The Chedi   (5*)

Enjoy a relaxing drink at the pool bar

This is one of the most stylish, relaxing and beautiful hotels you are ever likely to stay in. From the moment you arrive you are greeted with a cooling fruit juice, and before long you will feel chilled and relaxed, almost like you've entered another world. A combination of friendly staff, soft music and incense burning creates a very special atmosphere.

The beach is the lovely white sand variety but without being drowned by a mass of sun loungers. You can also relax in the gardens or by the pools, one of which is an infinity pool where it appears that the edge continues to the sea.

As evening approaches, a series of beacons are lit around the grounds to create a very romantic atmosphere as you head for dinner. The main restaurant has won several awards, and always has a wide variety of different international tastes on the menu.

Here is a review from one of our recent visits:

As we came in from the warmth outside and were handed a cooling fruit juice, immediately we felt calm and relaxed, as though we had entered a different world.

A combination of the friendly smiles, soft music and subtle incense burning away made it a special atmosphere from the start.

Our room was different to usual international hotels - quite trendy and modern, and with a great view of the mountains in the distance. It seemed brighter than the pictures on the Chedi website suggested.

There were a couple of swimming pools, one for adults only, including an infinity pool where it appears that the edge continues to the sea. And beside each pool was a relaxing bar with a wide choice of tempting drinks and snacks.

I was amused at how many urns and beacons there were dotted around, although as I realised later, when lit during the evening they do exhibit an enchanting atmosphere.

The beach was the lovely white sand variety and without being invaded by a mass of sun loungers. But you could also relax in the gardens or by the pools.

I was slightly surprised at how quickly the gym filled up around 5pm as it was fairly empty during the afternoon - there was a small but decent selection of machines, and thankfully it was air conditioned. Although I did not try the spa treatments, there seemed to be everything you could want. For massages you could specify whether you prefered a male or female therapist.

Dinner was in one of two restaurants, although it is wise to book ahead to get the prime outside tables in the main restaurant. They clearly wanted everyone to know about all the awards they have won for the food, and indeed it was very tasty although as you would expect, 3 courses and a bottle of wine set us back around £30 per head. You had a choice of Arabian, Mediterranian, Indian and Asian. Of course the Grand Hyatt with more (excellent) restaurants is only 5 minutes away in a taxi if you want a change.

Breakfast was laid out in the same restaurant, and similar to all the great hotels of the Middle East had an extensive choice.

Later we sat in the grounds, lit and warmed by the beacons burning around us, with a cocktail in hand. This was magical.

So who would I recommed this hotel for? Certainly couples, and anyone who is after a calming and blissfully relaxing holiday. Children are welcome, but they may prefer the Grand Hyatt. Just one thing - as there are only about 170 rooms, which are usually full, don't leave it too late to book.

Why we like it

• Beautifully designed, calming, relaxing boutique hotel
• Spectacular mountain backdrop
• Award winning restaurant
• Walk in rainforest showers
• Delicious breakfasts
• Soft white sandy beach, where the waiters will come to take your drinks order

Hotel Images

The lobby is impressive, and the incense calms as soon as you walk in

Typical bedroom

Bedroom with a sea view

Beach

Swimming pool

The grounds are lit up at night with beacons

Features

• 2 Swimming pools including an infinity pool
• Spa with a wide variety of massages and treatments
• Lobby Lounge - for refreshments, cocktails and snacks
• John Barry Bar - for nautically themed aperitifs, after-dinner drinks and live music
• Club Safari - African-themed multilevel entertainment centre with an informal setting at the rooftop Grill House
• Library
• Large private beach
• Souvenir shop
• Tours and excursions desk
• Fine Arts Gallery
• Fitness centre

Rooms

All rooms are very tastefully designed and feature rain-showers, bathrobes, and slippers.

• The Serai rooms are in the three storey Serai Wing and have a queen size bed, some have ocean views and some have mountain views
• UPGRADE TO: Chedi Deluxe rooms - these are slightly bigger than standard rooms and include a seating area and king size bed plus a sound system. They have views of the ponds or mountains.
• UPGRADE TO: Chedi Club Suites - Each club suite comprises a luxurious bedroom and a sitting room that looks out over tranquil ponds or landscaped grounds within the hotel’s premises. Lavish bathrooms feature sunken terrazzo bathtubs, private lavatories with bidets, and luxurious shower cabins. Guests of the Chedi Club Suites enjoy continental breakfast in the Club Lounge, cocktails at happy hour, laundry, Internet access in the Lounge, mini bar and daily newspapers.

Restaurants

• The main restaurant offers a choice of Mediterranean, Arabic, Indian and Asian cuisine, served from 4 open display kitchens
• Chedi Poolside Cabana - hot & cold snacks plus deserts
• Beach restaurant which specialises in sea food

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.

October - December '10	£1586
January - April '11	£1385
May - September '11	£1120