HOTEL STAY – MANDARIN ORIENTAL MUSCAT, OMAN IN A FAN
Where the Sultanate's benevolent spirit meets luxury hospitality that hits the mark, as the establishment celebrates its first anniversary on the 3rd of June.
HOTEL STAY – MANDARIN ORIENTAL MUSCAT, OMAN IN A FAN
Where the Sultanate's benevolent spirit meets luxury hospitality that hits the mark, as the establishment celebrates its first anniversary on the 3rd of June.
Having recently been dissecting luxury hospitality in the Middle East, I'll admit to approaching Muscat with cautious optimism. The Sultanate has long been the region's discreet brother – no imposing architectural statements, no artificial islands – just promises of authentic culture and natural beauty. When the Mandarin Oriental Muscat emerged on the pristine coastline of Shatti Al-Qurum in 2023, I wondered whether this would be yet another case of international luxury struggling to integrate into its environment or a truly distinctive project.
Walking through the carved wooden doors of the entrance hall – with its blend of marble and mashrabiya, bubbling fountains and suspended coloured glass lanterns – I had that rare sensation of discovering a hotel that understood both its setting and its role within it. Nicolas Dubort, the general manager, mentioned during our interview the pride of having created "Muscat's living room". Watching the ballet and the ease with which locals take over the Sawa Lounge, I could see this wasn't marketing jargon.
A canvas for cultural discovery
The hotel approaches culture with particular care given to Oman's history and richness. The teams have designed experiences that allow genuine cultural immersion, opening the doors of Omani life to visitors, who ordinarily never have access to it.
The organised cultural tour became the highlight of my stay. Our guide possessed that type of deep knowledge that transforms sightseeing into a storytelling experience. He wove together Oman's history, Muscat's evolution and cultural traditions with authentic pride. His explanation of mosque construction rules and his evident joy in discussing property laws that allow residents to invest in their homeland testified to a country that values its citizens' prosperity.
Discovering the nooks and details of the Grand Mosque, strolling along the 'Love Walk' promenade, exploring Muscat's labyrinthine souk with its treasure trove of perfume and jewellery merchants, and finding that discreet little local restaurant serving cheese and potato pancakes with their surprising spicy twist... Not tourist attractions, but genuine moments of connection and sharing. Visiting the Alia Gallery proved particularly moving. Alia Al Farsi, an icon of women's emancipation in Oman, offers unexpected perspectives on contemporary Omani culture. Her art gallery, the most prominent in Oman and often considered the finest, houses not only her vibrant paintings but also a charming gift shop and an office displaying mementoes from her life.
What makes this connection even more remarkable is that Alia created the Mandarin Oriental Muscat fan, displayed under glass at the establishment's entrance. Indeed, each Mandarin Oriental has its own fan, and this has become, I must confess, something of a mission for me to collect them during my travels – a deliciously obsessive quest that delights me.
Spacious and luminous rooms
The establishment's 103 rooms and 47 suites, designed by French interior designer Xavier Cartron, embody the Mandarin Oriental approach: luxury that serves rather than impresses. My JUnior Sea View suite was both generous and carefully proportioned. The sea view from my terrace offered that daily spectacle of Muscat's coastline meeting the Arabian Sea.
The decorative and technological details combined surprise with the excellence one would expect at this level of hospitality mastery. In the bathroom, the generously-sized refillable bottles of rich, moisturising body cream were the final touch that delighted me: with my background condemning me to a perpetual battle against dry skin, I finally felt seen and pampered.
During my visit to the adjacent Royal Suite, I was able to observe this attention to practical luxury all the more: a spectacular 470-square-metre sanctuary with an expansive terrace, dedicated dining room and fully equipped kitchen. The suite's spacious bedroom extends into an oversized bathroom, where a bathtub sits majestically at the centre of the space. Upon entering these premises, perfectly illuminated by the setting sun, one has the impression of belonging to a world apart. The light lends the room, the artworks and the materials an even more ethereal quality.
Culinary journeys worth the detour
Rawya, the Euro-Asian brasserie that takes guests on a culinary journey following ancient trade routes, lives up to its name – "storytelling" in Arabic. In the morning, this space transforms into a sanctuary for a sunny and convivial breakfast. Rather than fusion cuisine for its own sake, we're offered a thoughtful interpretation of flavours gathered along historic trade routes. That Danish pastry with baklava, sticky and flaky with Middle Eastern flavours, made me reconsider everything I thought I knew about morning pastries. A delightful cultural detail was the impressive selection of different honeys available, each with its distinct character and origin. The breakfast buffet featured various types of hummus alongside fresh salads, herbs and vegetables that illustrated the region's abundant production.
For lunch at Rawya, I indulged in the mezze mix with traditional Omani bread, but the star was the OmaniLamb Qabuli – a flavourful marinated lamb shank slow-cooked for hours. Served with fragrant basmati rice and chickpeas, the dish arrives with the bone intact, which I appreciated. There's something deeply satisfying about taking meat directly from the bone. I felt my Arab origins resurface as I ate with my fingers, feeling entirely at home.
