Muscat weekend travel guide

Surrounded by the striking scenery of the Hajar Mountains, Muscat feels an eternity away from the hustle and bustle of life in Abu Dhabi. There isn’t a highrise building in sight in this city, which literally exudes serenity and bliss. Essentially a fishing village, Muscat overlooks the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Gulf.

It also controls the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the most important locations for international trade in the region, linking the Sea of Oman with the Arabian Gulf.

There is a plethora of things to see and do in Muscat but if you want to escape for a weekend of culture, we suggest taking a visit to the breathtaking Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman’s premier venue for musical arts and culture. It was officially opened on October 12, 2011 in Shati Al-Qurm and was built on the royal orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman. The style of the building reflects contemporary Omani architecture, and has the capacity to accommodate a maximum of 1,100 people. Unsurprisingly, it’s proving to be a very popular tourist attraction and, judging by the continuously sold out performances of its inaugural season and the newly announced programme for 2013, including Madame Butterfly from April 19-21, it will continue to do so. The Nutcracker is currently showing and the Royal Danish Ballet and Royal Danish Orchestra will perform in January. The opera house complex consists of a concert theatre, auditorium, formal landscaped gardens, cultural market with retail outlets, luxury restaurants and an art centre for musical, theatrical and operatic productions. The quality of the performances is usually breathtaking.

The opera house was built to promote the Sultanate’s cultural heritage and artistic engagement. Royal directives were issued to develop a set of structures to broaden the population’s participation in cultural life. The Royal Opera House Muscat has emerged as the leading open house for arts and culture in the country and is viewed as a milestone in the evolution of Omani architectural style and is something that can be enjoyed by everyone. www.rohmuscat.org.om

Accomodation
If you want to treat yourself to a weekend away with a special night at the opera during your visit, stay at ‘The Jewel of the Sultanate’, or Al Bustan Palace to give the property its real name. This coastal resort has played home to heads of state and royalty since it was built in 1985. Now, 27 years later, tourists and residents are still enjoying the hotel, which is currently managed by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and so benefits from the expertise of an organisation with 85 years of luxury experience.

Driving through the mountains of Muscat, you’ll come across the Palace nestled between the mountains and the sea. Stride into the 38 metre-high domed atrium for the first time and you’re likely to be greeted by the exotic scent of local frankincense wafting through the lobby.

You immediately get the feeling that Al Bustan Palace is a hotel proud of its heritage. Arched doorways, traditional Arabian art, wide open spaces and low seating feature throughout. The building’s octagonal shape provides all guest rooms and suites with inspiring views of the Sea of Oman and the Hajar Mountains. The Ritz-Carlton has made its mark with its stunning art deco décor and immaculate service.

Meticulously designed for comfort and convenience, the hotel’s 250 charming guest rooms and suites have been designed to reflect both local traditions and a classic style.

Al Bustan Palace features magnificent mountain, sea or garden views from each of its luxurious rooms and suites, and in addition the hotel has 200 acres of landscaped gardens and the longest beach in the country.

Leisure
With a huge stretch of beach, Al Bustan Palace could be considered a centre of leisure, cultural and watersport activities. The recreational facilities include five swimming pools, a well-appointed spa, a sports centre and a tennis village with four floodlit courts. Few properties in the region boast a setting quite like it and the nearly 1km-long strip of golden sands overlooking the azure waters are a feature that brings sun-seekers from around the world.

Superb watersports provisions in Muscat extend to Scuba-diving, windsurfing and sailing. All visitors, even those without a particular passion for the sea, should take a dolphin watching trip across the waters. With more than 500 forts, a variety of festivals and popular souqs you are sure to find something to get your teeth into.

Dining
Guests are treated to the finest culinary cuisine at Al Bustan Palace. Al Khiran Terrace is an all-day, indoor-outdoor dining restaurant overlooking the sea of Oman. Nestled right by the water’s edge, the indoor and al fresco Beach Pavilion serves the freshest fish and seafood, while China Mood features authentic Oriental cuisine in a sophisticated, comfortable setting. Guests can also relax with a blend and live entertainment at
Al Maha Lounge or a uniquely flavoured tea with a modern twist at The Atrium Tea Lounge.

Need to know

Getting there
Etihad Airways (www.etihadairways.com) flies direct from Abu Dhabi to Muscat from Dhs810 return. Alternatively, Oman Air (www.omanair.com) flies from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain direct to Oman. Oman’s two largest airports are Muscat International Airport and Salalah International Airport. Both are a fair way from the city centre, so expect to pay around Dhs100 to get to your hotel. It is also possible to drive from Abu Dhabi to Muscat, which takes approximately five hours.