Muscat is the capital of Oman, a low-rise coastal city of white buildings set between the Gulf of Oman and the rugged Hajar Mountains. Its old harbour district of Mutrah, the vast Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House and a string of quiet beaches make it one of the Gulf's most relaxed and culturally rooted capitals.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Palace-style beach resort on a private bay at the foot of the Hajar mountains, with landscaped gardens, a long private beach and a spa.
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Three-hotel coastal resort including the Al Husn wing, with private beaches, a spa and a range of restaurants.
The Chedi Muscat
Minimalist beachfront hotel with long pools, a private beach, a spa and the fine-dining restaurant The Restaurant.
Grand Hyatt Muscat
Omani-styled five-star hotel in Shatti Al Qurum close to the Royal Opera House, with a pool, spa and several restaurants.
InterContinental Muscat
Beachside five-star hotel with a pool, spa and a range of restaurants in the Shatti Al Qurum area.
W Muscat
Contemporary design hotel with a pool scene, a steakhouse (Char) and a social bar.
Kempinski Hotel Muscat
Resort hotel in The Wave, Muscat, beside the Al Mouj marina, golf course and promenade dining.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
The Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat
The fine-dining restaurant of The Chedi Muscat, reached through the hotel's beachfront grounds. Reserve by phone +968 2452 4400.
Char Steakhouse, W Muscat
The steak and grill restaurant of W Muscat in Shatti Al Qurum. Reserve through the W Muscat page on marriott.com.
Bait Al Luban
Omani restaurant in a restored house near the Mutrah Corniche, known for local dishes such as shuwa and harees. Walk in, or confirm hours on the Google Maps listing before visiting.
Mumtaz Mahal
Long-running Indian restaurant in Qurum on a hilltop overlooking the park, known for tandoori grills and city views. Confirm location and book via the Google Maps listing.
Ubhar
Restaurant in Shatti Al Qurum serving modern interpretations of Omani and Arabic dishes, noted for its frankincense ice cream. Confirm location and book via the Google Maps listing.