An Extended Oman Adventure

Overview

Settings rarely get more spectacular than at Jumeirah Muscat Bay: a glittering Arabian Sea stretches out ahead of the property, which has 206 rooms each with their own view of the ocean, while the rugged Al Hajar mountains rise up behind the hotel, creating a sense of total privacy in this little corner of the Omani coastline. 

Your room, whether a private summerhouse with its own pool or a deluxe bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows for admiring that enchanting ocean, will provide a calm space for relaxation, while the property’s three pools are a refreshing place to get active. The highlight here, though, is the private beach: soft yellow sands lapped by the calm waters of the Arabian Sea are a tempting prospect. 

Savour the fruits of the ocean at the beachfront restaurant, Zuka, or spend cosy nights sipping cocktails in the intimate Anzo bar, where the views are just as good as the mixologists’ creations. Indulge in a hammam treatment at the Talise Spa, or play a game of tennis on the outdoor courts. 

Overview

Traditional Arabic design meets contemporary chic at the Chedi Muscat. Sitting in prime position overlooking the Gulf of Oman, this sprawling property is an oasis of luxury in the country’s capital. Across 21 acres of lush lawns and bristling palms you’ll find 162 elegant Omani villas, each blessed with plush beds, unique artworks and views of the surrounding greenery to be enjoyed from your private patio. 

Dining here is a real treat, with six distinctive restaurants to choose from, each in its own refined setting from poolside seating to a beachfront bistro, serving everything from traditional Middle Eastern platters to delicately flavoured Asian dishes and fresh Italian pastas. The Balinese spa offers treatments steeped in ancient traditions from Indonesia, Thailand, India and Tibet, and the three swimming pools are an idyllic place to cool off in the Omani heat. This award-winning property is an exceptional retreat by the ocean, with the sights and sounds of Muscat right on its doorstep.

Overview

Tucked up against the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and fringed by an azure ocean, Al Bustan Palace enjoys a spectacular location on the Muscat Bay coast. This 250-bedroom hotel sits within a haven of swishing palms and verdant lawns, characterised by a unique blend of Art Deco features and local Arabic design. 

Regal bedrooms feature Omani artworks and sublime views of the surrounding seas and greenery, while beyond the main hotel building lies a private beach. Spend afternoons languishing on loungers, or get out onto the ocean with a choice of thrilling watersports activities. For something more sedate, book into the beachfront spa, which embraces Arabic rituals and tradition to help you truly relax with the sounds of the ocean as your guide. 

Local and global influence make dining here an exciting experience: unique afternoon teas can be had beneath a 38-metre-high atrium, breakfast buffets are a feast by the beach, and local seafood is the star at the premium Pavilion restaurant. Even the youngest travellers are well served, with personalised fun and experiences available for families, too.

Overview

Set atop the limestone Jabal Akhdar and overlooking a vast, rocky canyon in the Hajar Mountains, this resort has some of the finest views in all of Oman. Every one of its 115 bedrooms looks out over the chasms below, with balconies made for lounging to soak up the mountain scenery. Bathrooms offer your own private spa, with bathtubs surrounded by marble, rainfall showers and double sinks, but for a really relaxing experience make use of the hammam suite and locally-made rose water products in the wellness centre. 

There’s all-day dining that makes the most of the mountain views, a courtyard cafe, a cosy shisha bar and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant right on the cusp of the canyon. But for a truly special experience, there are tailor-made private dining experiences for every occasion. Sustainability is key here, as the property blends in naturally with its rocky surroundings, and they prioritise thoughtful policies around sourcing and single-use plastics, meaning your experience has the lowest impact possible. 

Overview

This cliff-top resort is a haven like no other: inspired by the ancient fortresses that once protected these mountains, using traditional wooden rafters and doors and Arabic motifs, it blends historic architecture with modern luxury. Set 2,000 metres above the sea, breathtaking views abound from its 78 bedrooms and suites, each of which are accented with traditional Omani art and crafts.

Connection with the surrounding land and community is at the heart of this property, with rainwater collection for watering its lush kitchen gardens, to a sophisticated filtration system for drinking water, eliminating the need for single-use plastic. Here, you can engage with local customs and culture, exploring local villages or getting your thrills while trying the mountains’ adventure sports. 

Arabic-inspired cuisine is on the menu here, with fresh, seasonal and local produce at the heart of every meal, and you can opt to indulge under the stars or above the cliffs with various private dining options. 

Overview

Ensconced by the Arabian Sea on one side and a freshwater lagoon on the other, Al Baleed is an oasis of calm on the southwest Omani coastline. The resort’s modern architecture is lightly influenced by the ancient fortresses that protected the coastal communities here, while inside you’ll find pleasingly contemporary design, with marbled bathrooms and fresh, minimalist decor. 

Bedrooms have balconies or private terraces for soaking up the sunshine and sea soundscape, and the Pool Villas enjoy their own plunge pools overlooking the sparkling lagoon. The true highlight here, though, is the 250-metre-long white-sand beach, which is entirely for the private use of resort guests. 

When it comes to dinnertime, there’s Mediterranean inspired cuisine, all-day buffet dining or sensational Asian dishes served right by the water, and long evenings can be spent in the cosy Dakar Jazz Lounge where you can order exceptional cocktails and fine wines. 

Overview

Sitting on the southwest coast of Oman where brilliant white-sand beaches are lapped by the soft waves of the Arabian Sea, Alila Hinu Bay has an enviable position. Relax by the perfectly still pool or choose a lounger on the beach where nearby fishing boats bob in the crystalline waters. 

Alila’s architecture is striking: minimalist and modern but with Arabic influence, you’ll find perfectly-curved archways alongside crisp lines and clean, neutral colours which complement the desert landscape around you. Inside its 112 bedrooms, soft gowns and deep tubs add personal luxury, and outside are views of the rugged rocks or dreamy Arabian sea. 

Unique experiences abound at this hotel, with private desert dining and local explorations of ancient fishing villages, markets and the lofty heights of Jabal Samhan. For those seeking a little more serenity, head to the frankincense-filled halls of the spa, where treatments are tailored to your needs and local ingredients offer healing properties.