Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is the jewel of the Sultanate of Oman.
It’s common knowledge that France has 31 hotels with the “Palace” distinction, nudging them an echelon higher than traditional five-star establishments. This exceptional establishment in the oldest continuously independent state in the Arab world, though, is palatial in the traditional—and the most profound—sense of that word.
Original conceived by the late Sultan Qaboos to dazzle his guests at the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in its opening year of 1985, Al Bustan—whose name means “the garden” in Arabic—exudes opulence from the moment guests arrive at its majestic entrance. It’d make a worthy location for an adaptation of Arabian Nights, with its precious woods, brass and mosaics, not to mention a 38-metre-high atrium adorned with gold and polished marble, from the ceiling of which hangs a monumental crystal chandelier.
Located 8 km from the centre of the capital Muscat, and 35 km from the airport, the legendary Al Bustan occupies the heart of a bay in the Gulf of Oman, and is backed by the imposing Al Hajar Mountains. A kilometre-long private beach borders the complex, in front of which extends an 80-hectare oasis with nearly 500 palm trees.
The hotel’s 250 rooms—each of which has a private balcony and magnificent views of the sea—are replete with the sense of grandeur that runs throughout the entire hotel: especially the highest of its nine floors, we might assume, given that this area is reserved for the Sultan and his family (it’s even off limits to the staff of the hotel).
Boasting no less than five restaurants, the hotel treats its guests to a dream choice of gastronomy. The highlight is arguably the multi-course gourmet buffet breakfast served in the Al Khiran Kitchen, which has views of the resort’s infinity pool and the ocean.
Elsewhere, China Mood has claimed its position as one of the top Asian restaurants in the region, while The Pavilion serves the freshest seafood, prime-grade meat cuts and other local produce. The relaxing waves, the gentle sea breeze and the colours of the sunset make for a multi-sensory culinary experience. Robb Report especially recommend the Friday brunch.
Other draws include a spa with 17 treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, three hammams, a detox juice bar, a fitness and yoga area, an ice shower and a repertoire of gentle and highly effective Balinese massages.
For all the regal splendour, though, Al Bustan Palace aims for a home-away-from-home vibe. And that’s why there are so many returning guests, as well as locals who come for the day to relax, for a weekend getaway or for a romantic evening. Serenity is guaranteed—and yet there is also a wealth of activities for children, centred around art, cuisine, storytelling and sustainability.
Whether guests’ interests lie in exploring the rich history of the Sultanate, lounging on the beach, indulging in an array of water sports or treating themselves to divine dishes—or any combination of those holiday indulgences—this is a place where a life-changing experience awaits.
