Luxury Oman Explorer

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

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

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

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

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.