5 Best Hotels in Oman

Though just a quick cab ride from the airport or the nightlife in Qurm, this luxe hotel—the most sophisticated of all the upscale properties in Muscat—may have a convenient location, but the beachfront compound feels like a remote oasis. The design combines traditional Omani architecture with a contemporary Asian feel: rooms have white walls, dark-wood flooring, and touches of deep red or umber; rooms have huge windows overlooking the spectacularly manicured grounds, which are dotted bubbling fountains and ponds. The spacious bathrooms have rain showers, deep sunken tubs, and a selection of luxury grooming products. Thoughtful touches include complimentary drinks, with deluxe rooms offering free water, wine, and beer (suites have a full complimentary bar), and an excellent daily breakfast, which can be taken in the restaurant or in your room. The spa is considered one of the best in Oman, and the entire property mimics its soothing vibe, from the winding, softly lit walking paths to the high-end fitness center with cutting-edge classes, to the infinity pools. The hotel's six restaurants, especially The Restaurant and The Beach Restaurant, are dining destinations for local as well as guests. The wine cellar is the largest in Oman, and cocktails and mocktails are outstanding, if expensive.

Tucked between the sea and the rocky cliffs of Qantab, about 45 minutes from the airport, this sprawling resort actually has three hotels, the family-friendly Al Waha, the central-to-the-action Al Bandar, and the exclusive, romantic Al Husn, which is the standout. Chic, arabesque design touches—towering ceilings, curved doorways and windows—and the sweet smell of frankincense wafting throughout the halls give it the exotic feel you're looking for. Dramatic views of the mountainside beach are available from every spacious room, each of which has a balcony, where you can have your included breakfast. There are other extras, including a complimentary minibar, daily hosted afternoon tea, and pre-dinner cocktail hour. The Al Husn has its own adults-only private beach and infinity pool, which ensures quiet tranquillity, though the amenities of the other properties are only steps away, including 17 dining outlets and bars, kayaking and scuba diving lessons, a world-class spa, and a heritage village offering locally made, Omani handicrafts. The property has a complimentary shuttle bus to take guests into the historic Mutrah and old Muscat neighborhoods to experience some local culture. The main draw for this property is the complete escape it can offer, as guests can luxuriate in beautiful surroundings and choose to have as much or as little contact with the outside world, or even with the very well-trained staff, as they like.

This all-suites luxury hotel on a remote cliff high in the Jabal Akhdar Range about 90 minutes from Nizwa takes full advantage of its stunning surroundings. Each room has a view, and both the infinity pool and the restaurant overlook a spectacular canyon. The property has been designed to blend organically with the natural surroundings, using stone from the mountain itself in the construction. This lends a fabulous effect, as the property is almost camouflaged from a distance. Traditional Omani handicrafts decorate the rooms and common spaces, and local ingredients, including rose water, are put to use in the spa. The on-site restaurant is pricey, as is their new bar, but the views more than make up for it.

More expensive than most of the other camps, Desert Nights does offer nicer accommodations, though it is still desert "camping," so don't expect five-star standards. Nice additional perks include free camel rides and sunset drives up the dunes; other add-on desert activities, such as camel safaris, trekking, and dune-bashing, are reasonably priced. Breakfast and dinner are included, but be sure to request and reserve an outdoor table. Transportation can be arranged from Bidiyah or Muscat.