For my attempt to visit Yemen, I planned to go through the border with Oman. This meant flying to Salalah, but when I heard that there was a new Kempinski property in Muscat I had to stop by and check it out!
The hotel is located in the Al Mouj development, a high end private property with an onsite golf course, marina, and mall. It is very close to the airport and occupies a large stretch of seaside land.
On my arrival, I found the airport transfer driver waiting with a Kempinski sign. He was very friendly and offered me refreshments as I entered the new BMW. Soon enough, we arrived.
Stepping into the hotel lobby, I was awed by the symmetric pillar design leading to a view of the pool and sea. The check-in was quick and professional. Gerard the PR Manager came out to greet me as well. We had a nice chat and he introduced the concept of the hotel.
With 310 rooms and suites the hotel has quite a selection. I was shown my Grand Deluxe Sea View Room which was a corner room featuring a king bed with a large wrap-around private terrace. As the name suggests, a sea view was the highlight. You could gaze out into the blue waters from the comfort of your bed or the bath!
The team prepared a thoughtful welcome gift which include sparkling apple juice which I mistook at first for champagne until I remembered I was in Oman! Besides the bedroom with a desk and living area, the bathroom was luxurious with a stand alone tub, separate shower and sink area. Amenities were as expected from a five-star hotel with a tea and coffee maker, safe, fast wifi, fancy toiletries and even a large walk-in closet.
In terms of dining, the hotel has a plethora of options. The Kitchen is the main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with mix of cuisines leaning toward European dishes. Adjacent is Cafe One, a pastry shop where you can get a freshly brewed coffee.
On the Boulevard, a small street with several restaurants you can find Soi Soi offering Thai cuisine and Bukhara serving Indian food. The Boulevard Tea House offers a massive selection of handpicked teas shipped directly from the India.
There is also the Anwaj Lounge serving afternoon tea and delicate pastries. 1897 Cigar Lounge and Bar serves fine cigars and single malts in a classic saloon setting.
In terms of nightlife The Zale Beach Club was the place to be. The design is sexy and modern with an outdoor lounging area often featuring live music and a stylish indoor bar with creative seating designs (like a small skiff). Be fascinated over the outdoor air conditioning machines while you puff on a delicious hookah in the evening and people-watch the elite of Muscat.
During the day, the hotel has plenty of activities to keep you entertained. The most obvious choice to escape the heat are to chill in one of the outdoor pools. The signature infinity pool is picturesque while the cascade pool is adults only.
There is a tennis court, bowling alley, a well equipped gym, and a lavish spa. I received a traditional full body massage and the experience was divine. I entered sore from my traveling and came out a new man. Oh and don’t miss the unique program of a steam, sauna, and cold water bucket shower!
If you have kids, there is a Kempinski Kids Club which surprisingly has many rooms and activities for all ages to keep your children active and entertained while being supervised by a caretaker.
Outside of the hotel, tours of popular Muscat sites can be arranged by the concierge or take a private boat to one of the idyllic islands nearby.
Of course a large property like this is also set up to hold massive events. Whether hosting a wedding or conference, the 1,100 m2 ballroom with state of the art equipment and Kempinski service should satisfy your needs.
Having stayed in Kempinski properties all over the world, I expected the highest quality standards and an experience that combined the luxurious style of Kempinski with local culture. I must say that the Kempinski Muscat well exceeded my expectations. I would stay again in a heartbeat and happily recommend it to any other luxury travellers looking to treat themselves during their visit to Oman.
Contact
Kempinski Hotel Muscat
Address: P.O. BOX 57, POSTAL CODE 138, MUSCAT OMAN
Tel: +968 24 98 5000
Email: reservations.muscat@kempinski.com
Website: https://www.kempinski.com/en/muscat/kempinski-hotel-muscat/