This Resort Is One of the Most Luxurious in Oman—with Zen-inspired Gardens, a Private Beach, and a Huge Infinity Pool

Often called the “Pearl of Arabia,” Oman is full of gems, especially when it comes to travel. One of those treasures is The Chedi Muscat, Oman.

Upon entering its lobby, it’s easy to see why this resort clinched first place in the World Travel Award‘s “Oman’s Leading Luxury Resort” category in 2024—simply put, it’s stunning. As digital marketing manager Amber Tomlinson told me, the lobby is inspired by a Bedouin tent. “It’s taking little influences of the local culture into the property itself,” she said.

In addition to Bedouin and Omani influences, the 21-acre property (dreamed up by Jean-Michel Gathy) is inspired by Asian design principles. The layout of the property feels undeniably symmetrical from the sleek white marble walkway paths to the lush green Zen gardens (created by landscape architect Karl Princic) that blanket the property. Mini aflaj irrigation systems wind their way through the gardens, a nod to the way that Oman has historically gotten its water throughout the years.

I’ve lived in Oman for over a decade, and I first visited The Chedi Muscat back in 2016. The hotel opened in 2003, but it’s held tight to its reputation as one of the most luxurious places to stay in the country. During my stay, I indulged in the infinity pool and dreamed about the black terrazzo sunk-in tub in the Chedi-Club Suite room. I also enjoyed the fully equipped gym, the spa, and its array of fine-dining restaurants and cabanas. This most recent visit was just as luxurious and fabulous as I remembered—if not more. 

I spent my full staycation taking in the luxurious offerings, including a Balinese-style massage, afternoon high tea, and evening cocktails and canapés in the Club Lounge. While the glittering, jewel-like lights and gorgeous landscapes of Oman have much to offer, there’s simply no reason to leave the property if you don’t want to.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at The Chedi Muscat, Oman.

The Rooms

The Chedi Muscat has 162 rooms and suites, each with a host of well-appointed amenities. There are six accommodation types that guests can choose from, ranging from the 355-square-foot Serai Sea View Rooms to the spacious, 830-square-foot Chedi Club Suites, which come with picturesque views of the nearby Hajar Mountains and the glittering property pools.

Rooms here feature chic, minimalist design heavily inspired by Asian and Omani influences with a neutral color palette, interesting textures, and eye-catching light features. Accommodations are outfitted with plush king beds and open-plan bathrooms with calming rain showers—the perfect retreat after a day exploring the capital city.

I had the luxury of staying in The Chedi Club Suite, the ultimate room category. My suite was single-storied, but double-storied options are available. The Chedi Club Suites have an expansive bathroom, a separate living room, as well as an outdoor terrace. From the deep soaking tub to the double sinks and amenities such as the aromatic Amouage soap, the suite oozed with comfort and sophistication.

Food and Drink

With eight on-site restaurants and lounges, the Chedi has an abundance of fine-dining options. I recommend having dinner at The Restaurant, which has a packed menu of dishes influenced by Middle Eastern, Western, Asian, and Indian flavors. For fresh seafood, head to the Beach Restaurant, where you can enjoy dishes featuring locally caught fish on a 1,257-foot-long private beach.

There are also several poolside hangs that serve up fantastic meals. There’s the Long Pool Cabana, with a Japanese-inspired menu featuring items like seared scallops and shrimp tempura; the Serai Pool Cabana offers “international” cuisine (think things like spicy shrimp tortilla wraps); and the Chedi Pool Cabana has classic Mediterranean eats.

Activities and Experiences

The Long Pool is without a doubt the standout amenity of The Chedi Muscat, and there are plenty of poolside cabanas available where you can relax and cool off during those steamy desert nights. But there are many other things that you can do here.

Besides the Long Pool, there are two other pools on the property, the Serai Pool and the Chedi Pool. There’s also, of course, the expansive private beach (available to guests only), which has daybeds, umbrellas, and towels—plus, it’s staffed with attendants.

For those who like to keep fit, there’s a fitness center with Technogym equipment, free weights, Power Plate machines, a Kinesis wall, and a Pilates corner. There are also two floodlit tennis courts, and fitness classes for things like yoga and aqua aerobics. If you want to practice your swing, The Chedi Muscat is a 15-minute drive from three lush golf courses. Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club, Al Mouj Golf, and Ghala Golf Club all have 18-hole courses and dramatic views of the Al Hajar Mountains or the Gulf of Oman.

The Spa

With glittering views of the Long Pool, The Spa at Chedi Muscat is a relaxing wellness retreat. The more than 8,600-square-foot spa offers holistic-based treatments out of eight charming suites. As I sat down to choose which massage oil I wanted for my Balinese massage, I was delighted by the fragrant choices. Options range from blends of frankincense, cedar, and rose, to my choice, a fusion of palmarosa and lemon—so refreshing and calming. There’s a wide range of treatments, including Ayurvedic massages, revitalizing facials, and even cupping therapy.

Accessibility and Sustainability

There are no rooms specifically designed for guests with disabilities at the Chedi Muscat. However, a representative of the hotel noted that the Deluxe Rooms located near the reception are best suited for those with mobility challenges. Additionally, the hotel has ramps and lifts in place throughout the property as well as dedicated, convenient parking spaces near the entrance.

All light features at the resort are LEDs for sustainability purposes. The water irrigation system running throughout the property uses recycled water. Additionally, the staff only waters the Zen gardens in the evenings to reduce water waste. Guests can also request that their linens and towels not be replaced daily, using the card system available in their rooms.

Location

The Chedi Muscat is just seven miles and a 10-minute drive from Muscat International Airport (MCT). Airport transfers can be arranged upon request, and you can even book a chauffeured limousine experience for an additional fee.

One of the best things about staying at The Chedi Muscat is its central location. Nearby cultural attractions include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (the largest mosque in Oman) and the Royal Opera House. The Bail Al Zubair Museum and Old Muscat, the city’s historic center, is just 30 minutes away. If you would like to experience the country’s legendary outdoor spaces, the concierge team can arrange tours of the Jebel Akhdar Mountains, wadis (rocky river gorges in the desert), or the Gulf of Oman, where you can see a variety of dolphins.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The Chedi Muscat is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, an organization of luxury independent hotel brands around the globe, and participates in its Leaders Club Hotel Rewards program, allowing guests to earn points on their stays. The hotel is also a part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts network. If you have an American Express travel card, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, and you book your stay through the FHR website, you can get perks like a $200 food and beverage credit, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and early check-in.

Nightly rates at the The Chedi Muscat, Oman start from 150 Oman Riyal (about $390 USD).

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.