Blog two

MUSCAT

DAYS 1-2

Most visitors begin and end their Oman adventures in Muscat. The capital city borders the Gulf of Oman, and its central location makes it a convenient home base for day trips around the region. I suggest a minimum of two days in Muscat to explore the beaches, the souqs, the mosques and day trip to the Daymaniyat Islands. Also, if hotel creature comforts are important to you, I recommend staying in Muscat for as long as possible and visiting the surrounding regions by day trip. The best hotel accommodations are in Muscat, and up in Jebel Akhdar.

Golden Hour views over Muscat. Outfit details: Fortunate One Store dress linked here and Tkees flats linked here.

EXPLORE MUSCAT

BANDAR AL KHAIRAN

A beautiful stretch of coastline along Muscat’s west coast, home to incredible turquoise inlets that boast shallow clear waters. The stunning beaches are perfect for hiking, swimming, snorkeling and sweeping views. Drive time from Muscat is approximately 45 minutes.

MUSCAT VIEWPOINT

If you’re looking for a pretty viewpoint in Muscat, this is the one. This gem sits on an unmarked pull-off along Yiti Road overlooking a picturesque white-washed neighborhood at the base of sloping brown cliffs. Location on Google Maps is “Yiti Round Point of View.”

MUTTRAH SOUQS

The city’s vibrant indoor souqs are located on the Muscat waterfront. Merchants in the historic bazaar sell a variety of goods including spices, antiques, tea sets, lanterns and more. The souqs are bustling, but non-aggressive.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

The city’s hub of arts and culture hosts an array of performances including ballet, jazz, opera and world music, but the structure is also a beautiful architectural sight for tourists to visit. The grand cubic building is a marvel of glistening white marble, soaring archways and stunning arcades.

SULTAN QABOOS MOSQUE

The largest mosque in Oman sits in the heart of Muscat, home to minarets, ornate courtyards, mosaics, prayer halls and beautifully manicured gardens. The mosque is one of the prettiest sights in the capital city, and a must-visit. Women must be covered head to ankles – there are abayas and scarves available to rent at the entrance. Note that tourists hours are very specific (8 AM-11 AM, and possibly closed on Fridays), so plan accordingly.

Sultan Qaboos Mosque.

Tourists are limited to morning visits, so plan your trip to the mosque accordingly.

MUSCAT HOTELS

AL BUSTAN PALACE, A RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL

Originally built for Sultan Qaboos, Ritz Carlton’s Al Bustan Palace certainly feels fit for royalty. The property is its own private oasis, located at the base of the Al Hajar Mountains. Rooms are comfortable, albeit a bit dated, but the palace exteriors boast an exquisite space filled with Islamic archways, marble floors, soaring dome ceilings and a stunning spa that looks straight out of Arabian Nights.

THE CHEDI MUSCAT

Centrally located five-star resort that sits on a lovely stretch of Muscat coastline. The Chedi Muscat offers more than 150 decadent rooms and villas, minimalist in design, but completely modern and elegant. A little r&r is a must, as the resort lays claim to the longest infinity pool in the Middle East. It runs straight out to the gulf, lined with dozens of plush, gray sunbeds.

JUMEIRAH MUSCAT BAY

Beautiful five-star property located on a stunning stretch of Muscat coast between the Al Hajar mountains and the gulf. Jumeirah Muscat Bay is a modern property that houses more than 200 rooms, restaurants, a spa, private beach and ocean facing pools.

SHANGRI-LA AL HUSN

Located on the same stretch of coast as Jumeirah Muscat Bay, the beautiful Shangri-La Al Husn is the loveliest hotel option in Muscat. The resort sits on a spectacular private bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs that give way to sea caves and inlets. A 30-minute drive from central Muscat, the property has all the feels of a secluded oasis – a dreamy setting filled with ornate archways, palm-lined courtyards, wood carved doorways, infinity pools and pinkish hues. Shangri-La Al Husn offers a variety of rooms and suites, many with views over the gulf.

W MUSCAT

If your jam is a modern stay filled with bright colors, lights and party vibes, look no further than W Muscat. The resort’s location is one of its highlights, situated on the bustling Shatti Al Qurum Beach, and a short drive from the city’s main tourist attractions. Guests enjoy a full-service spa, rooftop bar, pools and nearly 300 rooms and suites.