The Chedi Muscat

The Chedi Muscat is the resort that many people picture when they think of a luxury stay in Oman. Designed by the architect Jean-Michel Gathy, with gardens by the landscape architect Karl Princic, it sits on 21 acres of grounds on the Gulf of Oman, with the Al Hajar mountains as a backdrop. The interiors are by Yasuhiro Koichi of the Tokyo firm Design Studio Spin, and the overall mood is calm and uncluttered. The resort describes itself as a five-star beach resort and has around 160 rooms, suites and villas with Omani-influenced design.

The pools are the signature. The Long Pool stretches 103 metres, and the resort has described it as the longest infinity pool in the Arabian Peninsula, and the resort has three pools in total, along with a private sandy beach of around 370 metres. The spa offers a menu that draws on Asian rituals, Ayurveda and aromatherapy, and the 700-square-metre health club is unusually well equipped, with free weights, Pilates equipment and personal training. There are also two floodlit tennis courts.

Dining is a major draw. The resort has six restaurants and lounges, including The Restaurant for fine dining with private dining rooms, The Beach Restaurant for seafood by the sea, and cabana-style venues around the pools serving Mediterranean and Asian food. As a licensed hotel, it serves alcohol in its restaurants and lounges. Club rooms and suites include club lounge access with meals and drinks through the day and airport transfers by private car.

The Chedi suits couples, honeymooners and anyone wanting a peaceful base with excellent dining, and the resort also recommends several of its restaurants for families. Book well ahead for the cooler months from November to March, the busiest time of year in Muscat. Ask about pool-view or garden-view rooms when booking, as the outlook varies.

The resort is on 18th November Street, about 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport and 20 minutes from the business districts. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is within easy reach by car, and Mutrah and Old Muscat can be reached by taxi in around half an hour, depending on traffic.