oman: at a glance oman 2012
NIZWA
The ancient trading town of Nizwa is just a two-hour drive from Muscat. Located in the mountainous interior, Nizwa has traditionally played a key commercial role and also served as the Omani capital in historic times.
What’s there
The Chedi, Muscat ranks as one of Oman’s top luxury hotels set amidst lush palm gardens and boasts 370 metres of private beach
Old Muscat is steeped in history and mythology. It is is perched on the Sea of Oman and offers a vivid insight into the country's seafaring past. The walled city, which dates back to the 1500s, is also home to the Sultan's Palace. The Muttrah Corniche is a popular loca- tion for families on weekends. It houses the huge Riyam Park and the imposing Muttrah Fort, which overlooks the bay. Muttrah Souk is recognised as the most famous traditional souk in the country and the oldest in the capital. It covers a vast area behind the Corniche, and is a paradise for souvenir-hunting tourists.
Hotel snapshot
The Chedi, Muscat ranks as one of Oman's top luxury hotels. The boutique property is set amidst lush palm gardens and boasts 370 metres of private beach and 38 luxury Chedi Club Suites, which offer a terrace or balcony, living room and open floor bath- room plan. The Suite is fully equipped with two iPod minis, Bose Soundock system, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi access. Suite guests enjoy club benefits including two-way airport transfer, free daily laundry (except dry cleaning), free mini-bar and access to the library.
Al Husn (The Castle), which is located within the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah is billed as an 'exclusive retreat', the property features 170 sea-facing guestrooms,
private gym, beach bar, infinity pool, library and a separate early check-in/late check- out lounge.
All rooms include complimentary butler services, while hotel guests are offered daily afternoon tea in the lobby lounge. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah's two other properties, Al Waha (The Oasis) and Al Bandar (The Town) are pitched at the family and business/leisure markets respectively. Al Bandar is the resort's focal point, and features 11 meeting rooms, as well as the Barr Al Jissah Ballroom measuring 1,056 square metres, which can accommodate up to 700 guests for banquets. Each guestroom offers a minimum 45 square metres of space including a balcony or terrace. Another prestigious Muscat landmark is the Al Bustan Palace, which reopened in October 2008 after a two-year multi-million dollar refurbishment. The management of the property was recently taken over by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. The hotel's lobby features a 38-metre high atrium complete with bespoke crystal chandelier and fountain. Fifty suites are available in total, each of which comes with complimentary butler services. An affordable option is the City Seasons Muscat Hotel. Towering over the central diplomatic area, the property features 269 spa- cious rooms and suites, three restaurants and fantastic views of the city and the Gulf of Oman from the Sky Lounge located on the top floor.
The Fort of Sultan bin Sayf al Yaarubi is a 17th century fort and one of Oman's most popular national monuments. It's a stunning example of the ingenuity of the country's architectural heritage, as well as a reminder of its turbulent past. Completed in 1650, it took 12 years to build and was commissioned by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Yaarubi as a safeguard against marauders intent on plundering Nizwa's abundant natural wealth as well as reinforcing the town's strategic position at the crossroads of old caravan trade routes. The fort now ranks as one of the country's top historical attractions.
Hotel snapshot
The Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel, located in central Nizwa, close to Nizwa Fort, is a 4-star property featuring 120 guestrooms, a business centre, a restaurant and bar. The View is an 'eco-luxe retreat' located in Hail Al Shas, a 45-minute drive from Nizwa. It features 15 luxury tents plus opportunities for adventurous incentives, team-building exercises and meetings and events up high in the mountains.
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