The Chedi Muscat

Oman’s capital city of Muscat is, in some ways, the polar opposite of its flashy neighbor, Dubai — with no monumental man-made islands, or floating skyscraper seven-star hotels, Muscat’s wealth (and make no mistake, it is wealthy) is understated, humbler, deliberately less ostentatious than the garish glitz of Dubai.

The designer Jean-Michel Gathy brings European-style minimalism, and blends it with some authentic Omani architecture — rooms are spare and supremely calm, with plenty of negative space, and public areas are a sort of Arabic Zen, with archways and reflecting pools amongst the nods to the local style. The hotel's setting is no less sublime, on the Gulf of Oman, with views of the Gulf, the Indian Ocean beyond, or the rugged mountains of Muscat.

Luxuries include a well-equipped spa and fitness center, tennis courts, two swimming pools (including the adult-only Chedi Pool), a thousand-foot private beach, and a library, which functions as a Club Lounge for the exclusive use of Chedi Club Suite guests. The restaurant, in a certain gesture of faux-humility, is simply called The Restaurant — and in a city not necessarily known for hip, upscale eateries, its Asian and Mediterranean blend has been a hit. Jeep tours, dolphin-watching, and sightseeing tours of Oman’s landmarks can be arranged by the staff — though be warned, it may be difficult to tear yourself away from such a uniquely calming and restful enclave.

How to get there:
The Chedi Muscat is approximately a 15-minute drive from Muscat International Airport.