The Best Boutique Hotels In Muscat

A thriving port city with a no-skyscraper policy and a trading history stretching back centuries, Muscat retains heart and soul as the capital of Oman. With a rich heritage, dramatic mountain scenery, picturesque beaches, and golden desert landscape, Muscat is a must-visit destination, even if just for a few days. To get a true taste of Omani culture, a boutique hotel is a good place to start. Read on to discover the best boutique hotels in Muscat, bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Mysk Al Mouj Hotel

Hotel, Luxury

The serene outdoor pool and sun-lounging terrace at Mysk Al Mouj Hotel in Muscat, offering impressive ocean views.

Boutique on a big scale with 195 rooms, this modern property sits within Al Mouj, a thriving waterfront community. Entry-level deluxe rooms are stylish and contemporary with ample space to play with. Bathrooms include rain showers, the beds are plush and there are floor-to-ceiling windows so that the magnificent sea views take centre stage. Green spaces and quiet walkways surround the property and Oman’s only homegrown golf club is close by for those who fancy a round.

2. Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Resort

The cosy and dimly-lit Al Maha Jazz Lounge at Al Bustan Palace hotel in Muscat, furnished with comfortable furnishings and nostalgic jazz references.

The Al Bustan Palace holds a unique story of Omani heritage and offers magnificent views of the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar Mountain range. Inside expect mind-blowing Omani architecture, swirling oud scents and crystal chandeliers. There’s a private beach and a daily schedule of activities from water sports to collage making for younger guests. The Six Senses spa is a buggy-ride away but worth wheeling over for, with Thai massages, body scrubs and luxury facials on offer.

3. The Chedi Muscat

Luxury, Hotel

Two massage tables stand in a treatment room at the stylish spa of the Chedi Muscat.

This design-centric hotel is made up of low-rise, Omani-style white houses set amid 21 acres (8.4ha) of sublime gardens lined with date palms. Rooms boast great views of the sea and the Al Hajar Mountains. On the amenity side of things, this resort has a tennis court, a swish gym, an incredible 13-suite Asian-style spa, a private beach, and three swimming pools – one of which happens to be 103m (338ft) long. Fun fact: the paving stones forming the outdoor paths are deliberately spaced out so you slow down your walking pace.

5. Sifawy Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Romantic rooftop dining terrace at Sifawy Boutique Hotel in Muscat, offering impressive mountain and city views.

Mediterranean chic meets Omani charm at this hip hotel in Muscat. The interior design was masterminded by Italian designer Alfredo Freda and each room has a unique colour scheme. All boast dreamy king-size beds and private balconies overlooking the Arabian Sea and Jebel Sifah Marina. To further the chilled-out mood, the hotel has a pool and seductive outdoor jacuzzi. For those who fancy a little more activity, the property sits within the Jebel Sifah Resort, with access to its nine-hole golf course.

6. Magic Camps

Camping

Ready yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience discovering the Arabian Desert at Magic Camps. This unique offering includes a collection of secluded luxury tents surrounded by photogenic golden dunes. Each tent is spacious and decked out with Bedouin-style linens, plush mattresses, Berber-style textiles and flickering lanterns. Enjoy camel rides and dune surfing by day, while festive banquets are a feast for the senses come nightfall. The stargazing at this spot is also a prime reason to book.

This is an updated version of an article originally written by Gehad Medhat.

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