If weekends only mean catching up on sleep and watching movies on Netflix, a daycation might prove to be a perfect antidote to break the monotony. And, if you have zeroed in on a hotel like Kempinski Hotel Muscat, it could well prove to be the best remedy to shed the ennui accumulated over the busy week at the office.
Personally, it proved to be a sensorial experience from the word go…
Our day-long daycation at the Hotel started with a formal check-in at 2 pm. We were escorted to our room for the day, the Grand Deluxe Sea View room, which opens up to the majestic sight of the Gulf of Oman. The azure blue sea, enhancing the skyline, welcomed us to the room, along with a complimentary fruit basket and a refreshing date juice cooler.
Nestled within the vibrant Al Mouj Muscat community, the property encompasses over 6kms of Oman’s stunning coastline. But as first impressions go, it is its milieu of unparalleled luxury that grabs the attention. With 310 rooms and suites, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, world-class restaurants, a fully-equipped fitness centre and an authentic spa experience, can a guest want to seek anything more to satiate hunger for all things fine?
Whether it is the stunning vista of nature surrounding the beautifully cocooned Hotel or the very structure that bears its name, the Hotel does remain with you long after you have left its precincts. Arresting geometric patterns and lines blend with artistic wall adornments, creating a feeling of walking into a dreamy sequence that is at once visually fulfilling and emotionally inspiring.
Described as a gateway to an authentic Omani adventure, it perfectly blends traditional Omani hospitality with the timeless European elegance of Kempinski. The design by Woods Bagot reflects a modern interpretation of Muscat, with striking architectural elements that are truly Omani in nature. For example, the Hotel’s façade is inspired by the landscape of Old Muscat, prominently Muttrah Corniche, while the buildings themselves are a matrix of structures, suggestive of what would have once been a commercial centre. And the lobby – its design, we were told, originates from the nature of lilies in a pond – has influences of the prominent Al Alam Palace. A distinctive Arabic touch is resplendent in the architectural design, with the soft illumination in the evening creating a feel of Arabic lanterns.
But before the evening set in and got us back into a dreamy mood, we tucked into a lavish Indian spread at the popular Bukhara Restaurant and set off to explore the property. With 10 dining outlets housed within the property (yes, 10!), it is, doubtlessly, a foodie destination. The aroma of culinary masterpieces set the pace for our tour of the Hotel, which took us also to the health club and the spa, as well as to the swimming pools, the bowling alley and a host of rooms, each dedicated for a variety of occasions. Apart from the business centre and meeting and ballroom, there is also a kids room, making it a kid-friendly property.
As the evening wore on and as we soaked in the beautifully illuminated façade of the Hotel, it was time to head to Zale Beach Club and Lounge, a chic beachfront outlet, to enjoy a delightful dinner and to watch the skyline turn into an artist with a paintbrush dipped in hues of reds and yellows. Zale, we learnt from our host, translates as ‘power of the sea’ in Greek, and that description perfectly summarises its prime location in the property. This was one of the best parts of our daycation.
Images of the sea and the skyline lingered as we retired for the night at our Grand Deluxe Sea View Room, which, again, is a visually gratifying spot. The balcony presents a view of the night sky with the moon shimmering on the soft waves and letting nature play a soothing lullaby.
Our daycation proved to be a wholesome experience as we made time to work out at the health club in the morning, before heading to the pool. The bespoke Kempinski The Spa and Health Club, crafted by Swiss luxury wellness expert Resense, offers an experience that is reminiscent of Omani wellness traditions – delivered in true European luxury. Following a dip in the pool, we were ready for a grand breakfast at The Kitchen Restaurant, which is famous for its live interactive cuisines.
For foodies in the capital, Kempinski Hotel Muscat is crafted to satiate every kind of palate. In addition to the Kitchen, Bukhara and Zale, with its globally inspired cuisine, the Hotel is also home to Soi Soi, the restaurant catering to lovers of Thai street food; Boulevard Tea House for authentic Indian teas; Café One for desserts, pastries and coffee; Amwaj Lounge for French pastries and afternoon tea; and the dedicated Cigar Lounge and Bar for aficionados of fine things in life.
As summer gives way to winter, make a daycation date with Kempinsky Hotel Muscat to experience its unparalleled luxury and relish its foodie delights.