In a Nutshell

The Al Bustan Palace is one of Oman’s most iconic luxury hotels, located about 30kms from Muscat on a stunning stretch of coastline.

At a Glance

  • The Al Bustan was Oman’s first, iconic luxury hotel
  • Superb beach, the best in Muscat
  • Opulent and grand
  • Lovely Lagoon Access rooms with access directly to the swimming pool
  • Superb cuisine
$ $ $ $ $
Hotel
3
Restaurants
Gym
290
Rooms
Spa
WiFi
Kids Club
Swimming Pool

The Detail

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.

 

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Millis Potter Insight

It’s a tough choice to decide between Al Bustan and the Chedi when opting for the best hotel in Muscat. Al Bustan has a more formal feel, better food, and a better beach. The Chedi is more chic, with a smaller beach (but better for swimming in the sea), and not all the rooms have as good a sea view. We usually suggest opt for one on your first stay in Muscat, and then finish with the other at the end, giving you a blend of both styles.

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Itineraries

Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.

Grand Tour of Oman

Muscat - Jabal Akhdar - Jabal Shams - Wahiba Sands - Raz Al Jinz - Salalah  

This Grand Tour of Oman gives you a comprehensive tour of all what Oman has to offer, with the opportunity to extend your time in the Northern region of Musandam, turning it from a two-week trip to a three-week trip.

15 days from £3995 p. p.

Luxury Tour of Oman

Muscat - Jabal Akhdar - Wahiba Sands - Muscat - Zighy Bay  

This luxury tour of Oman uses the most fabulous hotels and private camps to ensure the overall experience is breathtakingly wonderful in every respect.

13 days from £4995 p. p.

Classic Oman

Muscat - Wahiba Sands - Jabal Akhdar - Muscat  

Our Classic Oman tour is a privately chauffeured journey through Oman and showcases the country’s wonderful highlights. Explore Oman’s beautiful beaches, rugged mountain landscapes, pretty villages, palm-fringed wadis, and the sheer beauty of the Arabian desert.

9 days from £2895 p. p.

Experiences

Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.