The Chedi Muscat has been the benchmark for luxury in Oman since it opened in 2003. Set on the beach facing the Gulf of Oman in the Al Ghubrah area, between the airport and the old city, it is a low-rise, walled oasis of courtyards, reflecting pools, palms and pale stone, designed with an Omani-minimalist calm that feels a world away from the busy road outside. There are 162 rooms, suites and villas, many with private terraces, and the style throughout is clean lines, dark wood and soft light. The resort has three swimming pools, including the famous 103-metre Long Pool, a 13-suite Balinese spa and six restaurants and lounges, among them The Beach Restaurant by the sea. Service is polished and discreet, and the mood is quiet, especially in the evening, when lanterns light the courtyards. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House are both a short taxi ride away, so it works well as a sightseeing base as well as a place to relax.
Location and getting around: The Chedi sits on the coast in Al Ghubrah, a short drive from the Grand Mosque and Shati Al Qurum, and roughly half an hour from Mutrah and Old Muscat. It is not in a walkable neighbourhood, so you will use taxis or the hotel’s cars for sightseeing, but the location is central for the city’s main sights and convenient for the airport. Day trips to Nizwa and Wadi Shab are easy to arrange through the concierge.
Rooms and who it suits: rooms range from serene deluxe rooms to club rooms and villas with more space and privacy, and all share the same calm Omani-modern style. It suits couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants a restful, design-led stay rather than a big family resort; the atmosphere is hushed, and some areas of the resort are kept quiet by design.
Good to know: rates are at the top of the Muscat market, and dining in the hotel adds up, though the restaurants are among the best in the city. Ask about room types with direct pool or garden access, and book the Long Pool cabanas and spa treatments early in the cool season, which is the busiest time. Dress codes apply in some restaurants in the evening.
Why stay here
- ✓Private beach
- ✓103-metre Long Pool
- ✓Three swimming pools
- ✓Balinese spa
- ✓Six restaurants and lounges
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Villas with private terraces
- ✓Concierge day-trip planning
Good questions
Where is The Chedi Muscat?+
On the beach in Al Ghubrah, a short drive from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House.
How many pools does it have?+
Three swimming pools, including the 103-metre Long Pool, one of the most photographed pools in the Gulf.
Is it good for families?+
It is best suited to couples and travellers seeking calm; families wanting kids clubs and water play may prefer Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah.