The best event hotels, desert camps, exhibition centres and unique venues in Oman.
A jewel of Oman, the Al Bustan Palace blends local tradition and luxury at a level seen in very few places worldwide. One of the best Event Hotels in Oman this hotel was built as a home for the former Sultan and is nestled in a lush spot on the beach between the crystal clear Gulf of Oman and the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains. This grand beachfront resort offers 250 guest rooms and suites with great Gulf, Pool or mountain views. The incredible building adds a twist of Gulf glamour to the calm Euro chic you’d expect from Ritz-Carlton.
The hotel is close to the bustling Omani capital Muscat with Mutrah Souk just 15 minutes, and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque 25 minutes away. Despite the proximity to Muscat, the Al Bustan Palace is relaxed – Much more a grand hideaway than anything else. The elegant marble lobby and crystal chandeliers set a stately tone which contrasts with air perfumed with smouldering oud, Mynah birds chatter in palm trees and a private beach full of shells.
The local and international food at the five on-site restaurants is great. Heavy on the fresh local seafood from Oman’s lengthy coastline, the menu is hotel catering at its best. Guests can enjoy local flavours with masses of light Middle Eastern delights. Alongside that the overseas treats like rack of beef rib, great sushi, crab, oysters, seafood fritto misto, smoked salmon, great international cheeses, and delicate patisseries make the food stand out for YEG! The traditional Omani cuisine at the Al Khiran Kitchen, which overlooks the resort’s infinity pool and the ocean is great.
For lovers of Asian cuisine, the China Mood offers an authentic mix of flavours and has made its mark as one of the top Asian restaurants in the region. The Pavilion provides a seaside dining experience, serving the freshest seafood, prime steaks, and local produce against a backdrop of relaxing waves and a drop-dead gorgeous sunset.
The rooms at Al Bustan Palace, are Ritz-Carlton Euro-chic. As you’d expect each room is thoughtfully designed with a writing desk, television, and a minibar. The colours are all elegance and comfort – teal, white, and silver hues. The rooms open onto balconies that present captivating views of lush gardens, towering mountains, or the tranquil sea. Lagoon rooms on the lower ground offer an additional luxury – private terraces with steps that lead directly into one of the two enchanting lagoon pools.
The rooms had fresh flowers which is such a lovely touch, especially in a huge hotel like this. The en-suite bathrooms add to the sense of indulgence. The bathrooms house wet rooms with separate shower and tub areas, subtly lit for a relaxing bathing experience with Asprey London toiletries The rooms at Al Bustan Palace are serene, beautifully melding luxury and comfort. For YEG!s Gulf region CEO and tea connoisseur Mark Alexander, the hotel’s signature black tea blend, specially crafted by the renowned Parisian tea maker Dammann Frères is a highlight.
Running its huge private beach a close second for the most standout feature of the Al Bustan Palace, is the very special Six Senses Spa. Echoing the tranquil beauty of traditional Omani design, the spa is a serene retreat featuring elegantly domed ceilings, graceful arched walkways, and columns.
The spa has hints of an Arabian fort, with grand heavy wooden doors and soothing Falaj-inspired water channels. It’s spacious at 33,000 square feet but is warm and private with the reception area leading to a ladies’ majlis for privacy. The ladies section is also an exclusive members-only club, providing access to an indoor pool, a gym, and a private beach.
The spa offers diverse wellness experiences with its 17 treatment rooms, including six hammam rooms. The facilities cater to discerning spa enthusiasts, from invigorating infrared saunas and steam rooms to refreshing ice showers. The spa offers a wide spectrum of treatments, with signature massages, facials, wellness therapies and rituals – Notably, the locally-inspired signature body scrubs, crafted with indigenous ingredients. The Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace is a true sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Delving into the mystic sciences of alchemy for a revitalizing and luminous life, the Al Bustan Palace offers an 80-minute bespoke spa treatment with a unique hands-on workshop. Guests learn how to craft their very own body scrub from the highest quality local ingredients, leading to a personalized 50-minute treatment that leaves them feeling rejuvenated.
Under the expert supervision of an “alchemist”, guests embark on creating their unique body scrub in the tranquil spa setting. They start with a base of sea salt, Himalayan salt, rice, or oats and then combine it with a selection of herbs and spices native to Oman and the region. Choices range from locally sourced frankincense, rose, chamomile, and sage, to aloe vera, limes, and tulsi from the spa’s private garden.
The customization continues with adding zest from lime, orange, or lemon, along with coffee, cinnamon, clove, star anise, cardamom, coriander seed, caraway, and much more. Finally, oils are mixed in, and the concoction is hand-crushed into a paste. This fresh, organic blend becomes the centrepiece of a lavish treatment tailored to the guest’s needs. Truly a unique and indulgent experience!
