Whether a stay in Muscat is just a jumping off point to explore the rest of Oman, or you're here for a longer beach break, it's important to choose your accommodation in Muscat wisely. Luckily, that's where we come in. Here are just a couple of our favourite luxury hotels in Muscat... (although there's plenty more where those came from if they don't quite float your boat)
Al Bustan Palace
The luxurious Al Bustan Palace has the most comprehensive facilities in the region, including over half a mile of sandy beach and 200 acres of tropical gardens dotted with palm trees.
Accommodation at the resort is in sleek and stylish bedrooms which perfectly mix contemporary style with the traditional grandeur of Muscat. All of the rooms have lovely views of either the mountains, ocean or lagoon pool and the Lagoon Rooms also have direct access into one of the lagoon swimming pools.
The hotel's four restaurants offer Asian, French, Italian, and Chinese cuisine, with indoor and outdoor dining, and authentic Omani food is also served in a Bedouin village setting. There is also a pool bar and a piano bar in the evenings.
Water based activities on offer at the hotel include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving. Boat charters and dolphin-watching trips can also be arranged. On land, facilities include four tennis courts, a mini golf and putting green, four large outdoor pools (including an infinity pool overlooking the beach and Indian Ocean) and a fantastic Six Senses spa with 17 treatment suites.
Children are well catered for with a separate kids' pool, a dedicated Ritz Kids programme of activities, a playground with zipline, and even the offering of traditional Arabic bedtime stories.
Why We Love It
Nestled on the coast just outside Muscat, Al Bustan Palace has a beautiful location, occupying its own private bay overlooking the Gulf of Oman, with dramatic mountains as a backdrop.
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
Situated just outside of Muscat, the Al Bandar and Al Waha hotels make up the luxurious Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah resort which overlooks a private bay, with rugged mountains to the rear.
A choice of nine restaurants and six poolside bars or cafes offer a variety of cuisines from around the world. Of particular note are the Italian dishes at Capri Court, the beautiful outdoor dining terrace at Tapas & Sablah and the show kitchens at Samba.
Activities include a full range of water sports, and there is a Dive Centre offering scuba diving instruction. Dolphin and whale-watching trips in the Gulf of Oman are also available for those wanting to venture further afield. At the resort itself there are two private sandy beaches, three swimming pools and a 'Lazy River' that winds between the two hotels. Four tennis courts, the luxurious CHI spa, a mini-golf course and a gym complete the range of facilities.
There are also superb family facilities which include child-friendly meals at the Surf Café, a Little Turtles Kids Club, and a Teens Club offering activities such as beach volleyball and beach football.
Why We Love It
Since the resort is split into two hotels it can perfectly cater for both families and couples, with plenty of areas for both to hide away in.