Flanked by the Al Hajar Mountains and the Sea of Oman, Al Bustan Palace (a Ritz-Carlton property) is an oasis of calm, tucked away like a jewel in Muscat, Oman. The lobby’s soaring atrium, marble and gold, with its grand arches, crystal chandeliers and vaulted ceilings, is similar to a lavish yet elegant religious hall. Frankincense, a local treasure, hovers in the air. The courteous staff, many of whom are Omani men in dazzling white dishdasha and colourful turbans, cordially greet their guests. In the afternoon, you can enjoy high tea and quiet conversation here, followed by a live performance by the harpist. The piano and violin duo also filled the atrium with a diversified repertoire of artists from Bach to The Scorpions.
The hotel’s “garden” grounds soothe the senses with wide, immaculately manicured stretches of emerald green grass that feels like a soft carpet under bare feet. Hotel guests enjoy sunbathing, swimming in one of several infinity pools, or kayaking. Lime-green parakeets fly overhead to perch on hotel rooftops or in the numerous palm trees that shade the ground, and tiny white butterflies flutter between flower beds of pink, purple, and white. The spectacular sandy beach, with its green waters and foaming waves, hugs the hotel’s expansive grounds, with mountains framing the views on either side. One can spend the entire day laying here, listening to the relaxing sound of the waves, and maybe indulging in a piña colada (alcohol served after 12pm on weekdays and after 2pm on Fridays), but in the end, one has to eat .
Breakfast
Do yourself a favor and order the daily breakfast with your room at the Al Khiran Terrace restaurant, which offers indoor seating (including a delightful play area for youngsters), or outdoor seating overlooking the biggest infinity pool. in the hotel, lined with palm trees. Impressive array of Eastern (rotten beans/fava, miso soup, grilled fish, Arabic mezze, and dim sum) and Western options (baked potatoes, grilled cheese tomatoes, assorted cheeses, pancakes and waffles, every kind of breakfast meats, and a selection of pastries mouth-watering dry) will delight any traveler of any culture. Special touches include fresh fruit juices and smoothies, eggs made to order, and exotic fruits such as mangosteen, rambutan, and dragon fruit, sliced to resemble sushi. A coconut with a drilled hole in the top and a straw provides nature’s best thirst quencher. Nearly anything you could want for breakfast can be found here, and if not, just ask. The floor manager will kindly arrange staff to cater for special dietary requests or luxury wishes. After a delicious breakfast, relax and enjoy your cappuccino as you prepare for a further day of relaxation.
Have lunch
BLU’s poolside grill is the perfect place to enjoy a casual lunch without leaving the serene garden. Enjoy a cheeseburger or lamb kofta in heaven, a light salad, or the catch of the day, like grilled kingfish with lemon aioli. Sample fruity and festive mocktails and feel refreshed as the Caribbean-influenced singer entertains you with her smooth voice and acoustic guitar.
Dinner
Beach Pavilion
What could be more romantic than dining by the crashing waves, under the stars, with the light of the tikki torches silhouetted against the mountains on either side of you? Dig your bare feet into the sand, sample the mixed grill of Omani lobster tail, emperor fish, prawns and squid, and make sure to try the rich and creamy truffle mashed potatoes.
Chinese atmosphere
For a change of scenery, book a table at China Mood. The small, intimate indoor dining area is decorated with red silk lanterns, dark wood, and a rich purple table topped with a single yellow orchid. The dining experience is dramatized through a series of rituals, such as a Tea Show performed every evening by a lady from Cheng Du. She is skilled at using a ceremonial gold teapot that has needles spout approximately a meter long, and, amid a series of flips and flourishes, fills the teacup to the rhythm of a Chinese flutist. The tea lady also fills diners’ cups of steaming oolong tea on their tables in an equally impressive teapot, in a style reserved only for emperors during China’s imperial period. After a dramatic tea service, diners receive lemon-scented towels to refresh their hands. After taking your order, the waitress brings over a small plate of prawn-flavored crackers. It melts on your tongue with a rich crunch and oily coating, and is served with three sauces (the vinegar sauce with green peppers is very hot and spicy.)
The menu features a formidable array of dim sum options in three categories: steamed, stir-fried or deep-fried. You can make a luxurious dim sum dish on your own, or order one or two of these dishes to share as an appetizer. There are a wide range of fresh steamed fish dishes, in addition to a mainstay of Chinese restaurants outside of China, crispy duck carved tableside and served atop delicate crepes.
Clam dumplings and prawn dumplings arrive in bamboo steamer baskets, their see-through wrappers shaped like clam shells and small purses respectively. The prawns are plump and satisfying; the shells are hard but not hard. The mini beef buns are first steamed, then fried, for a crunchy bite, and served atop scallions, parsley and onions. Corn soup with crabmeat produces a bright amber color but is bland; choose hot and sour soup that’s thick and flavorful, which awakens the senses and sinuses.
Kung pao chicken in a sweet-spicy sauce and citrus served magnificently in the hull of an enormous yellow bell pepper. However, the hot dry chilli chunks in the sauce strike the mouth like a firebomb. Heavy sips of oolong tea and dry, fresh, vino del sol can douse this fire. Savory, stir-fried hefeng with vegetables, vermicelli and egg is rich in texture and also provides buffer for spicier bites. The sizzling beef, true to its name, is served with a theatrical crackle and sizzle, and delights the palate with the flavors and aromas of ginger and garlic.
A pair of desserts—a colourful fruit soup made with sweet cream and tapioca pearls, and a layered puff pastry stuffed with surprising bits of grilled chicken—honor traditional Chinese cuisine.
Taking time to talk with the servers, many of whom are from China and knowledgeable about the history, geography and styles of the dishes on the China Mood menu, makes for a richer and more satisfying dining experience.
It’s time to go to sleep
After your delicious dinner, drinks on Al Marjan bar’s outdoor terrace, and strolls on the beach, agree to your beauty break in one of Al Bustan Palace’s well-appointed rooms. For a couple’s weekend getaway or for those who like a morning swim, consider the Lagoon Room, which has a private deck that opens directly onto the infinity pool. Families with young kids can consider the Executive Suite, with a separate living area and dining table for four. (Note to parents: Hotels can order babysitters with advance notice.) Deluxe rooms feature luxurious touches such as an espresso machine, a complimentary mini-bar stocked daily with juices and soft drinks, and a balcony with views of the majestic mountains, sea, or a combination of the two.
