Oman's Al Bustan Palace in Muscat Becomes a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

As of July 1, the property, which is set against a dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains and overlooks the Gulf of Oman, will be rebranded under The Ritz-Carlton portfolio.

“The Omani capital has long been a key aspiration for The Ritz-Carlton and we have waited a long time to find the perfect opportunity to add to our collection,” said Ritz-Carlton President and Chief Operating Officer Herve Humler. “It is an honor to be selected to manage such an iconic hotel as Al Bustan Palace and we look forward to retaining its premier position in the regional and international marketplace."

To ensure the smooth transition of operations and level of service to the guests, all the current employees will be retained by The Ritz-Carlton under the new management. Ritz-Carlton said it is strongly committed to the current staff at the hotel and welcomes the existing Al Bustan Palace team to The Ritz-Carlton family.

Noted architecturally for its 38-meter-high domed atrium lobby, Al Bustan Palace has recently undergone a multimillion-dollar refurbishment to both the interior and exterior. The hotel also features new furnishings that fuse elements from both local traditions and art deco influences, blending Arabian culture, art and history. Intricate handcrafted wall coverings and original carvings bring an essential sense of place to the 26-year-old resort, which was originally built to host the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in 1985.

In addition to its 250 rooms, all of which feature their own private balcony, the hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities for up to 720 guests, 200 acres of landscaped gardens and the longest beach in the country. The property also features five swimming pools, a spa, a water sports center, and a Tennis Village with four floodlit courts. The hotel's seven restaurants and bars include Al Marjan Bistro, featuring contemporary French cuisine; China Mood, the fine-dining Cantonese restaurant; Al Khiran Terrace restaurant with multiple-themed buffets and live cooking stations; and Al Maha Piano Bar, offering nightly live entertainment.

Hotel Profile: Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel