Oman’s capital, Muscat, occupies a superlative position, encompassing golden beaches, azure waters, soaring mountains, city sprawl and peaceful coves. Situated along this captivating coastline, the new St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is setting a new standard for hospitality in the capital, seamlessly blending Gilded Age glamour with Omani hospitality, offering a wealth of experiences for travellers. Here’s how to spend 72 hours in Muscat.
A short drive from Muscat International Airport, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is primed for a relaxing and accessible long weekend escape. After checking in, guests can make use of the striking beachfront location – where lush gardens hide many gems. The resort is adjacent to the manicured 18-hole award-wining Al Mouj Golf, and backs onto 360 metres of private golden sands. Facilities include two swimming pools, a tennis court and a children’s club allowing parents to truly unwind. Just steps away, guests can discover the Al Mouj Marina, Oman’s premier marina, where they can embark on sunset cruises, dolphin watching and captivating swims and dives encountering the gentle giants whale sharks, alongside other mesmerizing marine life wonders. Each experience promises to create unforgettable memories along Oman’s breathtaking coastline.
After a day on the sands or lounging luxurious rooms clad in soothing oceanic hues, guests are invited to The Stage Bar & Lounge to discover one of The St. Regis’ most timeless traditions, the Sabrage Ritual. The slice of the bottle injects a dose of energy into the sophisticated venue, which offers daily live jazz and outstanding cocktails. All good days end at Zorba, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort’s stunning Greek restaurant blending Greek culinary traditions with contemporary flair perched right on the waterfront.
As guests awaken to breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains or gardens, they set the tone for the day ahead. Nature and scenic beauty are synonymous with the Omani capital, and the resort is just a 30-minute drive to the historic heart of Muscat. Travellers can wander the alleyways of Muttrah Souq, a sensory immersion into Omani culture, followed by Muttrah Fort – a towering, sand-hued fortress dating back to the 16th century, gracefully overlooking one of Oman’s primary tourism gateway, Port Sultan Qaboos.
The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is a beacon of elegance, welcoming explorers back with refined experiences such as afternoon tea. Served in the sophistication of The Lounge, the resort’s famed Afternoon Tea offers decadent pastries from Sukkar. Guests can further embrace the opulent mood and spend the evening attending a performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat – a grand white marble edifice merging Arabesque and Italianate design. The pride of His Majesty the Late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the centre for culture and arts hosts a regular roster of world-class acts, from cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli to the legendary Majda Al Roumi.
For marine lovers, no trip to Muscat is complete without a visit to the Daymaniyat Islands: nine topical islands surrounded by pristine turquoise waters just 40 minutes by boat from Al Mouj Muscat. The protected archipelago is known for its rocky limestone terrain, white sandy beaches, and diverse marine life. Snorkelers can spot whale sharks and sea turtles, as the island is a popular nesting spot for these gentle creatures.
