Al Bustan Palace   (5*)

The magnificent setting of the Al Bustan Palace, Muscat, Oman

"Welcome to the Palace" were the fine words as we checked in to the Al Bustan. And yes, it certainly did feel like the kind of place a Sultan might enjoy. This hotel has a much more Arabian feel than the Grand Hyatt or Chedi, and the huge spectacular lobby wes testament to this. As we were discussing our room options, it became clear that there was a special '9th floor' which we couldn't have, as this was reserved only for Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers!

The sweeping bay is as spectacular as we had imagined, and we even discovered a beautiful deserted cove of perfect white sand just to the right of the hotel. So, relaxation was the order of the day, although the staff made sure we were OK for drinks.

There were several restaurants including a reasonable Chinese, a superb Italian, open air Beach restaurant and a buffet terrace, plus others. A word about the buffet though - for a buffet, the food is far better than anything we have had in other parts of the world including the Far East, and there is lots of it. It is very easy to eat too much! And ther great thing is that every evening is different, so you may have a French theme, or a Mediterranean theme, or Asian, and so on.

The hotel runs a wide variety of trips and excursions around the vicinity of the hotel, Muscat and the rest of Oman, and I particularly fancied the snorkelling, knowing that Oman has (surprisingly) some superb coral reefs with an abundance of fish. Unfortunately, I missed the turtles thanks to a pushy couple who wanted to be back by a certain time, and then spent the whole return journey telling us how much more they had seen yesterday! Don't you just love some poeple?

So who does this appeal to? Individual travellers, couples and small familes will all enjoy a wide variety of activities and excursions, as well as a great choice of restaurants for the evening.

Hotel Images

Swimming pool

Aerial view of the Al Bustan Palace, Muscat, Oman

Bar and lounge

Restaurant

Fine dining

Deluxe bedroom

Night in Muscat, Oman

Features

• Two bars
• Four restaurants
• Infinity swimming pool, plus 4 lagoon pools
• Tennis courts
• Massage rooms
• 200 acre gardens
• Watersports and scuba diving available

Rooms

All the rooms have air-conditioning, minibar, TV, bath, shower, private balcony.

Restaurants

• Al Khiran - informal restaurant for all day dining
• Vue - French restaurant
• Beach Pavilion - for seafood specialities
• China Mood - Oriental dishes

The Resort

• Oman is perfect for a relaxing holiday, with high levels of service, comfort and outstanding food. Even though, it is a fascinating country with plenty of excursions available including visiting the forts of Oman, the desert, or the wadis which are very beautiful dry riverbeds often with stunning pools. Some of the scenery is dramatic - especially as you venture out of Muscat into Oman's desert areas- these trips are readily available from your hotels.
• Muscat is a contrast between the modern luxury hotels and its traditional centre - a walk along the corniche at dusk is a wonderful experience as you watch the local life and wander through one of the atmospheric souks.
• A visit to Oman is a holiday with a difference - a true Arabian experience.

