Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel Review

By Nicole Brewer

This past weekend I had the pleasure of staying at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel for my birthday weekend. Al Bustan Palace is a contemporary hotel that features traditional Omani elements in a “palace” setting. It was originally designed by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in order to accommodate visiting heads of state and high level service members for GCC meetings. It was renovated under the Ritz Carlton Hotel brand and certainly lives up to the name.  They indeed know how to make you feel like royalty on your stay here at Al Bustan Palace Hotel.

Luxurious lobby area.
Luxurious lobby area.
Birthday Greeting from the hotel :-).
Birthday Greeting from the hotel :-).

Each of the 250 guest rooms come equipped with either a sea , lagoon or garden view. The rooms are furnished in continental and traditional Islamic style. Amenities include satellite cable television, DVD players, a mp3 player docking station, minibar, coffee and espresso machine. I really enjoyed relaxing in the huge, cozy bed that came with down pillows and sheets. To top it off, the deep seated bathtub was a delight as well to take a nice, long soak in. The rooms are designed to show art deco influences, as well as local traditions, making it a great fusion of both old and new.

What an Exquisite suite.
What an Exquisite suite.

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Who doesn't like being greeted by chocolates and fruit :-).
Who doesn’t like being greeted by chocolates and fruit :-).

Facilities at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel include a health and fitness center, children’s play area and children’s pool, a massage suite (with a brand new massage facility in cooperation with the Six Senses Ziggy Bay is currently being constructed, opening in the fall), four tennis courts, five restaurants and two bars.  To top it all off, it also offers its own private beach area to take a lovely stroll by or swim in near the fantastic main pool area. I had such an enjoyable time soaking in the main pool, checking out the lagoon pools and even the beach! You have your pick of it all here at this awesome resort.

One of the lagoon pools.
One of the lagoon pools.
Paradise...
Paradise…
Where I spent most of my time lounging for Bday.
Where I spent most of my time lounging for Bday.
Great times at Al Bustan Palace Hotel!
Great times at Al Bustan Palace Hotel!

Additional activities that are offered at the compliments of the hotel include snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. Right down the road en route to the Shangri-La is a diving center and you could even enjoy some family fun by going out on a fishing trip. There is plenty to do at and around Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel.

The water facilities center.
The water facilities center.

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I had a wonderful birthday dinner at the Al Khiran Terrace Restaurant, which overlooks the main pool and beach of the hotel. Now is a perfect time to head here to check out the massive Iftar buffets that are currently available after sunset. The spread is amazing, from loads of salads to choose from at the salad bar, king fish, meat skewers and an array of traditional Omani deserts and delicious treats. You seriously can’t go wrong with a summer escape to the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel for a getaway during Ramadan or for a relaxing retreat with girlfriends or family.

Gorgeous decor in front of the Al Khiran restaurant.
Gorgeous decor in front of the Al Khiran restaurant.
Fresh coconut juice available at Al Khiran Terrace restaurant.
Fresh coconut juice available at Al Khiran Terrace restaurant.
Freshly made meats available for Iftar during Ramadan.
Freshly made meats available for Iftar during Ramadan.
Traditional Omani sweets.
Traditional Omani sweets.

**Disclaimer: This was a hotel review stay offered by Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel. All views and opinions are my own.**

  1. Taiwanda says

    Great review! That bathtub is what I want! lol…Glad you had such an enjoyable time for your birthday! 🙂

  2. Olivia says

    Wow!! What a beautiful place, that pool and even the lobby are breathtaking!

  3. Holly says

    Beautiful property. Happy belated! I would have stayed by that pool all day too, especially with a few like that! That is super fresh looking coconut juice…on the rocks. Very nice!

  4. Kita says

    I would just live on that beach and the pool area looks beautiful. I had the chance to go kayaking a few months ago but declined because I was scared and I can’t swim

  5. Stacie says

    Beautiful hotel! My, you really get to see some awesome places!

  6. Nadeen says

    That pool! Amazing! The hotel looks so luxurious and the food yummy. Great way to spend your birthday!

  7. This places looks beautiful. I know you didn’t want to leave. I would totally feel like a queen.

  8. LaShawn says

    This is GORGEOUS! What a wonderful way to spend a birthday! I wouldn’t want to leave!

  9. LaChaya says

    Beautiful! This hotel seems so relaxing and serene! Definitely on my list now.

  10. Christine @MomsNCharge says

    First off, Happy Birthday! It looks like you had an amazing time, and definitely celebrated in style. I love all of the activities that the hotel offers complimentary. I’ve always wanted to try snorkeling.

  11. Tyra says

    I yearn for that tub! And that pool view was magical. I love the personal touches with the welcome and the backpack cake! I want to be like you when I grow up LOL.

  12. Vashti (veepeejay.com) says

    It’s absolutely gorgeous! Happy belated birthday Nicole.

  13. Janel says

    This looks absolutely beautiful, thanks for sharing!

  14. […] time. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at some gorgeous resorts here from Shangri-La to Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, but my most recent time at Dunes by Al Nahda was like no other experience here before. […]

  15. […] I’ve had the luxury of working with a host of hotels such as the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton hotel, and many others while living and blogging in Oman. I will encourage others […]

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