Muscat, Oman: 5 Best Luxury Stays Discovering Hidden Beauty Of The Laid-Back Capital
For centuries, Muscat was known to Indian Ocean mariners as a gateway to Oman's raw, rugged beauty, limestone massifs, formidable castles and wind-sculpted deserts - but travelers have long overlooked this charming city tucked into the Hajar Mountains. But this is set to change, with a crop of new resorts arriving in the sultanate's laid-back capital, earning its rightful spot on our list of 5 best luxury stays in Muscat, Oman. These stays are generating travel industry to boost up and discover this hidden gem of Oman.
Oman is a country in middle east, which remained a secret for quite a long time. It's capital city Muscat has a history as a trading port which is now known to travelers from around the world. This increasingly popular destination has these beautiful stays giving a charm of Omani inspired living to the guests.
1. St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort
Best for: Bespoke dining destination
An oasis of elegance gracing the pristine Omani shoreline. Stretching along a 360 meter beachfront, the esteemed St. Regis brand graces the shores of Omans Sultanate, promising an unparalleled hotel experience. Establishing itself as the pinnacle of Muscats accommodations the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort boasts 250 guest rooms and suites that offer captivating views of both the beachfront and the golf course. A plethora of leisure amenities enriches the guest journey, featuring exquisitely situated swimming pool, a secluded sandy beach spanning 360 meters, an adjacent award-winning Golf Club, a luxurious Guerlain spa, and a collection of nine signature dining establishments that pave the way for an exquisite culinary experience. For a diverse range of gatherings and events, the St. Regis Grand Ballroom, spanning 1350 sq.mt. provides state-of-the-art facilities. Divisible into three sections and flooded with natural daylight, it stands as an ideal venue for meeting planners. Six additional nearby meeting rooms offer the perfect canvas for various MICE events.
Project: St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort
2. The Chedi Muscat
Best for: Arabesque and Asian Motifs
The 160 rooms are designed like traditional Omani houses, amid reflecting pools and fountain courtyards, and a maze of topiary and paved walkways...an inspiration French architect Jean-Michel Gathy had after spending months exploring the traditional architecture around the country. The result was a masterpiece, distinctly Omani but resolutely modern. Like the rooms with their wood-louvered windows and black-stone floors, but beige and white textiles create a profound sense of Asian Zen. The rooms are also all low-rise buildings accentuated by their symmetrical simplicity. In the common areas, this chic design is replaced by something more dramatic, like the hundreds of Moroccan lanterns in the lobby and the mashrabiya panels in the gym that conceal the machines. On the gastronomy front, the hotel is home to 6 restaurants and 2 lounges, of which The Restaurant by renowned Japanese interior designer Yasuhiro Koichi is a place of curved Omani arches and crystal chandeliers. In the evening, couches surrounding the Long Pool also transform into an open-air lounge for cocktails and small bites under the stars.
Project: The Chedi Muscat
3. Shangri-La Al Husn
Best for: An adult's only sanctuary
Perched high above the shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, Shangri-La Al Husn is an adults-only clifftop sanctuary. Our private beach and cove, dramatic infinity pool and breathtaking views provide the perfect backdrops for a serene seaside escape. Enjoy a wide range of exclusive complimentary perks and immersive experiences, as well as a welcome that’s as warm as the Omani sunshine. Staying at Shangri-La Al Husn is like being in your own private clifftop castle. The resort’s dramatic Omani architecture and spectacular natural setting provide the perfect backdrops for relaxation and adventure. From lounging on the secluded private beach to discovering the rich traditions of Oman, this is a place with a wealth of luxurious and immersive experiences available to guests aged 16 and over.
Project: Shangri-La Al Husn
4. Jumeirah Muscat Bay
Best for: Wellness and cultural programming
Muscat Bay is a destination of extraordinary variety, inviting shores, inspiring mountains and a historic city at one destination. Melding adventure and wellbeing, the hotel encourages the nature connection, immersed in the mesmerizing landscapes. The hotel provides spectacular sea views from every room, suite, and villa, while elegant interiors are led by the craftsmanship of local artisans. Jumeirah Muscat Bay encapsulates a modern Arabian style, inspired by Oman's majestic landscapes. The hotel consist the collection of sublime restaurants with sweeping views and thoughtfully crafted dining experiences to suit all tastes. The hotel is also upfront in the world of wellness and relaxation. It provides opportunity to discover new ways to rejuvenate mind and body with signature treatments and breathtaking vistas.
Project: Jumeirah Muscat Bay
5. Mandarin Oriental, Muscat
Best for: A beachfront gem experience
Mandarin Oriental, Muscat is a beautiful beachfront gem nestled where the city's rich culture meets the glistening Arabian sea. The charming resort captures Muscat at heart by its architecture and design. Inspired by the captivating seaside setting, the rooms and suites here are designed to celebrate Omani craftsmanship, seamlessly blending contemporary design and comfort with understated luxury. The rooms are decorated with Omani inspired art and furnishing, while subtle tones are complemented by colorful accents to bring sophistication and warmth. The elegant furnishing, lamps and plush rugs with intricate motifs are all examples of Oman designs. The rooms overlook the majestic Hajar Mountains featuring balconies to capture the views. The five distinct dining venues comprising restaurants, lounges and a bar showcase's the hotel's renowned culinary expertise. Treating guests to some of the most inviting and diverse flavors from around the world in one place.
Project: Mandarin Oriental - Muscat
Muscat, Oman promises the perfect starting point for exploring what rest of the sultanate offers. From the stark and staggering beauty of its deserts and limestone massifs, to its lengthy unspoilt coastline, jewel-like wadis, wild swimming spots, fortresses and oases, the country is waiting to be enjoyed along stretches of road-trip perfect roads, both sweeping down the coast and curling up through picturesque villages in the Hajjar mountains.
Text: Vibhuti Sorathia
Photographs: St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort | The Chedi Muscat | Shangri-La Al Husn | Jumeirah Muscat Bay | Mandarin Oriental - Muscat
Source: Condé Nast Traveller
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