While Oman’s neighbouring countries tend to focus on ambitious man-made attractions along their coastlines, the Sultanate of Oman has taken to giving back to the environment by protecting the sea turtles that come ashore every summer.
For millions of years, thousands of migratory sea turtles have made their way to the 275 beaches along Oman’s coastline to nest during the summer breeding season. Of the 20,000 sea turtles that come ashore the majority swim hundreds of miles from the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the East African Coast to reach the Ras’Al Hadd Turtle Reserve – the most easterly point in the Sultanate.
Though the nesting turtles are accessible to tourists, strict monitoring programs have been introduced to make certain that the sea creatures experience minimum interference during their yearly pilgrimage.
Turtles with a refined taste
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.
At Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa in Muscat, some rare Green and Hawksbill turtles have opted for a taste of five star luxuries and have claimed the property as their temporary home.
As a result, the Resort has introduced a dedicated turtle ranger so that the turtles’ time ashore is protected.
Shangri La’s beaches remain unlit at night. Even the complex’s exterior lights have been designed to shield the turtles from intrusive brightness. So effective are these precautionary measures that the Resort has seen over 100 Hawksbill and Green turtles laying nearly 11,000 eggs this past season.
Barriers are also erected during the nesting season to protect the turtles from visitors. However, the resort’s ranger, Mohammed Al Hasani, encourages guests to watch the ritual of egg laying from a respectable distance, an event that is mesmerising to watch.
“Watching the sea turtles lay their eggs is one of the most beautiful cycles to witness,” says Mona Tannous, Australian Director, Oman Ministry of Tourism.
The birthing ritual
Image Source: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.
The female turtle digs a number of decoy nests with her hind flippers before choosing a sheltered spot to lay up to 100 eggs throughout the night. Covering the nest with sand, a process that takes up to four hours, she then returns to the shallow waters where she will keep guard over a two week period. The turtle then repeats this cycle eight times throughout the season.
The turtle eggs then take about two months to hatch.
Many of the hatchlings never make it to sea, often succumbing to predatory attacks. Regardless of the bad odds, Al Hasani still stands watch over the baby turtles as they struggle to reach the warm water.
More on the Shangri-La
Located 15 minutes from Muscat amid 50 hectares of desert gardens and palm fringed beaches Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa features three luxurious hotels – Al Waha (The Oasis), ideal for families looking for a five star vacation getaway, Al Bandar (The Town), another five star property ideal for corporate travellers and Al Husn (The Castle), an exclusive six star extravagance. Designed to reflect Oman’s captivating ambience and elegant aesthetic, each guest room and suite overlooks the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Nestled beneath a jagged mountain range overlooking the sea, Al Waha’s multiple swimming pools form an oasis, incorporating lush palm trees and desert plants. Its 262 guestrooms – all a minimum of 37 square metres in size – offer expansive sea views and high-tech amenities.
For families travelling with small children, Al Waha has a Little Turtle Kids Club, available for children from 4-12 years of age. Featuring an air-conditioned indoor and outdoor recreational play area, the club is fully supervised by highly-trained staff and is open from late morning to early evening.
Shangri La’s Al Jissah Resort and Spa’s lead-in property, Al Husn, boasts unrivalled luxury and hospitality. With Moorish influences in its architectural design, its luxuriant gardens and water features, which include an infinity pool and a private beach, complement the spacious guest rooms and suites. All rooms come with their own butler service and in-room check in, along with lavish bathrooms that overlook the sea.
For wellness and indulgence, the Resort’s acclaimed signature Chi Spa offers 12 private spa villas, with each villa designed to provide luxurious treatments and therapies based on the traditional Five Elements Theory (of Water, Fire, Earth, Wood and Metal). A personalised spa program is also planned for every guest, to help create the ultimate balance of harmony and energy.
Fast facts for Families
Where are these turtle tracks leading to?
1.Al Waha’s Little Turtles Kids Club is opened from 9.30AM to 6.00PM daily. Activities include making traditional Arabian crafts, participating in treasure hunts and enjoying henna painting.
2.The Resort’s Children’s Pool is open from 6.00AM to 8.ooPM and is located at Al Bandar.
3.A Teens Club (13-16 years of age) is available at Al Bandar.
4.The Resort’s Omani Heritage Village not only depicts traditional Omani life but also allows children to get close to authentic Arabian horses and camels.
5.An on-site dive centre provides courses and later excursions to the Resort’s coastal waters, where coral reefs and other marine life including turtles thrive. Dolphin excursions, snorkelling trips and sunset cruises are also available.
5.The Resort’s full-time turtle ranger can escort guests to the safest observation points during the nesting season.