Now celebrating it’s one year Anniversary, the Kempinski Hotel in Muscat is one of the hottest opening’s in Oman’s capital city, Muscat. Situated in the prestigious Al Mouj district, just a short drive from the airport, it’s slightly away from the central Muscat area but benefits from a quiet beach, nearby marina and majestic views over the Al Hajar mountain range.
The hotel, designed by Woods Bagot, the same architectural team that work closely with Qantas, is a breathtaking modern interpretation of traditional Omani architecture. The expansive, sprawling complex features 310 rooms and suites, 77 beachfront apartments and villas, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, 10 diverse restaurants and lounges, a fully equipped health club (also frequented by residents of Al Mouj) and a luxury spa experience.
The hotel also offers an impressive infinity pool, but the most instagram-worthy element is the grand ballroom and the impressive column clad lobby. The design of the lobby originates from the nature of lilies in a pond, and is inspired by the Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. The prominent location of the ballroom – wherein the Muscat Ballroom is situated – establishes a strong first impression, with an architectural design inspired by Arabic lanterns, illuminated in the evening to reinforce the hotel as a landmark in the Al Mouj Muscat community.
The hotel offers a myriad of dining options. As well as the main Kitchen Restaurant, which has live-cooking islands snaking through the space offering a range of international cuisine that varies day by day.
The hotel also offers a range of destination dining options too, including incredibly authentic Indian cuisine at Bukhara and delightfully flavoursome food at Soi Soi, a Thai street-food speciality restaurant.
Both of these food outlets are staffed by Thai and Indian staff, who are knowledgable about the food on offer. Our top tip is to follow their recommendations. Food is fresh, and beautifully presented.
But most guests will like to spend their day by the pool. For light snacks and meals during while enjoying Muscat’s brilliant weather, the Pool Bar is the place to be, with an ever present team taking care of every requirement. Guests should notice that the hotel has a licence to sell alcohol, but only during specific times of the day.
There is also a Boulevard Tea House that provides freshly prepared Indian delicacy teas. Fresh coffee, dainty desserts and pastries can be found at Café One, the hotel’s deli and the Amwaj Lounge, the hotel’s luxury living room, sets the scene with a selection of French pastries and afternoon tea.
As well as a Cigar Lounge, the hotel also plays home to Zale, the hotel’s beach club and lounge, is also the only one of its kind in Al Mouj Muscat, one of the trendiest spots in the area (and the only with a licence) which specialises in globally inspired cuisine, great cocktails, and live music, all set against a beach backdrop
However, where we spent most of our time, was the hotel’s Cosmic Bowling alley. It’s the only bowling and entertainment centre in Al Mouj Muscat, and the only one in Muscat that has a licence, perfect for a fun game of bowling while enjoying happy hour cocktails.
As for the rooms, they are opulent without being ostentatious, and our “Deluxe Sea View” room category was well appointed with Nespresso coffee machines, large bed, beautiful roll top bathroom and expansive terrace with a great view of the mountain range, new Muscat International Airport in the distance, and beyond that, Muscat itself.
The latest addition to the hotel however is the recently opened executive apartment wing. Featuring a wide range of apartments, some of which overlook the sea, these serviced spaces are the perfect bolt-holes for guests staying up to a year. Guests not only benefit from more space and comfort, but all the creature comforts and services the hotel provides too.
All in all, this new hotel balances itself perfectly between a business hotel and a beach resort, which means you may see guests in bath robes walking past those in suits at the breakfast and everything in-between. Perfect for a long weekend, Muscat’s Kempinski hotel is certainly somewhere we’ll be looking forward to returning to.
The Big Picture
THEDESIGNAIR STAYED AS GUESTS OF KEMPINSKI MUSCAT BUT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HERE ARE OUR OWN.