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The Suwgra: Jabal Akhdar's 500 year old village, bringing 

that ancient Omani experience


An Omani boy carrying food in the mountain to The Suwgra Inn for guests.

Between the mountainous terrain of Jabal Akhdar lies a hidden gem you can only see after climbing up its rocky stairs. The Suwgra, one of the oldest villages in the region brings that once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Oman. In fact, it is the only true ancient Omani experience in the region. 

The Suwgra lies in Al Hajar mountains, in the heart of Jabal Akhdar. It is an ancient village with a rich past dating back over 500 years. As one of the oldest cliffside settlements in the region, it is perfect for exploring heritage, nature, and the tranquil way of Omani living. 

Get to know how an ancient village was preserved and brought to life by village inhabitants themselves, a commitment of love and respect to the nature in Oman. You’ll see that The Suwgra isn't just a place to stay; it's a special blend of history and nature, offering one-of-its-kind heritage hospitality in Oman.

From the moment you step foot inside, you're embraced by a sense of tranquillity and serenity. The atmosphere is relaxing, quiet, and soulful, inviting you to unwind and lose yourself in the timeless charm of The Suwgra Village. 

ABOUT THE SUWGRA

Jabal Akhdar’s Ancient Village: The Suwgra 

Upon reaching Jabal Akhdar, a wonderful surprise awaits as you climb up the rocky stairs that lead up to The Suwgra Heritage Inn.

Here’s the thing: You could never truly imagine what lies beyond those ancient stairs. They lead up to a magnificent cliff house with traditional terraces overlooking spectacular views of canyons and evergreen valleys. 
Omani man walking up the stairs

A Hidden Gem in Oman

Here’s what makes The Suwgra truly unique: it's operated by a local family deeply rooted in the region. When the village faced decline and the last family left in 2014, and that's when we, Al Sheriqi family, stepped in to revive it. By the end of 2015, its renovation began with two main objectives:
Preserving the village's heritage and restoring its vitality.
Offering visitors an authentic experience of ancient Omani life, unlike any other in the area.


In 2016, things were in motion, transforming The Suwgra into a cherished destination committed to preserving local Omani culture. What started as a small experiment in two rooms blossomed into our special family-run cliffside guesthouse, affectionately known as a heritage inn.

From Roots to Ceilings: The Suwgar Tree

Everything in our village started with a root—the Suwgar tree. This evergreen, aromatic tree was more than just a part of our landscape; it was the very foundation of our ancestors' homes, mainly used for ‘Areesh’, which is a house made from woven palm fronds, secured with palm leaf ropes. Along with juniper, walnut, and  wild olive tree wood, the strong branches of the Suwgar tree provided the timber for building strong ceilings that protected villagers throughout the seasons. 
Thus, our village earned its name, The Suwgra, in honor of this culturally important tree, which came to extinction years later. 

Preserving Authenticity With The Mountains in Oman

Despite the changes, we hold on to The Suwgra's authentic charm. Preserving the village's natural beauty means cherishing its natural surroundings and traditional practices. 
We make sure to use locally-sourced materials and traditional techniques while building, like juniper trees for room ceilings and crafting doors and windows from the wood of wild olive trees. 

Nature follows you indoors, even room tables are crafted from juniper wood. This not only honors tradition but also connects us deeply to our environment. After all, the mountains in Oman provide the best source of furniture. 

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every corner, as they have been constructed using stones and clay from nearby sources. Not to mention, everything built at The Suwgra was in collaboration with locals at Jabal Akhdar, a step further in our sustainability journey of preserving and honoring the village.

One of our proudest milestones is bringing back The Suwgar tree, a symbol of our ancestors' life! By planting it back in the village, we're not just preserving history; we're inviting you to be part of it.

The Suwgra Experience: A Calling for Nature Lovers in Oman

Mountain Views
You’re here. Embraced by mountainous nature, away from city noise. Here, the air is crisp with the scent of juniper trees, and the breeze carries whispers of ancient tales. You'll witness phenomenal canyon views wherever you stand. 
Our terraces offer a vision to the village, and a magical moment at every sunrise and sunset. For all mountain lovers, this is the perfect escape retreat.

Heritage and Adventure in Oman

Oman is filled with culture, heritage, and adventure. This is a fact. But if you want to experience the true ancient Omani lifestyle, we offer it here at The Suwgra like no other in the region. 

There's a carefully preserved traditional architecture is in every corner. Hiking trails are abundant, and each step revealing tales of the past and the unmatched beauty of Jabal Akhdar. In fact, just reaching The Suwgra requires you to climb up its rugged steps, while your luggage is safely transported from one cliffside to another.

Jabal Akhdar offers activities to suit all preferences, from the serenity of rose picking to the thrill of hiking in Oman, or even Arabian nights under the stars. Indulge in authentic Omani cuisine, savoring the flavors of the region crafted to perfection. 

As the day draws to a close, enjoy the privacy and tranquillity of The Suwgra as an aspect of Omani culture, where every room is a sanctuary that allows for intimate storytelling and shared experiences among guests.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.