The TwoThree58 Club deserves special mention as an exclusive refuge for enjoying cocktails and refined appetisers whilst watching the sunset paint the Arabian Sea. Come morning, this elevated space transforms for breakfast reserved for suite guests.
Essenza, the Italian restaurant with its copious menu, has already won itself a devoted local clientele. Nicolas Dubort's favourite truffle toast sets the tone, whilst my lobster linguine – and yes, you might notice a habit forming in my pasta choices during my travels; linguine remains my favourite – demonstrates the skilful mastery of local seafood cuisine. The tiramisu, assembled at table with genuine theatrical flair, has become a local legend.
The afternoon tea service curated by the Mandarin Cake Shop – the hotel's elegant tea salon on the ground floor – proved particularly thoughtful. The team personalised the offerings to minimise sugar intake, a consideration I truly appreciated. The experience began with selecting premium teas from a trolley, with a proper olfactory session. The delicacies included delicate sandwiches, miniature quiches showcasing local ingredients, and quality artisanal pastries.
The Spa philosophy
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Muscat, with its eight grandiose and relaxing rooms including a couples' suite and a dedicated hammam space, distinguishes itself through its authentic integration of local traditions with the group's signature treatments.
My therapist Padmi introduced me to something extraordinary: the Frankincense Restoration treatment, a new offering not yet on the official menu that she was eager to test. I was excited to play guinea pig, as this added a touch of absolute exclusivity! This two-hour journey began with a foot ritual using frankincense powder, Himalayan salt and ginger powder – a personal favourite that can only enhance any body treatment.
Whilst my feet soaked, I sipped frankincense-infused water, an integral part of the treatment's holistic approach. The cleansing ritual that followed incorporated Sidr powder, ground rice, rose water and grapeseed oil. The relaxing massage used aromatherapy mind and body relaxation oil, whilst the frankincense encouraged complete mental calm. The entire treatment unfolded in a sound healing environment, creating a cocoon of tranquillity.
Community Integration and Local Immersion
Beyond a partnership with Amouage, the representative brand of Omani perfumes, where a 50ml bottle costs over €300, it's once again outside its walls that the establishment seduces its visitors. Through a box rented for the season at the Royal Opera, this isn't just about organising occasional outings, but promoting Muscat's cultural scene. During my visit, "Memories of the Alhambra: A Journey Through Arab-Andalusian Musical Culture" was a celebration of cultural fusion that was both sophisticated and deeply moving. It brought together the Compañía Flamenca Antonio Andrade, the Alaa Zouiten Arabic Ensemble and the Flamenco Orchestra of Seville in perfect harmony.
The hotel's commitment to community integration extends beyond cultural programming. The proximity of Qurum Beach – a public stretch still under development – allows people to cross paths and exchange. Watching Omani families gather for evening picnics, I was struck by how naturally hotel guests mingled with this scene without artificial separation between tourists and locals.
Within the hotel, the Sawa Lounge fully takes on its role as a privileged meeting place in the late afternoon. Local businessmen hurry to finalise their meetings, friends gather for catch-up sessions, and families celebrate occasions with elaborate tea services.
Service excellence
What struck me most during my stay was the team and their ability to anticipate needs whilst maintaining that delicate balance between attention and discretion. Every interaction bore the mark of authentic warmth.
The restaurant teams demonstrated particular finesse in gauging visitors' moods. They offered recommendations upon arrival and withdrew when intimacy was preferred. The pool staff possess an intuitive understanding of guest comfort, adjusting parasols and replenishing water in branded thermos bags before requests were made.
This calibre of hospitality doesn't emerge overnight. It requires not only training, but also a work culture that prioritises authentic care over scripted service. The team's evident pride in their work and sincere dedication to guest satisfaction reflect leadership that grasps what separates authentic hospitality from mere accommodation.
A step towards more discoveries
The Mandarin Oriental Muscat succeeds because it focuses on excellence in what it does: providing sophisticated hospitality that enhances rather than overshadows the destination. The staff demonstrate that rare combination of professional excellence and authentic warmth, creating an atmosphere in which luxury seems effortless.
As the hotel celebrates its first anniversary on this 2nd June, it's a happy coincidence to be able to wish Nicolas Dubort and the entire team a happy anniversary and many more to come. The establishment has perfectly integrated into Muscat's social fabric whilst maintaining international luxury standards. This isn't a property that isolates guests from local culture – it's a gateway that provides authentic access to Omani life whilst offering the comfort and service expected from a Mandarin Oriental establishment.
The hotel's commitment to cultural integration, combined with its understanding of true luxury, creates experiences that persist long after departure. From the morning call to prayer resonating across the city to the scent of frankincense in the spa, every moment is a privileged glimpse of a culture that values both heritage and progress.
Next time, I fully intend to book that Royal Suite – not from necessity, but because excellence sometimes deserves to be experienced in its fullest expression. Meanwhile, I'll carry with me the memory of Omani hospitality at its finest, captured perfectly in the elegant embrace of the Mandarin Oriental Muscat.
A lover of human interactions, Sonia started her journalism career in various media outlets before moving to London and shifting to the digital industry. Listening to her calling, she's picking up her pen to share the passion and ambitions of luxury hospitality.
