Originally built as the palace for Oman’s Sultan Qaboos, Al Bustan Palace, beautifully located between the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar Mountains, is an expansive luxury resort with its own private beach, 5 swimming pools, a state-of-the-art Six Senses Spa and one of the largest ballrooms in Muscat.
Al Bustan Palace is an extraordinary sight, considering its remote location. It is absolutely vast and a vision of opulence; a white-washed building, capped with a 125ft golden dome at the grand entrance, is complete with acres of marble, atriums reaching high into the sky, and shimmering chandeliers. The style is a wonderful blend the modern with the traditional, from the interiors to the cuisine and hospitality. Above all, a stay promises relaxation and luxury.
Rooms and suites enjoy garden, mountain or sea views, some with balconies and terraces, and others positioned right on the lagoon pools to give access to swim straight from your private patio.
The interiors are contemporary, featuring organic materials and accents of traditional Omani style, with large windows and doors to let in plenty of natural light.
The hotel gardens are spectacular, scattered with date palms providing welcome shade. Guests can laze in a hammock, stroll along the beach, and enjoy swimming in various pools offering different atmospheres (one for kids only).
Along with relaxing on the beach, Al Bustan Palace offers plenty of activities, including water sports, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, gym facilities, tennis courts and yoga classes. There is a shopping arcade full of luxury boutique stores. Families of all ages are kept well-entertained with use of the amusement park, adventure playground and water park.
Al Bustan Palace offers a luxurious wellness program at the Six Senses Spa, a vast space covering 33,000sqft, which includes locally inspired treatments and six Hammam rooms, saunas, ice fountains and steam rooms. Start off your holiday with a ‘Jet Lag Recovery’ including a full-body massage, with relaxing oils and an eye-lifting mask.
Five different dining options give guests an incredible choice of international cuisines, from poolside snacks at Blu Restaurant, to authentic Chinese cuisine at China Mood, and all-day lavish buffets at Khiran Kitchen. Private romantic beach dinners are set up on a pavilion overlooking the sea, where guests enjoy grilled seafood feasts.
I particularly love the location of Al Bustan Palace, built on the mountainside taking in stunning sea views. The Muttrah Souk is only 15 minutes away and is fascinating to explore; the mosque is 25 minutes away; and you can reach the airport in just over half an hour. Excursions can be easily arranged through the excellent hotel concierge, and chauffeur service is available.
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Every time I explore a new destination, whether it’s on an adventure holiday in Peru or a luxury beach escape in the Indian Ocean, I return home full of excitement to share the amazing sights I have seen. Through my own experiences I have developed a love of helping others experience the great wonders of the world; truly getting under the skin of the extraordinary destinations that are at your fingertips. Getting the details right, from which hotel is perfectly located for exploring away from the crowds, to which local guide is most knowledgeable on history or culture or art, is of paramount importance to me. I am constantly seeking out new and exciting experiences and exploring off the beaten track to ensure my clients are receiving the best and most honest first-hand advice.
Take a look at my travel diaries for food for thought on your next trip...