Oman was named one of the top travel destinations of 2015 by Travel + Leisure. Experiencing Oman is like transporting yourself into a scene of Arabian Nights, the women are adorned in silk and jewels and the streets smell of frankincense. With two Anantara properties, a Radisson Blu, an Alila resort in the mountains, and a Kempinski on the way, there will an abundance of luxurious accommodations options that are sure to draw you to the beautiful Oman coastline.
The Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, Oman is our pick for this weeks dreamy destination. It is a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, so the traditional luxury is guaranteed, with the typical extravagant Middle-Eastern twist. We know Oman seems like a far-fetched destination, but when you take one look at this property, you will be calling us to book you on the next flight out.
With 198 guest rooms and 52 luxury suites, and walls covered in Arab art and decoration, you will find yourself immersed in local culture, while still inside the walls of a hotel you love and trust. Oman culture has a tradition of offering coffee anytime a guest is welcomed into a home. Upon arrival at the Al Bustan Palace, the “coffee man” (the cultural host for the hotel) will greet you with their famous gesture. The Al Bustan Palace is not only a place to sleep and eat in luxurious elegance, but also to immerse yourself into the fascinating Middle Eastern culture.
Elegance spills over the top at the Al Bustan Palace. Famous for its magical 38-meter-high domed lobby/entry way, the property is home to its very own, and the longest white-sand beach in the country, five outdoor pools, including a 50-meter long infinity pool. It sits right in front of the Sea of Oman and its backyard are the Al Hajar Mountains.
Spend your days on the sparkling sea sailing, kayaking and snorkeling, or allow yourself some perfect contentment on a chaise lounge all day long. With three onsite restaurants and two bars, there is no need to worry about going hungry. Even better, though, is that the restaurants serve up both international and local flavors.
Calming hues of blue and green highlight their guest rooms that reveal Sea of Oman and mountain views from private balconies. For standard rooms they are remarkably spacious and the Al Bustan Lagoon Room beats out the rest. The highlight of accommodation is their suites. If you have enough Omani rials to shell out, I would recommend staying in Presidential Sea View Suite, it’s like stayin in your own Omani palace.
Dine at the Beach Pavilion and you will find yourself directly on the sand in front of one of the most scenic views in all of Oman. Request a private cabana for a romantic occasion and seaside treat. Also try China Mood, which serves the most authentic Chinese cuisine in all of Oman. The tea sommelier will surprise you with his acrobatic pouring skills.
Only setback is the lack of a full spa. If that is a game changer for your trip, try the Six Senses Zighy Bay on the other side of the country for a small wellness retreat. Either option, however, will show you the very best Oman has to offer.
Photographs courtesy of the property.