Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The Al Bustan Palace was built in 1985 to host the GCC Summit, designed to welcome heads of state with sheer Arabian opulence and style. The lobby is 38 metres high and is adorned with gold and polished marble. The hotel has more of a formal feel than say the Chedi – yet we found when you are in the gardens or on the beach the Al Bustan was perfectly relaxing and a delightful place to relax. The real plus-point for the Al Bustan is the amazing service you receive, being a Ritz-Carlton hotel. 

There are 250 rooms at Al Bustan, all furnished in an Arabic style using rich, opulent colour schemes. Interconnecting rooms are available for families. Rooms are naturally kitted out with everything you would expect: large flatscreen TVs, private balconies, minibars and en-suite bathrooms featuring both a shower and bathtub. The Deluxe Rooms are all 40sqm but go up in price depending on the quality of the view. They start with Mountain View, then Pool View, Sea View and finally Lagoon Access where you can jump directly into one of the lagoon pools. There are 40 suites, with separate living rooms or areas. 

There are a host of dining options. Opt for a cocktail or light meal at the Blu Bar, the main Al Khiran Terrace Restaurant offering a different themed buffet each night, China Mood offering Asian dishes, and the Beach Pavilion serving up fresh seafood. High Tea is served in the Atrium each afternoon.

There is a kilometre of unspoilt private beach and a number of pools including a 50m infinity pool as well as a childrens’ pool. There are also tennis courses and a good gym.

The spa is superb, run by Six Senses, where you can opt for a range of superb treatments from their 17 treatment rooms, or relax in their sauna.