The Mandarin Oriental, Muscat has opened its doors, making it the hotel group’s first property in Oman. Located in Shatti Al-Qurum, a prestigious neighbourhood in the heart of the city, the property – which also offers branded residences – features a unique architectural concept by renowned French interior designer Xavier Cartron, that pays homage to the richness and diversity of Oman’s culture.
The hotel has 103 guest rooms and 47 suites, which use locally-sourced natural materials including Desert Rose marble and Ashwood, alongside other elements inspired by Omani landscapes and culture, including a bed backboard fashioned to resemble the “Kuma” – the traditional Omani hat – and brass lanterns inspired by the iconic “Khanjar”, Omani daggers. The hotel lobby is entered through large Omani-style wooden doors, opening up upon three fountains and a grand chandelier, all of which looks out upon the sea, with a mountain backdrop. Alongside the hotel, the property includes 156 private homes.
To mark the occasion, the hotel’s official opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests including His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, the minister of culture, sports and youth, and His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Al Said, deputy prime minister for international relations and cooperation affairs and the personal representative of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman. Their Highnesses were welcomed by Nicolas Dubort, general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, who commented: “It is our great pleasure to introduce this beachfront gem to the local community and the world, as we commit to delivering exquisite experiences that honour Omani hospitality, mirror its rich culture and set the benchmark for its luxury offerings. This charming resort truly captures Muscat at heart”.
The hotel features five distinct restaurants and a lounge with a wide range of international cuisines under the leadership of executive chef Raymond Rjaily who joins from Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta. The signature restaurant, Essenza, invites you to a journey through Italy’s coastal regions, featuring traditional recipes passed down through generations. The Mandarin Cake Shop specialises in indulgent pastries, cakes and offers a bakery corner with an array of viennoiseries, breads and savouries, paired with a selection of specialty teas and coffees. Executive Pastry Chef Stephane Tranchet leads this team, having worked at legendary Michelin-starred institutions around the globe, and more recently at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, where his signature “cloud cake” established his status as a pastry maestro.
Offering a holistic wellness experience, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Muscat blends Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning Asian inspired treatments with local healing traditions. Designed as a serene urban oasis with natural daylight and sea views, it offers tailor-made wellness journeys, body and skincare treatments, bespoke wellness therapies, and a traditional Hammam, as well as a fitness and wellness centre offering the latest in gym technology. There is also an outdoor pool, and a considerable amount of events space, with 2,000 sqm of indoor venues and 335 sqm of outdoor space, a unique 800 sqm ballroom, an adjoining Bridal Room, and three dedicated banqueting and meeting spaces.
To celebrate the opening, the resort has introduced a Fans of Muscat package that includes accommodation as well as a private guided tour of the Royal Opera House and credit for culinary and wellness experiences.