Often unfairly passed over by travellers, Oman quietly beckons for its moment in the spotlight.

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It’s astonishingly close, yet an entire world apart—a short two-hour flight from the Kingdom's bustling capital city of Riyadh will have you touching down in the serene oasis known for the warmth of its people, pristine streets, and serene nature all around.

After opening its doors and welcoming its first guests in June 2024, the Mandarin Oriental Muscat invites visitors to experience the epitome of Omani hospitality and discover a haven of tranquility in the heart of Muscat.

The Neighbourhood

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Mandarin Oriental Muscat, a new beachfront addition to the city’s hotel scene, ushers you in with the group’s signature service and ambience. Its central location within the upscale Shatti Al-Qurum district, one of the city’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, means easy access to key architectural and cultural attractions such as the Royal Opera House and the Qurum Natural Park.

It's a calm, upscale area frequented by expats, with a laid-back, urban oasis vibe. The beachside area is evolving, with new shops popping up, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea, enjoying ice cream, or a peaceful evening stroll. During my evening walk, I found myself taking in all the quiet—couples walking hand in hand, children playing, all undisturbed by the bustle of city life.

The Ambiance

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The hotel itself stays true to the ultra-chic district that surrounds it, starting with a lobby that features three fountains and stunning chandelier beams behind grand wooden doors. It’s a celebration of the Sultanate’s vibrant culture, expertly blending contemporary Omani design with Oriental elements.

My spacious suite followed the same design principles, boasting a large bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a beautiful private balcony with breathtaking views of the pristine beach where locals jog, swim, and soak up the sun. Each of the rooms and suites at the luxury hotel features its own unique view—whether facing the tranquil sea or the majestic Hajar Mountains and vibrant cityscape.

The Restaurants

The hotel currently offers three distinct dining experiences onsite, all bright and inviting spaces.

Rawya, a brasserie inspired by the Silk Road, brings the best of Mediterranean classic, Arabic specialities, and Asian cuisine to a laid-back setting that is ideal for breakfast and lunch. Popular with families, especially on weekends, the comfortable yet sleek space combines earthy tones and greenery with modern furniture and an open design

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Essenza Italian

Sawa Lounge, known as Muscat’s "living room" and positioned within the hotel lobby, is a favourite for afternoon tea and coffee, light bites and decadent treats. Don’t miss the cake shop there: Their date scone with raspberry jam was a highlight, but more signature desserts, pastries and baked goods await.

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My personal favourite was Essenza, an elegant Italian restaurant with an authentic flare and exceptional homemade dishes. You can expect great service across all of MO Muscat, but the team at the upscale eatery is the quintessential example of hospitality. The lasagna and tiramisu were also unforgettable.

Wellness

The hotel takes on a holistic approach to wellness, nurturing mind, body, and spirit through impressive facilities, including a 24/7 gym, pool, spa, squash court, and a variety of classes.

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I indulged in the signature Oriental Qi treatment at The Spa, a 90-minute full-body massage which involves pressure techniques and ancient Chinese medicinal practices designed to balance the nervous system. The incredible experience features a consultation with a highly knowledgeable therapist to personalise the treatment. Among the many movement, mobility, and mindfulness classes available, a yoga session with Crystal proved to be a great way to refocus and embrace positive thoughts.

The hotel is also set to open a salon soon, adding to the already impressive wellness offerings.

The Staff

Professional and attentive to details, the staff at the Mandarin Oriental Muscat makes you feel like you’re in a world of luxury from the second you set foot on the property. The luxury hotel is no exception to the wider group’s mission of delighting guests, living up to a reputation of service excellence through its superb staff.

Family-Friendliness & Accessibility

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The hotel caters to both couples and families, with a kids’ club and pool. On weekends, families flock to the Rawya restaurant, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

Although the hotel has beautiful staircases inside and out, the clever design of the hotel (and use of elevators) also makes it a fully accessible destination for those with mobility issues or limitations. The Superior and Deluxe Mountain View rooms feature accessible amenities such as a roll-in rain shower and an accompanying in-shower bench, low-level basins and bathtubs in addition to adapted handles, doors and doorbells. And for those guests who many have visual impairments, the hotel provided directories in Braille.

Beyond the Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Muscat sits in one of the best neighbourhood for anyone looking to explore the charms of the Omani capital. And while there’s plenty of cafes, restaurants, and cultural spaces to explore nearby, one of my favourite destinations in the city was on the outskirts of Muscat.

Alia Farsi and Alia Art Gallery Muscat Oman Mandarin Oriental

Alia Farsi and Alia Art Gallery Muscat Mandarin Oriental Muscat Oman

Explore the works of Omani artist Alia Al Farsi at the Alia Gallery in Muscat

Roughly a 30-minute drive from the hotel, the Alia Gallery is the Sultanate’s largest private art gallery. The lofty warehouse-turned-art-space features over a hundred works from Alia Al Farsi, one of Oman’s most significant artists and the talented designer behind the signature fan of Mandarin Oriental Muscat—which I was given an exclusive portable version of.

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Indulge in authentic flavours and traditional Omani dishes at Bait Al Luban

The versatile and stunning art stretches across two floors, and the on-site coffee shop and bookstore add to the creative atmosphere. I wasn’t surprised to find out that it’s a favourite spot for university students to study.

Grabbing lunch at Bait Al Luban is also never a bad idea if you’re hunting for an authentic Omani culinary experience. The warm and inviting ambiance is only topped by its phenomenal food, especially the bread and meat sambousek.

Final Thoughts

The perfect escape for those seeking a calm, luxurious retreat, Mandarin Oriental Muscat sets the bar high in hospitality, holistic wellness, and delightful dining experiences. As an urban oasis with incredible seaside views, the relatively new property is an excellent contender in the regional travel scene.

Mandarin Oriental Muscat,
Way 2827, Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat, Oman
+968 2103 8888

Book your stay here
@mo_muscat

Cynthia Guzelian