Trips and Excursions

• Beaches -All the hotels listed have sections of private beach, with the Chedi and the Al Bustan being far superior. Away from the hotels, there are some stunning stretches of deserted white sand. On a day out either by hire car or on a tailor made tour, you could well spend hours by yourself on a glorious beach.
• Desert Trips - A visit to Oman would not be complete without a trip into the desert. Most trips involve driving over the dunes in jeeps before watching the sun go down. You may even choose to overnight at one of the traditional bedouin camps staying in Barsti tents and perhaps enjoying a camel ride.
• Wadi trips - Wadis are a combination of oasis, waterfalls, caves and waterpools, and many are simply stunning. For example Wadi Bani Khalid takes you on a 20 minute stroll through the falaj - the irrigation system used in rural Oman. You will pass donkeys, pools, palm trees and breathtaking scenery before reaching the deep blue waterhole for a refreshing swim, or just to sit on the rocks. And a little further on is a cave system, although you can's go very far in without torches.
• Scenic Tours - Jebel Akdhar is the roof of Oman, and visitors here will notice the much cooler weather on the plateau. Tours usually include lunch in a local restaurant as well as several photo stops. A walk through the 'hanging gardens' along the falaj will be a lasting memory. Oman's own grand canyon is found at Jebal Shams and like Jebel Akdhar the weather is much cooler here. You will also see the abandoned Persian ruins at the old village of Ghul, as well as a stop at Nizwa, the old capital of Oman with its 17th century fort.
• Muscat - As well as a stroll along the corniche and a visit to the souq (see above), there are several museums and a park that are well worth seeing. The Bait al-Zubair museum of Omani heritage has a re-creation of a typical Omani village including a souq, irrigation system and wadi. There is also the Oman Museum with displays of arts, culture and shipbuilding. You can also visit a children's museum and the Natural History museum complete with botanical garden. A good place to start your walk is at the Fish market at the western end of the corniche, and to finish in the Al Riyam park which as well as amusement rides boasts a huge incense burner statue and great views.
• Muscat by Night - At dusk, the lights from the old shops and mosque on the corniche provide an enchanting setting. Visit the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the Omani Museum, the colourful Muttrah Souk and the Grand Mosque. Or just watch the boats bob up and down in the shallow water. The most famous traditional market is the Muttrah Souk just off the Cornish in the heart of Muscat. Here you can wander back in time as you take in the aromas of frankincense coming from many of the small shops, while you haggle for a few souvenirs.
• Dine under the stars in a Bedouin Tent at the Al Bustan Palace, while Omani musicians play.
• Snorkeling and Diving - The best place to dive and snorkel is the Dimaaniyat Islands Nature Reserve around 10 miles off the coast from Muscat. Because of the abundance of coral reefs, turtles, birds and other wildlife, you will need a permit to visit. Your tour company in Oman will advise. Good snorkeling and diving can be had right off the coast. For example the Al Bustan hotel runs boat trips to excellent spots for snorkeling, and the Oman Dive Centre company is just beyond the hotel. For the very best snorkeling experience, take the 3 hour round trip to Bandar Khiran with spectacular underwater life and a wide variety of corals and fish. Just 20km from Muscat, the large number of mangroves form a special sanctuary for lobsters, shrimps and many other fish in the crystal clear waters.
• Forts of Oman - There are over 500 forts in Oman and several have been beautifully restored. For example Jabrin Fort is one that is possible to see on a day trip from Muscat, and commands stunning views over the surrounding plains. Jabrin is one of the most magnificent forts of Oman with its painted ceilings, dungeons, and hidden passages. You will notice the irrigation system used, plus courtyards, various rooms containing household furnishings and a tomb.
• Dhow Cruising - From your hotel, you are picked up and taken on a 2 hour cruise on a traditional Omani Dhow, passing the yacht club, a fishing village, the natural harbour of Muscat, the ancient forts of Jalali & Mirani forts which guard the Sultan's palace.
• Sunset Cruising - Unwind after a hard day by taking a cruise around Muscat's spectacular coastline as the sun goes down. The serene sights and sounds of a city slowing down for the night are magically felt from a boat. Watch the hills disappear with the setting sun, then to be backlit by the stars and the moon.
• Dolphin Cruises - A 7am start from your hotel for a magical 2 hour cruise to see the dolphins in search of tuna, mackerel and sardines . The boat company serves drinks and a light breakfast on board.
• Turtle watching - To watch the amazing spectacle of 13,000 turtles coming to nest, you will have to take a tour to Ras Al Jinz and wait for nightfall when they appear on the beach. Several tour companies run trips from Muscat, although the best time of year to watch them is Autumn.
• Escape to a Desert Island - Swim, snorkel or just laze about on your own tranquil beach on the island of Bandar Khiran. Escape from all civilisation for a day before being collected at sunset.
• Professional Game Fishing - You can spend either half or a full day fishing for barracuda, marlin, sailfish and monster tuna with the experienced crew. Alternatively, why not try traditional handline fishing, Omani style, using hand held lines and hooks. Again, the experienced crew will know the best locations.

Other Information

The Weather

Guide Prices for 5 nights

Because prices so frequently change we have given an estimated price here. Please call us for exact prices and we would be delighted to send you the full list. All prices include:

• Return flights from Heathrow
• All Airport transfers
• 5 nights accommodation on Bed & Breakfast
• All airport taxes, fees, and full ATOL financial protection
• Services of a representative

Call us now on 01462 677 111 to check availability.

September '10	£1260
October - December '10	£1495
January '11	£1519
February - April '11	£1570
May - September '11	£1329