Best Boutique Hotels in Muscat

Twenty-one acres of lush gardens accommodate 158 rooms and villas, in this desert oasis. It’s also home to the longest pool in the Middle East (the pool is reserved for adults, giving it a serene vibe, but there are two more on-site). A peaceful place to holiday, The Chedi Muscat is low rise with calming Japanese water features, Islamic archways, palms, hammams and a private beach. But it’s also family-friendly with spacious villas ideal for larger groups or extended stays. There’s a sense of the local heritage here – doormen are adorned in traditional dress, the eight restaurants offer a wide range of Eastern dishes as well as European ones and you can enjoy shisha in a dedicated lounge – and don’t miss the buffet in the charming Arabic Courtyard.

Taking their inspiration from traditional Bedouin tents, the luxurious villas at dines are ideal for those who fantasise about the glamour of camping but like their creature comforts. The resort is set on top of a huge sand dune in the edge of Barka and guests are greeted each morning by the site of impossibly pink clouds and sand stretching as far as the eye can see. There are just fifty rooms for guests to choose from which helps to ensure an intimate atmosphere and dining at the excellent restaurant while the sun slowly sets is an enchanting experience. Guests will also have the chance to play a round or two in the bunker golf course, keep cool by splashing around in the swimming pool and indulge in pure pampering in the onsite spa.