My first time to Oman, and good friend THE LADY BANKER informed me that the only real choice for one’s first time to Muscat is Al Bustan Palace. And having returned from the trip, I fully agree. I would go back to Al Bustan Palace anytime, though I wouldn’t mind trying a few other of the area hotels as well… vive la variete !
It is a spectacular property, though it feels a bit dated around the edges. It is a huge hotel, and feels very much like a palace. The entry hall is a magnificent place to wait to meet up with someone. My room was quite nice with a view of the Gardens, and appeared to have all the original tile work in the bathroom, very lovely in that “Old School Grand” kinda way. The outdoor areas are private and they have a huge beachfront. All the makings for a great vacation getaway when the weather cooperates, and the weather in January was perfect.
I hate buffets as a rule, but the buffet breakfast was excellent, and had a huge variety of breakfast cuisine and fresh fruits. A great part of hotel package. Dinner and lunch were not without a few mishaps and not as well prepared as the buffet, and that was where the biggest lacking for my stay was, but they did make it up on my last night with a lovely card and a great meal from the grill. Perhaps they should consider adding something more Middle Eastern, the Western Fare was just not that spectacular.
But I do look forward to returning to Muscat, Oman, and Al Bustan Palace. It is now my favorite place in the Gulf Region. I really don’t want to waste my time any more in those zero culture fabrications Dubai or Doha… I have found a truly wonderful place to go in the Gulf Region.
THE LADY BANKER reports:
The Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Oman
The Al Bustan Palace officially opened in 1985, on the occasion of the first GCC Summit to take place in the Sultanate of Oman. It was designed with six floors in the main building for each head of State and their entourage. The hotel still caters for the GCC Summit every 6 years and is closed for the Head of States and their delegation during that period when Sultan Qaboos and all the Kings and Sheikhs meet.
After the GCC conference Intercontinental Hotels took over the management of the hotel and this was their flagship hotel in the Middle East for many years. The hotel achieved award after award Year after Year and many of the Omanis working in hotels in Oman were originally trained at the Al Bustan. Over the last 30 years, it has set the standard for luxury hospitality in Oman and helped transform Muscat into the must-see destination it is today.
In 2011 after a two year extensive refurbishment the hotel was reopened under the umbrella of Ritz Carlton umbrella and has been managed by them since then.
The Al Bustan has many outstanding features including over 200 acres of lush, landscaped gardens and the longest private beach in the Sultanate of Oman. The hotel has 250 rooms and suites, including eight Presidential suites. All rooms and suites feature private balconies with views of the Sea of Oman, or the Hajjar mountains.
The Al Bustan has the largest ballroom in Oman, the Majan ballroom which is a well-known ballroom to host weddings and other events and means at times the hotel may be utilised for conferences and other events.
For dining there are six different outlets including the China Mood restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine, the signature restaurant Beach Pavilion serving the freshest fish and seafood, Al Khiran Terrace which is an all-day, indoor/outdoor-dining restaurant serving buffet style food overlooking the Sea of Oman, the Atrium Tea lounge which is in the lobby and another lounge is Al Marjan lounge. The last outlet is the BLU beach and pool restaurant serving snacks and pool food. Many of these restaurants can be closed during quiet periods and especially during Ramadan so it’s best to check before travel !
The Al Bustan also had a state of the art spa called Six Senses Spa which is artfully built into the surrounding landscape of towering stone and rock cliffs of the Haijar Mountains and follows the natural progression of the wadi (valley).
Reflective of traditional Omani design, the luxury spa in Muscat beautifully complements the hotel and features domed ceilings, elegant arched walkways and columns, falaj (water channels) reflecting pools and natural stone walls and floors.
Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace is the second in the Sultanate and presents a wide ranging menu of treatments that are locally inspired and treatments by local experts. Measuring 33,000 square feet, the spa is housed on three levels – similar to an ancient Arabian fort, featuring three areas: separate men’s and women’s areas and ladies only private club, pool and beach. The luxury spa features 17 treatment rooms including 6 hammam rooms, saunas, infrared saunas, ice fountain (members’ only), steam rooms, a fitness area, yoga studio, as well as a healthy juice bar, gallery shop, ladies majlis, library and relaxation area.
HOTEL CHAIN: Ritz-Carlton / Marriott Hotels
TIME OF STAY: January 2017
HOW MANY NIGHTS: 4
ROOM BOOKED: Deluxe Garden View
COST – RETAIL: $320.00 USD per night
LOYALTY PROGRAM: Ritz-Carlton / Marriott
SPECIAL PACKAGE: Rewards Member Bed and Breakfast
FINAL VERDICT (WOULD I GO BACK): Yes
Click the image above for the Al Bustan Palace gallery
More Information & Booking Marriott Hotels
THE LADY BANKER
Agree totally ! It needs a revamp and I believe Sultan Qaboos and Emiri palace are going to do this. On the food they definitely need a high quality Arabic restaurant !