Al Nahda Resort & Spa in Muscat is set to expand its offering with the opening of a boutique 30-room desert resort, Dunes by Al Nahda, in quarter four of 2014.

Located a 45-minute drive from Al Nahda Resort & Spa itself in Wadi Al Abiyad, Dunes by Al Nahda will be the closest desert resort to downtown Muscat.

It will feature six 40m² executive rooms, twelve VIP rooms and twelve VIP tents of 64m² each, as well as an open-air restaurant and banquet facility with capacity for 250 people.

Activities will include dune bashing, sand boarding, camel riding, zip lining and naturally, star gazing.

Managing director and owner of Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Niti Ajit Karsandas Hamlai said: “It is a very exciting time for us as we work towards opening Dunes by Al Nahda towards the end of the year.

“We are looking forward to offering guests an authentic desert experience at Dunes, combined with some innovative activities.”

Packages will be created to enable guests to experience the unique experiences available at both resorts, Al Nahda Resort & Spa in Muscat and Dunes by Al Nahda in Wadi Al Abiyad.

Meanwhile, Al Nahda Resort & Spa began a phased renovation on May 1st, with all 109 guest rooms to be upgraded.

The Al Nahda Resort & Spa opened in 2006 on the grounds that historically was known as a Mango Orchard on 30 acres of land.

Offering lush green vistas, tranquillity and special spa treatments it is a popular weekend escape for city slickers and families.

Dunes by Al Nahda will commence full operations before the end of Ramadan and in time for the Eid Al Fitr holidays