Mud-brick homes modified into boutique hotels in Oman

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Placed high on an Oman mountain top, the Misfat Al-Abriyeen village has changed its fortune. It has transformed its mud-brick homes into boutique hotels. This effort has started drawing visitors to this region, famous for hiking trails and tales of genies. A 800 resident village, this community is situated on the dramatic escarpments of Oman’s “Grand Canyon”. This village community has opened its narrow streets six years back to welcome foreigners as well as locals who are looking for adventure in the deserts and green corners of the Gulf sultanate.

Villager Yacoub Al-Abri explained that it all started back in 2010. In that particular year, his uncle suggested that they take another look at the mud houses that had remained neglected for several years in the ancient settlement. This village is about three hours’ drive from the capital Muscat.

The owners had dumped the centuries-old homes, fearing they could fall down anytime. They had moved to the opposite side of the village. There they built new accommodation. His idea was “to combine the simple and natural surroundings of an old Omani life with a modern touch that provides comfort and safety”, Abri told AFP.

The beige-walled homes, made of mud brick with palm-frond roofs, were modified into simple yet elegant inns equipped with traditional wood and textiles. Five years after this innovative concept was dreamt about, the first boutique hotel of the family was up and running, inspiring neighbors and villagers elsewhere in Oman to follow their lead. “We started with only five rooms, then we increased the number and bought other old houses. Today we have 15 rooms and there are plans to continue expanding until we reach 50,” Abri said.

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