Oman is situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. Muscat is the capital, a captivating ancient walled city that offers a range of natural and cultural sights. Surrounded by mountains and desert and with a history that dates back to antiquity.
It is known for dazzling souks and excellent seafood, the port city is backed by the arid Hajar mountains, meaning you can trek deserts at dawn and overlook the Gulf of Oman at sundown. The range of outstanding restaurants, beautiful beaches, a warm climate and plenty of lavish Omani hospitality add to the appeal.
The BusinessClass.com guide to the best luxury hotels in Oman and Muscat:
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat is spread across two distinct wings: Al Waha or ‘The Oasis’, and Al Bandar known as ‘The Town’. Al Waha is ideal for families, while Al Bandar is the heart of the resort and better suited to leisure. Overlooking 500-metres of coastline, the combined 460 rooms and suites honour authentic Arabian architecture with Omani flair. All have spacious private balconies or patios from which to soak up the stunning views. Chi, The Spa is spread across 12 treatment villas and surrounded by lush gardens. Offering a range of treatments using natural Omani ingredients, it also has a luxurious Turkish hammam.
Meander through the resort along the famed Lazy River, inspired by the centuries-old irrigation system that brought fresh water to remote villages. The resort features a private beach, multiple outdoor pools, a dive centre, sports courts and a marina. Explore the sea’s marine biodiversity, and spend time with the dedicated Turtle Ranger who oversees the resort's turtle nesting sites. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat is part of an impressive three-hotel resort.
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Shangri-La Al Husn, Muscat in the Bay of Barr Al Jissah, is surrounded by the Gulf of Oman and set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. An exclusive clifftop retreat for guests over the age of 16, it brings luxurious experiences that range from relaxing on a secluded private beach to signing privileges at sister property Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah. The 180 guestrooms profess to be among the best in Oman, with décor inspired by royal Arabian palaces and enhanced by authentic Omani artworks. All have a balcony or terrace, marble-clad bathrooms with separate bath and shower, and L’Occitane amenities.
Inspired by the renowned Omani cruise liner, Sultanah restaurant has an original nautical design and serves Mediterranean-inspired food with signature dishes from the region crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Mahhara Beach Bar offers a range of light meals and refreshing drinks. In the evening, the nearby beach cliffs set the scene for the resort’s intimate 'Dine by Design' experience. Wellness facilities include the state-of-the-art fitness centre and Luban Spa. Go dolphin watching, on snorkelling boat trips, or partake in a variety of water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking.
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Al Waha At Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Al Waha is the largest of the three hotels at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and is Oman’s first family hotel. Developed in the traditional Dhofari architectural style, the 262 rooms have spacious private balconies or patios. Decked out in soothing creams and browns that complement the modern style of the rooms, and full bathrooms. The Al Waha lobby lounge is a decadent space with Sultan Palace-inspired arches. There are several restaurants to choose from that offer Mediterranean, Persian, Indian, South American and Turkish favourites. Al Tanoor serves classic Arabian Gulf dishes in a traditional atmosphere under hanging tents and with pottery adding to the charm.
Numerous swimming pools surrounded by palm trees, a children's pool and a splash pad further appeal to families. Oman's only lazy river connects Al Waha to the town of Al Bandar, where more culinary delights await discovery. Escape to the spa, a luxurious hideaway where you can recharge in the hydro pool, steam room, and tropical showers. In the waters beyond the resort, unspoiled reefs reveal moray eels, rays, and countless schools of fish. Al Waha is ideal for families wanting a relaxing seaside retreat in Oman.
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Kempinski Hotel Muscat is an unparalleled beach resort on the northerly coast in Al Mouj, Muscat. Distinctly Middle Eastern, it has a white marble entrance hall and expansive sea facing windows. The 310 rooms and suites all have a desk and a flat-screen television. Generously proportioned, they offer Nespresso machines and great beds. The beuatiful bathrooms are sectioned off with frosted glass and have freestanding baths and walk-in rain showers. Wall-mounted touchscreen panels control the lighting and air-conditioning. Deluxe rooms upwards come with private terraces.
With many places to dine, the hotel has a culinary concierge. The Kitchen offers European and Levantine dishes, as well as pop-up live cooking stations with themes ranging from seafood to international cuisine. Zale Beach Club is ideal for sundowners and salads. Soi Soi serves Thai street food, Bukhara North Indian curry and Amwaj lounge tea and French pastries. Kempinski The Spa is a journey inspired by the European cycle of the seasons and offers treatments that evoke and restore the body’s natural balance. The hotel has everything from a cigar lounge to a bowling alley and entertainment centre. Two swimming pools, a kid's pool and club, tennis court and various water sports activities.
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The Chedi Muscat – a GHM hotel
The Chedi Muscat sits in an elegantly landscaped 9-hectare garden Overlooking the Gulf of Oman. The 162 Omani-influenced luxury guestrooms and villas have views of the gardens or the pristine waters. Deluxe Club and Chedi Club Suites have access to The Club Lounge. The six restaurants and two lounges take guests on a culinary tour, from the Mediterranean and the Middle East to Southeast Asia and India. Designed by renowned Japanese interior designer, Yasuhiro Koichi of Design Studio SPIN, The Restaurant blends clean Asian interiors with classic Omani architectural details.
A 1,500-square-metre relaxation and fitness haven, one of the largest spas in Muscat, embraces eastern philosophy with Balinese rituals and packages based on aromatherapy, Ayurveda and herbalism. Choose from reviving body polishes, nurturing treatments, beauty facials and restorative baths in this wellness sanctuary. Seek out the three swimming pools, including the 103-metre Long Pool too. The onsite boutique sells Omani jewellery and local artworks alongside resort wear and keepsakes.
