Al Bustan Palace

Al Bustan Palace is a Ritz-Carlton hotel on a lush 200-acre beachfront landscape, set against the dramatic backdrop of Oman’s rugged Hajar Mountains.

The meticulously appointed guest rooms and suites are designed to reflect the richness of Omani art, history and culture. All have private balconies, many with spectacular water views, and the exclusive Lagoon rooms offer guests direct access to their own private patio and lagoon.

The resort’s range of excellent restaurants offers a variety of authentic cuisines, and the activity programme is extensive, including aqua aerobics, yolates (a fusion of yoga and pilates), and cardio tennis. There is also a 50-metre infinity pool for those looking to slow down and unwind.

Location: Al Bustan Bay, close to Muscat

Transfer time: approximately 35 minutes from Muscat International Airport

Rooms/suites: 250, including Deluxe Sea View Rooms, Deluxe Mountain View Rooms, Deluxe Garden View Rooms, Al Bustan Lagoon Rooms, Junior Suites, Executive Mountain View Suites, Executive Sea View Suites, the Presidential Mountain View Suite and the Presidential Sea View Suite

Restaurants/bars: four, including China Mood, which serves authentic Chinese cuisine with a contemporary twist; Al Khiran Terrace Restaurant , which overlooks the Gulf of Oman and serves a wide range of international cuisine, with live cooking stations and themed buffet nights; and Beach Pavilion on the coast, which offers a wide selection of dishes from the beach grill

Water activities: one kilometre of private beach, temperature-controlled infinity pool, four lagoon pools, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, private boat charters, sightseeing and dolphin-watching

Land activities: floodlit tennis courts, jogging trail, aerobics studio and state-of-the-art gym. Golf courses nearby at Al Maha Golf Club and Muscat Hills Golf Club

Children: Ritz Kids plans an extensive range of activities to keep the little ones entertained, including cooking lessons, water sports and arts and crafts workshops

Board basis: bed and breakfast, and half board