it unique. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, with two wings and Muscat’s only lazy river, is an ideal family vacation hub.
Its location is set between the majestic Hajar mountains, and the Sea of Oman also makes the property truly one-of-a-kind in the Middle East region for destination weddings. There are multiple wedding venues, both outdoor and indoor, from a dreamy setup by the beach to the garden; multifunctional indoor venues including a grand ballroom, and seven function rooms that can be repurposed into the venue of one’s choice. From the start, the family is accompanied by dedicated wedding specialists who cater to every need designed specifically for them.
The Shangri-La Al Husn, an exclusive adult-only hotel, makes a perfect hideaway for the newlyweds. Presenting a blend of palatial elegance and modern design elements amid castle-like architecture, the suites feature an expansive en-suite bedroom and a complimentary mini-bar with a selection of snacks and beverages. Couples can enjoy luxurious amenities, such as an infinity pool, a private beach, afternoon tea and aperitif hour as well as a semi a-la-carte breakfast at Sultanah. Not to forget the frankincense-inspired treatments at the Luban Spa and signing privileges at the adjoining Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah.
We also have our in-house Frankincense Sommelier who presents a traditional Omani welcome and a tour around the resort’s frankincense garden to give a feel of this fragrant element in its natural form.
Shangri-La Muscat has one of the most diverse culinary scenes with over a dozen restaurants and 21 international chefs including the Indian contemporary restaurant Aangan by Chef Rohit Ghai.
TD: What is the average occupancy of your hotel? What category of guests do you receive? Leisure, business, NRI or domestic?
RE: With travel and destination weddings back on track, the occupancy looks healthy. Shangri-La Muscat is a preferred choice for both leisure and business guests. There is a growing interest from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) segment. We have also been hosting some of the most lavish Indian weddings in the last couple of months and are expecting a larger volume once flights are fully reinstated.
TD: Which markets do you receive the maximum number of guests from? Which new markets are you targeting?
RE: We welcome guests from the UK, Europe, India, and Middle East countries along with domestic leisure travellers and ex-pats. Our focus this year is regional markets such as India, GCC and UAE as well as Russia. We will be more active in these key, high-potential markets.
TD: What are the conservation projects and sustainable initiatives that Shangri-La Muscat has undertaken?
RE: Oman is home to five different species of turtles and one of the nesting sites is Shangri-La Muscat’s private beach. Our Turtle Care Project aims to protect the endangered hawksbill and green turtle species as our ranger looks after nests and protects them from potential threats. Between March and September, when hundreds of turtles return to the resort’s beach to lay eggs, guests are invited to witness hatchings and watch daily Turtle Talks at the hotel’s Eco Centre. We feel this is a great way to initiate the young generation into learning about biodiversity.
As a caretaker of the planet for future generations, Shangri-La Muscat has made a long-term commitment to the environment and is working towards eliminating the use of single-use plastic to create a sustainable sanctuary for all. We also have refilled water bottles in each room and fountains around the resort.
TD: What initiatives have you taken to digitally enhance the presence of your hotel in terms of marketing and sales?
RE: With the growing power of social media, we leverage that exposure, as travellers reach out for referrals and unique experiences that deliver meaningful moments. The social media campaigns revolve around Dine by Design experience, family fun with activities for kids, tailored romantic experiences, Instagrammable moments, privacy and exclusivity at an adults-only resort, and strategic partnerships with luxury brands. We regularly release appealing content in various formats, such as videos for increased visibility and to connect with our audience. We are enhancing our online presence and plan to be more active on Trip Advisor and Google. We keep our partner travel agents informed of the activities and experiences, who support us through their channels.
TD: What incentives do you offer to travel agents and tour operators?
RE: We believe in working in tandem with our B2B partners. We invite them to experience the resorts and the offerings that they can share with the customers rather than selling them. There are a lot of incentives for travel agents throughout the year, specific for each key market along with added seasonal incentives when needed.
TD: What does Muscat offer for the discerning traveller as a destination?
RE: Oman as a destination combines luxury and adventure with a rich cultural heritage that modern travellers look for. There is something for everyone, be it adventure seekers, history lovers, architecture aficionados, or food connoisseurs. Shopaholics can indulge in high-end boutiques, high-street brand stores, private ateliers, and bustling souqs. We, at Shangri-La Muscat, curate experiences and arrange shuttle services for guests. With shorter flights and a simplified visa process, Muscat is a great destination for Indians to explore.
TD: What advice as an experienced general manager would you give to anyone looking at joining the hospitality industry?
RE: The pandemic was a wake-up call for the hospitality industry, pushing us to unlearn and relearn new skills. It also demonstrated our professional tenacity. My advice would be to participate in a practical, or stage as we call it, to get a better understanding of hotel operations, which are demanding with long hours, weekends, and public holidays. It is always good to engage with a longer-serving colleague or a manager about overcoming challenges, if any. Bearing in mind that once you overcome the initial hurdles, every country with great opportunities is open to you. Our industry is one of the most rewarding to work in.
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