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Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel offers an appealing blend of old and new, local and global from its seaside position. A landmark in Oman, the 250 renovated guest rooms and suites have expansive windows and private terraces. Their modern design, organic materials and traditional Omani accents invite relaxation. All rooms include a kettle, mini-bar, and a flat-screen TV. Some have a separate seating area. The hotel has three restaurants. Al Khiran Terrace is an all-day dining restaurant overlooking the infinity pool. Beach Pavilion is an elegant beachfront restaurant specialising in seafood. Award-winning China Mood serves authentic Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Spread across three levels within an Arabian fort-inspired structure, Al Bustan Palace Spa offers a distinct wellness experience. The beachfront sanctuary draws from Omani culture with treatment rooms, six hammam rooms, and separate ladies and gentlemen’s relaxation areas that feature infrared saunas, ice fountains and steam rooms. It is also home to the sultanate’s first private ladies-only beach. Kids have access to Ritz Kids, where an engaging program takes them on beach and outdoor adventures, including Al Bustan reef snorkelling and to discover the destination through activities designed around local culture and traditions, such as a henna tutorial, Omani culture workshops, and Arabian story-telling.
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Al Baleed Resort Salalah By Anantara, Oman
Al Baleed Resort Salalah By Anantara is located between a private beach and freshwater lagoon along the south coast of Dhofar. It takes pride in being the first and only luxury resort with pool villas in Salalah. The property’s design mimics that of Oman's coastal forts with the walkways surrounded by tall palms, mature trees, tropical gardens and water features. The 40 Premier and Deluxe rooms each have a balcony and are decorated in neutral tones and dark wooden furniture, with rich traditional fabrics and antique wooden shutters adorning the walls. The large bathrooms have egg-shaped baths, large windows and amenities from luxury brand, Amouage. The 96 villas are a treat with their private pools. The best of all is the Beach Pool Villas, with steps leading straight onto the beach and to the cabanas.
Discover the resort’s passion for local ingredients harvested from nearby plantations in their many restaurants that range from Middle Eastern fare to Asian specialities influenced by the countries along the Mekong River. At the Anantara Spa, indulge in ancient spa rituals by highly skilled therapists. Bike hire and car hire are available and nearby attractions include Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense.
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Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is all about its location at 2,000 metres above sea level on the Saiq Plateau of the Green Mountain, an area famous for its damask roses. Known as the highest five-star resort in the middle east, it hugs the rim of a great canyon and is only accessible by 4WD, making it a haven for the more daring traveller. The low-rise buildings are connected by narrow waterways inspired by traditional irrigation channels. The hotel has 82 canyon-view rooms, 33 private pool villas and two-storey Royal Villas with private pools and dedicated hosts. All rooms are styled in warm natural tones with decorative latticework, walk-in dressing rooms and bathrooms with separate rain showers and baths.
There are six dining venues to choose from including a shisha bar. Al Qalaa serves Arabian-style fine dining, Bella Vista is Italian, and Al Maisan has an international menu and a generous breakfast buffet. The Al Baha café deli is situated in the open-air courtyard. A cliff-edge infinity pool, state-of-the-art Fitness Centre and tennis court are available. The Anantara Spa is complete with a Hammam and separate male and female indoor swimming pools. The kids’ club offers fun-filled activities for all ages, with other activities from hiking, cultural tours, mountain climbing and mountain biking.
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Zighy Bay – Six Senses is blissfully secluded barefoot luxury at its best. Set in Oman’s dramatic Musandam Peninsula, the village-inspired resort offers a range of villas and suites built of natural stone and timber. The Omani-style accommodations offer cool interiors with a colourfully cushioned living area and comfortable beds with organic bedding. The villas each have a private pool, outdoor shower and butler service.
The hotel’s five restaurants and bars include Sense on the Edge, a signature mountaintop restaurant, and Shua Shack for authentic Bedouin dining. Summer House is the spot for a crisp lunch or refreshing drink. Spice Market offers delicacies of Arabic origins. Chaica’s Club runs activities for children, including art workshops and pizza making. Zighy bar offers a relaxed space to chill or enjoy some tapas with a glass of wine from the well-stocked cellar. Relax on the terrace overlooking the pool, and try the homemade ice creams and sorbets. There’s a fabulous spa Six Senses Spa with two Arabic-style hammams, an ice cave, a treatment menu, outdoor sunrise yoga, an indoor gym and outdoor workouts in the jungle gym. This is alongside activities such as snorkelling, diving, yoga, trekking and biking.
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At W Muscat, sculptor Pongsatat Uaiklang’s 10-metre-tall steel frankincense tree greets you on arrival. Situated in the upbeat Shatti Al Qurum beachfront area, it offers insider access to the city. All 279 rooms come with balconies overlooking the Gulf. Art Deco details and bold patterns come together with Arabian motifs. Minibars are stocked with cocktail-making kits and wardrobes have fabric-lined interiors. The goose-down duvet and 300-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets are a treat. Bathrooms have twin sinks, a bath and walk-in shower, with indulgent toiletries.
The five restaurants include Char with its wraparound terrace and dining room that resembles Omani dhows. Dine in style at Harvest where the emphasis is on the healthy, sustainable fair. For drinks, there’s a lobby cocktail bar Living Room and an indoor-outdoor rooftop Siddharta Lounge By Buddha-Bar, which crowns the hotel with an infinity pool and swim-up bar. Morning yoga sessions and fitness are part of the brand identity. AWAY Spa offers treatments using the latest skin science. There’s a well-stocked gym and WET Deck with cabanas. The InterContinental Muscat and Royal Opera House Muscat are an easy stroll away and home to good restaurants and bars.
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