Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

A few days ago, we returned from our eighth vacation at our dearly beloved Al Bustan Palace Hotel.|As always, Al Bustan Palace welcomes its guests with exquisitely appointed, spacious rooms — sumptuously comfortable and set within an architectural masterpiece that truly evokes the spirit and grandeur of an oriental palace, surpassing the mere definition of accommodation. The surrounding gardens are pristinely maintained, a verdant oasis where one never finds a shortage of sunbeds near the beach. The main restaurant, Al Khiran Kitchen, never fails to enchant us, consistently unveiling innovative creations and sumptuous themed buffets that delight the palate. Meanwhile, the gracious staff at our beloved BLU Pool & Garden Bar spoil us throughout the day with delectable drinks, tempting snacks, and lively, heartwarming conversations. From the moment of our arrival, we are enveloped in a sense of ease, assured that every conceivable need and desire will be thoughtfully attended to.|On this occasion, as we journeyed home, I found myself reflecting on what qualities I could share this time with fellow travellers to entice them to experience this magnificent hotel. One aspect, above all, emerged: at Al Bustan Palace, the passage of time does not yield the gradual decline in standards so often witnessed elsewhere. Remarkably, the hotel continues to elevate what is already a superlative level of excellence. Consider, for instance, the themed buffets at Al Khiran. We had the pleasure of attending both the French Buffet and the Seafood Buffet, each remaining true to its inspiration, presenting an array of exquisite, newly conceived dishes, all executed to perfection — a noticeable refinement even over previous visits. The rooms, too, uphold an unwavering standard of quality with each return. Immaculate housekeeping, flawless amenities, and supremely comfortable beds are a given. And, above all, there is the staff — the very soul of the hotel. Every individual, from the attentive gardeners to the courteous receptionists, extends warmth and hospitality that are both genuine and uplifting, ensuring we feel truly welcomed from the very first moment.|Little wonder, then, that we find ourselves returning time and again to this exceptional haven.

We stayed at Al Bustan Palace Hotel for a family holiday over the Christmas period 2025 and were absolutely delighted with the facilities and the service. The rooms were very good size and were cleaned regularly twice per day. The staff were incredibly helpful and always served with a smile and went the extra mile. The breakfast and evening buffets were absolutely amazing. The hotel certainly ranks amongst the very top of the 5 star hotels I've stayed in. I would definitely go back! 2 members of staff were truly exceptional - Mohammed Al-Wahaibi at Front of House and Ali Al-Wahaibi at Al-Khiran Restaurant. Thank you both for looking after us so well. Ahmed Massoud, London

I've stayed in many good places around the world. This place would rank in the top 5 places I've stayed at. The breakfast buffet is very well presented with quality food and a great variety. Mohammed Saad, Fahd Alwahibi and Managers Ali + Adnan were great hosts. They would give that great Arab hospitality and I felt like we were old friends catching up everyday when we saw one another. The rooms are well maintained with friendly staff who look after them and your family. The pool area and grounds are world class. You can just hang around being lazy and enjoy the place. Above all, the management and staff were a great mix of locals and international staff who looked after you and made your stay memorable. It was beautiful seeing the local Omani people working at this place. I've travelled to most countries in the Middle East and North Africa and stayed in many beautiful hotels. Omani people are the warmest and most hospitable Arabs you will ever meet. Special thanks to manager Radwan who went above and beyond & the concierge team Abu Abdallah + Khaled. These guys are really good fellows. 10/10. I will be seeing you again.

We had the most wonderful day at Al Bustan Palace. The team was so kind and welcoming, and really went the extra mile to make us feel happy for our six-night stay. Particularly Ceren who was so wonderful and compassionate, and really cherished time with our four-month-old. The rooms were spacious and renovated, and the pool and ocean front area was well maintained with wonderful staff. All the team members – from the valet drivers, to the staff grabbing towels, to housekeeping - were all so polite and warm. We would love to come back again!

Amazing Hotel with even more amazing and kind staff! They make all the difference and the welcoming is very warm. They make sure to go the extra mile to make your stay as comfortable as possible. We stayed in the junior suite with garden view and enjoyed the room very much. Everything was kept clean and orderly. The restaurants are nice and have a good selection of food from around the world. We would encourage everyone to try the spa aswell. We will be back sometime for sure and can only thank everyone here for making our stay memorable.

Visited for tea & snacks at the Lobby Lounge, the rose & pistachio dessert was exquisite! A stay here would be so luxurious as the hotel is nestled out of central Muscat, near the coast hidden away almost like a private island feel. There was a wedding going on at the time we visited in late November so staff were directed to be assisting with this which left service in The Lounge quite slow, even when we had to pay however I can understand. Would love to return to explore the beach dining!

The location of this hotel in the bay is simply breathtaking – the views of the sea are stunning, and the beach is perfect for snorkeling. The Deluxe Rooms with sea view are attractive, but it is clear that some of them are older and show signs of wear. It would be worthwhile for management to consider investing in refurbishing these rooms to enhance the guest experience. The service is courteous and helpful, although it lacks a personal touch that would make a stay truly memorable. The food is good, yet not quite at the level of a Ritz Carlton. The pool area is inviting, and the staff are very attentive and accommodating. A crucial aspect that could set this hotel apart in the long term is its environmental responsibility. The hotel’s private reef is a unique and valuable asset. Protecting it from destructive fishing practices, such as trawling with nets, would not only preserve the natural beauty and marine life but also establish the hotel as a leader in eco-tourism. By actively promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding the marine ecosystem, the hotel could create a distinctive identity among the region’s five-star properties and provide a truly responsible and forward-thinking experience for guests. Developing eco-tourism initiatives here would offer enormous potential: from guided snorkeling tours that respect the reef, to educational programs about marine conservation. Such measures would ensure that the pristine environment remains intact for future visitors and provide a meaningful, sustainable experience that aligns with global trends in responsible travel. It would be a real loss if the reef and marine life were compromised, as this is one of the hotel’s greatest natural advantages.

#1 hotel experience in the world so far - combination of outstanding quality of hotel and service you can expect from 5 star establishment, with an absolutely incredible location with sea, mountains and greenery combined. Variety of spaces to relax, both inside and outside areas, incredibly charming breakfast area - you don’t want to leave the resort! Service at the highest quality at every spot including very charming arabic coffee corner in reception. Personalised touch and effort from management - thank you! The nature is simply breathtaking.