What would you say to a sultan’s palace for the happiest day of your life? Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, has it all. For those in search of exoticism, the scent of roses, dates and incense, the Sultanate of Oman offers the ideal destination, perfect, different and endearing. En route to Muscat on the shores of the warm waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Hajjar Mountains.
Al Bustan Palace: Built by Sultan Qaboos
Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman, embodies a dream of the Orient, with its all-white houses, turquoise waters, palm trees and multicolored bougainvillea. As you walk along the Corniche, a few kilometers from the city center, the landscape takes on a regal air, with wide avenues and golden lampposts. Sultan Qaboos was responsible for this royal road, built in 1985 for the Gulf Cooperation Council. To welcome and accommodate its members, he created Al Bustan Palace on the shores of the Gulf of Oman, set in an 80-hectare garden (al bustan in Arabic) with over 500 palm trees. Today managed by Ritz-Carlton, it is a symbol and a magical place to organize a wedding or honeymoon. The palace is octagonal in shape, a lucky number that symbolizes prosperity and harmony. On the 8th floor, there are 8 presidential suites, one for each Gulf country. But that’s not all: the 38-metre-high atrium is a monument in itself, with its crystal chandelier shining like cascades of diamonds! Precious marble colors the walls and floors, and a superb crystal fountain adorns its center. True to the Omani tradition of hospitality, the staff in embroidered uniforms are on hand to cater to your every wish.
Crystal chandeliers or private beach?
The Al Bustan Palace team has thought of everything for your wedding or honeymoon. It’s one of the strengths of this hotel, where everyone is at your service. In The Bridal Suite, your hair, make-up, clothes and pampering wishes come true as if by magic. For dinner, the table is set on the beach or in the ballroom, which can accommodate up to 2,000 guests! With its crystal chandeliers, the atmosphere is regal: even the piano was donated by Queen Elizabeth II.
Al Bustan Palace offers several suites and rooms to immortalize your honeymoon. The Presidential Suite on the 8th floor is a jewel with its 300m2 and balconies offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman. Rooms with private access to the lagoon are also full of charm, with decoration by Pierre-Yves Rochon and bathrooms opening onto the light of the room and the lagoon. Indeed, from your private terrace, you have access to a lagoon where marble deckchairs are immersed here and there. All sorts of indulgences accompany your stay, including delicious chocolates made in-house, and amenities by Dyptique and Asprey, the famous British designer of luxury products, for a romantic bath.
Exquisite international cuisine
6 tables are available for drinks, nibbles, lunch and dinner. Regional and international dishes are prepared by a brigade of chefs from Iran, Malaysia, France and Turkey. At the Al Khiran Kitchen, with its panoramic view of the sea, the splendid swimming pool and the garden, the buffet satisfies both sweet and savoury palates. The China Mood, meanwhile, invites you to discover China through Peking duck or Yangzhou-style fried rice. The decor is grandiose, with red lanterns, a pretty Maneki Neko, private dining rooms and lacquer panels. It’s easy to see why the Sultan likes to dine here… Finally, a little further away, The Pavillon is lulled by the sound of the waves. Palm trees and flowers provide a romantic backdrop for a candlelit dinner featuring, among other things, the catch of the day.
Farniente between pool and private beach
Under the palm trees – almost 500 of them! – the deckchairs invite you to enjoy the day. But for lovers looking for privacy, the Concierge can reserve a Cabana for you in the garden or facing the sea. At the end of the day, take a stroll through the lush gardens of Al Bustan Palace or along the beach to the small fishing village of Al Bustan.
A 3000m2 Spa
Away from the noise, you can make out the white architecture inspired by the forts of the Hajjar mountains. After crossing the hotel’s vegetable garden and admiring the hemmed leaves of the incense trees, the driveway climbs gently towards a large wooden door. Behind it, a world of well-being, silence and indulgence opens up: the Al Bustan Palace Spa features treatment cabins, an infrared sauna, three steam rooms, a detox juice bar, a fitness area, yoga, an ice shower and even a small beach reserved for women. The duo cabin, with its stone and wood decor, is a journey in itself to be experienced hand in hand. Let yourself be pampered by the expert hands of our therapists, carried away by the scent of Purple Water by Asprey.
And, before you leave this sanctuary and Al Bustan Palace, hang a few words in the Gratitude Tree in memory of your Love Forever and Ever.
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