Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa celebrates with tree lighting ceremony

MUSCAT: The annual tree lighting ceremony took place at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa at the outdoor Sablah courtyard area of Al Bandar hotel.

Decorated with 1,300 golden and red baubles in addition to fairy lights measuring 750 metres, the main festive tree is among the tallest in Muscat, reaching a height of almost 10 metres. The tree also features 323 small and large decorative boxes and 22 metres of red ribbons and golden bows.

This year a second tree was also displayed.

Highlighting the resort’s commitment to eco-awareness and sustainability, the installation is made entirely from 2, 800 plastic bottles. It took 12 hours to create and reaches a height of five-metres. The plastic water bottle tree signifies the resort’s aim to end single-use plastic and is an effort to draw attention to the volume of plastic water bottles consumed in the Sultanate of Oman.

Additional measures are planned for 2019 as the resort aims to end the use of plastic water bottles in the outdoor areas with the introduction of water fountains where guests can refill reusable water bottles. Speaking of the plastic bottle installation, General Manager Juergen Doerr added: “At Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, we are doing our part to make a change and end use of plastic which is destroying the marine life.

We have all seen upsetting videos of the earth’s oceans polluted with plastic which not only harm the turtles that we here at ShangriLa Muscat promise to protect, but which will eventually impact the food chain and our own health”.

The tree lighting ceremony coincided with the launch of the resort’s Festive Market, which runs until Saturday, 29 December 2018. Combined with Shangri-La’s signature hospitality, the Festive Market features six stalls offering a selection of food and beverage items, including roasted chestnuts and the seasonal beverages. Traditional arts and crafts, holiday souvenirs and gift opportunities will also be available.

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa General Manager, Juergen Doerr welcomed all guests and attendees. The event was attended by hotel guests and residents of Muscat, while Hi FM presenter Chris Birks initiated and conducted the countdown. The Kindred Chamber Choir of The American International School of Muscat performed a modern take on some of the Season’s classic carols to delight guests.