The Best Luxury Resorts in Oman

Sitting in a prime position overlooking the Gulf of Oman, this sprawling property is an oasis of luxury in the country’s capital. The 162 elegant Omani villas, each with plush beds and elegant artwork, allow you to admire the surrounding lush scenery from private patios. 

What makes The Chedi Muscat one of the best luxury hotels in Oman is its six restaurants, enabling you to savour traditional Middle Eastern cuisine alongside delectable Asian dishes and fresh Italian pastas. Its Balinese spa is a place to relax with treatments steeped in ancient traditions from Indonesia, Thailand, India and Tibet, or cool off in one of the three swimming pools.

Jumeirah Muscat Bay has a fantastic location on the edge of the sparkling Arabian sea, with the Al Hajar mountains towering behind, for a feeling of complete privacy. Inspired by the surrounding rugged landscape, the rooms here are complemented by the craftsmanship of artisans from the area, which contribute to its modern Arabic flair. 

The true highlight of this property, however, is the private beach. Here you can bask in the sun as the sea waves lap against the soft yellow sands, savour the fruits of the ocean at beachfront restaurant Zuka or sail along the coast in an exploration of Oman at your pace.

Tucked between the sea and the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains, Al Bustan Palace is the ideal place to experience the beauty of Oman. Complete with a blend of Art Deco features and Arabic design along with Omani artworks, this hotel intertwines ancient tradition with modern facilities, making it one of the best luxury hotels in Muscat.  

Al Bustan Palace is also a wellness retreat, its spa spectacularly positioned on the property’s private beach front. The spa offers a distinct experience, using Omani inspiration in both its design and its treatments, which feature locally sourced ingredients. Relax in a hammam room or sauna, or even take part in a peaceful yoga session on the sands of the beach.

Set atop the limestone Jabal Akhdar and overlooking a vast, rocky canyon in the Hajar Mountains, Anantara Jabal Akhdar is home to some of the most spectacular views in Oman. This property hosts several experiences centred around its views, such as dining on a canyon-edge platform, or enjoying a cup of fresh Omani coffee from atop one of the towering mountains. 

Visit between March and mid-May to experience the stunning wonder of the Damask roses blooming on the mountain slopes surrounding Anantara Jabal Akhdar. Admire the pink haze blanketing the mountains, before visiting a distillery to see how traditional rose water is made.

Alila Jabal Akhdar is a cliff-top haven inspired by the ancient fortresses that once protected its mountains. Using traditional wooden rafters and Arabic motifs, it blends traditional architecture with modern luxury. The 78 bedrooms and suites are accented with Omani art and crafts and, positioned 2,000 metres above the sea – the views are absolutely breathtaking. 

Connecting to the surrounding land and community is at the heart of this property. When you stay here you can engage with local customs and culture, explore local villages or head into the ancient nearby city of Nizwa. The hotel’s restaurants also showcase the produce picked from the mountains; enjoy dishes sweetened with the pomegranates and apricots that grow in the Mediterranean-like climate.

Fringed by the azure ocean, Six Senses Zighy Bay blends seamlessly with its surroundings: natural stone and wood were used to craft its structures and reflect the natural features of the landscape. The spa embraces local healing traditions with Arabic-style hammams and an ice cave. We highly recommend treating your body and soul to morning yoga under the glow of the sunrise. 

With its enviable, remote location the Six Senses Zighy Bay is a natural playground that offers a multitude of outdoors experiences. Embark on a cultural journey with local Omani women as they show you their way of life, dive into the Gulf of Oman to spot a turtle and then enjoy a voyage along the rugged Musandam Peninsula.

Set in the heart of Oman’s protected turtle reserve, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve allows you to stay close to the region’s most famous reptiles in their natural habitat. Enjoy ocean-views from your spacious tent before heading out to spot the turtles, which could include Loggerheads, Leatherbacks, Olive Ridleys and Hawksbills. 

These nightly excursions to see the nesting creatures are led by highly knowledgeable guides who will be able to tell you about the region’s landscapes and other wildlife inhabitants.The reserve itself is focused on positive impact and dedicated to protecting the turtles and their fascinating nesting process, making a stay at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve a highlight of any trip to Oman.

Only a few hours from Oman’s capital but seemingly worlds away from the buzz of city-life, Desert Nights Camp within the Omani desert promises evenings of seclusion under the starry skies. Hidden amongst the rolling dunes of Wahiba Sands, this camp offers a luxury stay with private terraces and plunge pools that are perfect for cooling off from the desert heat. 

Its remote location makes Desert Nights Camp the ideal base for explorations into the endless sands. Spend your days adventuring on the dunes in a 4×4 or try your hand at sandboarding. If slower-paced experiences are more for you, the nearby villages and souks are waiting to be explored, with the shimmering waters of Wadi Bani Khalid not far beyond them.

For traditional Arabic hospitality at its best, look no further than Roaming Camp in the Wahiba Sands. From the moment you enter this village of Bedouin-style tents, you’ll be inundated with sweet tea and dates galore. Evenings are magical here: watch as the light from the camp’s oil lamps flicker as you dine on a traditional Omani dinner, your only other light source the array of twinkling stars above. 

With sand dunes of up to ten metres high, this camp is an oasis of seclusion. There are no roads through this desert, which sits south of Muscat, so your journey here is all part of the adventure. Once you arrive, it will just be you, the camp and the undulating landscape of burnt orange sand.

Alila Hinu Bay is one of the best luxury hotels in Oman, with its secluded location on the shores of the southwest coast cementing it as a tranquil retreat. Restore balance to your wellbeing in the frankincense-filled halls of the spa with a custom treatment, take part in yoga and meditation classes or enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool. 

The spa isn’t the only striking thing here: Alila Hinu Bay also offers signature experiences, such as private desert dining and local explorations of ancient fishing villages. The serene vibe continues with tailored hiking trails around the picturesque Wadi Darbat, where you can also enjoy a picnic of Omani cuisine. 

The idyllic Anantara Al Baleed is an oasis of calm, encircled by the Arabian sea and a freshwater lagoon within Salalah. The resort’s modern architecture echoes the design of the ancient fortresses that once protected the coastal communities here, whilst outside the garden walkways are flush with waving palms and calming water features. 

If you like a touch of adventure in your paradise, then Anantara Al Baleed can cater to that too. This luxurious Oman resort offers a host of water experiences, such as cruising aboard a traditional Dhow boat as the sun sinks below the water, exploring the stunning waterfalls during Khareef (during the monsoon season,June to September) or sailing across the clear blue in pursuit of dolphins and sea turtles.