The Lux Traveller

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel In Muscat, Oman

By Marina Noble

Categories: Beach Getaways, Family-friendly, Hotels & Resorts, Lux Picks

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Service

Generosity & Value

Rooms

Wow/Hip Factor

Food & Beverage

Facilities

Ambience

Location

Attention to Detail

Fit To Promise

Destination

Al Bustan Palace hotel is in an incredible location – Muscat, Oman. This place has won me over in a matter of days. The palace is nestled between the sea and the mountains in a private bay so beautiful, that it seems like you are in the middle of a movie set.

Al Bustan is only 30 minutes away from Muscat International Airport. Many European cities have direct flights to Muscat, alternatively you could connect to Muscat from anywhere in the world with Qatar Airways or Emirates. Muscat is a very new and easy going airport with friendly service. Most nationalities require a Visa on arrival, at a small fee of approximately USD $20 per person. The Palace arranges an airport transfer on request, otherwise taxis are clean and friendly and the ride to the hotel will set you back around 40 OMR ($120 USD). Oman is not a cheap destination with a very strong currency – Omani rial.

The weather in Oman is very similar to Dubai, with the best time to visit being between February and April and October to December. Summers get very hot, can easily get to 50C, while winters are very pleasant, but not hot enough for the beach.

Arriving at Al Bustan Palace is an experience in itself – when you enter the hotel with its soaring ceilings with crystal chandeliers you feel like you enter into 1001 Nights. This is by no means an ordinary hotel, but a masterpiece of Middle Eastern architecture and a true symbol of the local culture.

Accommodation

Al Bustan Palace has re-opened only six months ago in October 2018 after an extensive renovation. It now offers its guests 216 state-of-the-art rooms and suites. We stayed in a Deluxe sea view room, which was very comfortable for the two of us, but wouldn’t be big enough for a family. These 40 sq meter rooms are equipped with all the modern technology like music speakers, large flat screen TVs with multiple international channels, coffee machines and international power points.

The marble bathroom is small, but we liked the magic window button that either tints the privacy glass to the shower or opens it up for a cheeky peek from the bedroom.

All rooms come with balconies opening up to the sea or mountains, while ground floor rooms have access directly to the swimming pool. They are always in a shade which is a big positive on a hot day.

Facilities

Al Bustan Palace boasts expansive grounds – perfectly manicured, carpet-like lawn that stretches from the mountains to the sea and is dotted with colourful flower beds and bougainvillea. There is space and privacy for everyone.

The swimming pool unfolds from the terrace of the main restaurant to the beach and is a source of endless entertainment for families. Even though the Ritz Carlton is very family friendly, couples can also find privacy and seclusion.

While younger guests are enjoying the kids club and mini water park with slides, adults can retreat to the spa or fitness centre.

The fitness club offers daily complimentary classes and their fitness instructor Anja is incredible. On one of the days she took us for a mountain walk and we got to see Muscat from high above. A tough but very rewarding experience. Other group lessons include yoga and meditation. And those, who like their holidays a little more active, can arrange a tennis lessons or set to sea on a paddle board.

Six Senses Spa

Six Senses Spa is part of the hotel even though it is located in its own bay. This brand is dedicated to wellness and has a lot of interesting treatments to help you restore your health and wellbeing. I tried a private guided meditation and I kid you not, I woke up after half an hour feeling like I slept the whole night. Highly recommended, especially for those who have a busy mind. If you are a little shy, the spa offers a ladies-only area with a ladies-only pool, beach and yoga classes.

Activities

We went on a group dolphin watching adventure and snorkelling trip. They say that Muscat is one of the few places in the world, where you are guaranteed to see the dolphins. For us they came so close to the boat and there were dozen of them playing in the sea. A wonderful experience. Snorkelling isn’t as spectacular, if you compare to Fiji or Maldives, but we swam in such a picturesque bay surrounded by mountains, that it has more than made up for it.

For culture lovers, a visit to Grand Mosque is a must. Also check if the opera is on during your visit – it is another must; new opera house is very impressive.

For nature lovers – organise a day trip to wadis, natural turquoise lagoons in the rocky valleys. They are nature’s miracle and perfect for a refreshing swim.

Dining

The Ritz Carlton brand is very well known for superb dining experiences and Al Bustan Palace exceeds all expectations.

Starting your day with the Al Bustan breakfast is a wonderful beginning to the day. Indulge in tropical fruit, berries, peeled pomegranate, coconuts and freshly squeezed juices. Or, for a Middle Eastern flavours, have a salad with labneh or hummus. For kids, the chef will prepare exquisite Nutella and strawberry crepes, just like in Paris. And if you have any room left, try the hot dishes or order an omelet prepared to your liking.

If you happen to be here on a Friday, don’t miss the superb Friday brunch, talk of the town, that gathers up hotel guests and locals for four hours of indulgent dining. Free flow of Veuve Cliquot and sexy DJ tunes make it an irresistible place to socialise and celebrate life.

For dinner, the Beach Pavilion or Turkish restaurant offer al fresco dining under the stars and we hear that the Chinese restaurant, China Mood is one of the best in town.