Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort has appointed a new mountain guru.
Maher Al Riyami is responsible for ensuring guests at the five-star resort enjoy an array of indigenous experiences, while putting them in touch with the surrounding culture, history and landscape.
“Born and raised in Ash Shirayjah, one of the oldest villages on Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Maher has an unsurpassed knowledge of the area, having spent his childhood discovering every nook and cranny of the mountain,” said a spokesperson for the property.
“After attending the local school, Maher moved to the nearby ancient city of Nizwa to study engineering before returning to his mountain roots by moving to Saiq, another nearby village.”
Following a stint at a neighbouring resort, during which he gained valuable behind-the-scenes experience, Maher joined Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, attracted by the wealth of unique activities offered to guests.
The spokesperson explained that no day is ever the same for a mountain guru. Mornings are usually spent accompanying guests on treks to explore the mountain, whether it is to experience how the age-old way of life continues in the fascinating ancient villages of Al Ayn, Al Aqr and Ash Shirayjah or to rappel down steep canyons, past wild donkeys and gnarled juniper trees to discover beautiful wadi pools and secret caves.
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“Along the way, Maher builds a rapport with guests, providing them with interesting nuggets of information about life on the mountain and stopping to point out exotic flora and fauna such as, wildflowers and numerous species of birds and butterflies,” said the spokesperson.