With its gleaming bay fronting the Gulf of Oman in the north and set against the dramatic Western Al Hajar mountain landscape towards the south, Oman’s capital of Muscat is a port city like no other in the Middle East. The concave shorefront peering out across the water creates an image reminiscent of the French Riviera, whilst the old town’s imposing mosques, narrow winding streets and centuries-old souqs offer a reminder of the city’s long Islamic history.
Muscat is also is city of contrasts, with an ever-expanding Central Business District and lively port area forming two of the main driving forces behind the country’s emerging economy. Although overlooked by many as a mere gateway to enter the country, Muscat deserves more time, with a sturdy list of cultural and historic sites providing ample reason to stay for that little bit longer.
central Muscat
Size: 158 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary / Zen
Year Opened: 2003
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2019
Designer/Architect: Jean-Michel Gathy
Still, the premier property in Muscat.
The most luxurious rooms at The Chedi Muscat are the Chedi Club Suites, each with a spacious bedroom, seating area overlooking serene gardens, sunken terrazzo bathtub, buffet breakfast served at The Restaurant, and cocktails and canapés served at The Club Lounge. Omani architecture meets sleek minimalism, thanks to the designs of Jean-Michel Gathy. Equally stunning are the views encompassing the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains. Stroll the private shoreline; take a dip in the The Chedi Pool, The Serai Pool, and The Long Pool. There is also a spa, a fitness center, complimentary yoga and Pilates classes, and six dining venues.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY LEADING HOTELS PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Bandar Jissah / Muscat
Size: 180 rooms and suites
Style: Indigenous / Zen
Year Opened: 2005
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2017
Guest can enjoy daily afternoon tea, aperitif hour and a gourmet mini-bar with select items offered at no cost
Offering a majestic overlook of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, Shangri-La Al Husn is an exclusive clifftop retreat in Muscat. Guests can indulge in a wealth of luxurious experiences, from relaxing on a secluded private beach to afternoon tea and aperitif hour inclusive of their stay, bespoke Dine by Design concepts and signing privileges at sister property Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah. To maintain a tranquil atmosphere, Al Husn is exclusively for guests over the age of 16. 180 rooms and suites, all with a balcony or terrace 100-metre private beach cove and iconic infinity pool.
next door to sister-property, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
I AM A SHANGRI-LA PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Muscat Bay
Size: 195 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary / Zen
Year Opened: 2021
Take advantage of Jumeirah’s waterfront location with everything from seaside yoga classes to standup-paddleboard rentals.
Get away to Jumeirah Muscat Bay, idyllically set between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea. Inside this tranquil retreat, you’ll find 195 spacious rooms and suites with water views (some also have private pools and butler service) and five distinct dining venues, including a rooftop restaurant and beachfront eatery. There’s also a high-end spa with signature treatments, a palm-fringed outdoor pool, and miles of hiking and biking trails just outside your front door.
I AM A JUMEIRAH PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Al Bustan beach / Muscat
Size: 250 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 1985
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2019
For decades the only great hotel in Muscat.
Meticulously designed for comfort and convenience, our hotel’s 250 charming guest rooms and suites have been uniquely appointed to reflect both local and art deco influences. Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, features magnificent mountain, sea or garden views from each of its luxurious rooms and suites. Our resort is the ideal location for travelers seeking both business and leisure alike. Whether your interests lie in exploring the rich history of our Sultanate, lounging on the beach and indulging in an array of water sports or treating yourself to the divine dishes at one of our five on-site restaurants and bars, our resort’s experiences are designed to create life-long memories.
PART OF MY MARRIOTT STARS PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
VOYAGE TO OMAN
Duration: 7 Days
Interests: Heritage
Destinations: Roundtrip adventure from Muscat
With its rich and varied culture, pristine landscapes, and unspoiled coastline, Oman is part of the select group of destinations that combine all the elements of a well-paced journey. Here, one can discover one of the most beautiful deserts in the Middle East at the edge of Wahiba Sands, crystal-clear beaches surrounded by mountains, natural pools nestled in the wadis, and some of the most evocative souks from the Arabian Nights…
This itinerary is an example. All trips are 100% bespoke.
► My Virtuoso Muscat Oman Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Muscat Oman Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Muscat Oman.
Sultanate of Oman
General Information & Visa and Entry Requirements
or leave a comment below
page updated: July 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Oman Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being published.
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