A couple of weeks, I travelled to the hauntingly beautiful country of Oman, and I was fortunate to stay at what I consider to be the best hotels in Oman (although some very good new ones are opening soon, such at the Anantara resorts and a Jumeirah hotel). I wanted to share with you my impressions & some key points (pros & cons) about these hotels, which I ranked according to my preference. I previously reviewed the Six Senses Zighy Bay resort, which is still my favorite Omani hotel.

1. ALILA JABAL AKHDAR

This is is the clip I made with my impressions of the resort:


Pros:
- Spectacular setting on the edge of a canyon-like wadi, surrounded by the soaring Al Hajar Mountains and desert-like vegetation. It's like being at the Grand Canyon but without the crowds.
- Killer views in almost all directions from almost everywhere in the resort.
- The hotel is brand new but features a traditional and very stylish Omani architecture.
- The beautifully appointed rooms are either located within the main hotel building or pavilions of four to six suites. I loved the bathroom with free standing tub.

Cons:
- The infinity pool offer amazing views into the canyon but is ice-cold (there is a heated, small indoor pool as well).
- Breakfast choice is limited.
- WiFi connection was not good during my visit.
- There's no adults only corner.

2. SHANGRI-LA AL HUSN

This is is the clip I made with my impressions of the resort:


Pros:
- Privileged, idyllic location in a secluded cove on a magnificent stretch of rocky coastline.
- Is part of larger complex with two adjoining sister Sangri-La Hotels, meaning an incredible choice of more than 20 restaurants & bars in total.
- The resort is adults only.
- A beautiful lobby inspired by Arabian architecture.
- Modern rooms, most with views of the sea.
- A private and secluded beach that is only accessible to guests of Al Husn.
- Lovely amenities, such as complimentary minibar, afternoon tea and pré-dinner drinks and canapés.

Cons:
- This stretch of coastline used to be undeveloped, but other resorts (such as the new Jumeirah) are now being constructed nearby.
- The number of chairs around the pool and on the beach is not sufficient when the hotel is at full occupancy.
- The hotel’s location is quite isolated (you need a taxi to get in Muscat or for sightseeing).

3. AL BUSTAN PALACE, A RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL

This is is the clip I made with my impressions of the resort:


Pros:
- Superb oceanfront location along the most beautiful beach in the vicinity of Oman. The beach is 1 km long and completely private, and is set against a dramatic mountain landscape.
- Majestic lobby atrium (almost feels like a mosque or cathedral).
- Complimentary minibar.
- Beautiful resort grounds, with several pools.
- An amazing Six Senses Spa is part of the complex (opened last year).
- Complimentary shuttle to Muscat's old city center

Cons:
- Some of the hotel areas (such as the rooms and restaurants) have a dated decor and are in need of a refurbishment.
- The hotel is very large and has a somewhat corporate feeling.
- There's no adults only corner

4. THE CHEDI MUSCAT

This is is the clip I made with my impressions of the resort:


Pros:
- This is undeniably Oman's most stylish resort with an ultraluxe, minimalist design.
- A beautiful Bedouin-inspired tent lobby.
- Spectacular resort gardens, with plenty of courtyards and water parties.
- Three magnificent pools, with 2 of them being adults only. The most marvelous pool is the 103-metre Long Pool, which is located in front of the spa and features a dramatic dark tiled floor.
- Beautiful rooms with complimentary minibar
- Outstanding breakfast buffet (one of the best I ever encountered at a hotel)
- Ultraluxe spa

Cons:
- None of the rooms have outside space or balconies, nor do they feature a sunken bathtub except for the more expensive Club Suites.
- The smallest rooms (category ‘serai’) come with a queen-sized bed and not a kind-sized bed.
- There is nothing of interest in the area immediately surrounding the hotel.
- The beach is private but not attractive.
- The setting is not not nearly as dramatic as the hotels mentioned above (hence why it's not among my favorites).

5. INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT

This is is the clip I made with my impressions of the resort:


Pros: unfortunately, nothing about the hotel impressed me (except for the friendly staff).

Cons:
- Severely old-fashioned decor.
- Utterly disappointing bathroom facilities.
- The lagoon-style pool area lacks the refinement of an upscale hotel environment (feels more like a public city pool).
- The eastside of the hotel borders a large construction site, with plenty of noise day and night.
- There's a very high fence between the hotel and the public beach.
- Does not live up to the glamorous reputation of the InterContinental brand

The good news though it that the InterContinental Muscat will be undergoing a significant overhaul very soon (initial plans to demolish the hotel and build a new one were abandoned).