The Jumeirah Group, the renowned global luxury hospitality company, has expanded its portfolio once more, and this time, it will be a first for it. The Jumeirah Muscat Bay in Oman is the group’s first property in the country, and in this feature, we’ll be exploring what it offers.
Jumeirah Muscat Bay sits in the secluded cove of Bandar Jissah, which sits between the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains. The luxury property is only 15-minutes from Muscat, the country’s capital and will be a serene place to escape.
With such a historic city on its doorstep, mountains and the sea, it sounds like it will be an ideal place to disconnect from the world’s constant “full-on” nature. Guests will have a wide variety of options, ranging from just lounging on the beach to exploring the Sultanate’s incredible history to adventurous well-being experiences.
The accommodation
Jumeirah Muscat Bay has over 200 spacious rooms and suites, all with breath-taking ocean vistas. It also offers connecting rooms for those planning to travel with friends or wanting time away from the family.
In addition to the rooms and suites, the luxury resort has five secluded summerhouses. These have two or four bedrooms, and if you want to “Push the boat out”, there are the Sanctuary Villas. These villas offer the full luxury experience as each comes with a private pool and a dedicated butler service, and on top of this, they even have access to an exclusive private beach.
Dining options
The resort is home to five diverse dining venues overseen by Culinary Director Claudio Dieli. Claudio’s experience in the global culinary industry reaches back more than a quarter of a century and includes a role at several Michelin-starred international hotels.
One of the most popular dining destinations is sure to be PERIDOT which is a multi-cuisine restaurant located ocean-side. The restaurant has live cooking stations, all showcasing healthy global favourites, which are made using fresh produce. Another of the popular haunts will be the TARINI Lounge, where guests can relax with an indulgent afternoon tea and escape from the Omani sun.
Those hankering after a tipple can head to the intimate ANZO bar and terrace with its stunning views over the bay. Here master mixologists will make thirst-quenching cocktails, along with Asian-style food bites, and it even offers an exquisite cigar selection.
The signature restaurant BREZZA will be opening in September and will be a cool contemporary setting that will serve exquisite seafood and culinary creations by Italian-born Chef de Cuisine Cristiano Goattin. Jumeirah has stated that BREZZA will have the best views in Muscat.
Wellness
Wellness is an area that no hotel or resort can look past and the good news is Jumeirah Muscat Bay understands its importance. In fact, it’s probably safe to say that any leading hospitality destination can probably throttle back on accommodation and dining finery as long as they keep pushing the wellness offerings forward.
Jumeirah Muscat Bay’s spa is named Talise and boasts eight individual treatment rooms and two more specifically designed for couples. Talise offers a wide range of therapeutic and re-energising treatments, all of which can be tailored to suit individual guest needs.
The spa extends over two floors, and in addition to the treatment rooms, there are sauna and steam rooms and a Hammam. Talise Spa will be championing local and sustainable brands in a further nod to its natural surroundings.
One thing that people frequently misunderstand when it comes to wellness is it’s not just about pampering. One advantage resorts like Jumeirah Muscat Bay have over city properties is the great outdoors, and here, guests are encouraged to experience it. Nature is one of the greatest things available to help centre your inner balance and is significantly better than something like a fragrant oil massage. The resort will be encouraging guests to try one of the numerous bike or running trails through the Hajar Mountains to experience the incredible views and lush Wadis.
If that seems a little too strenuous, don’t worry, as, at Sunrise Beach, there is a yoga studio, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a tennis court. If the water is more to your liking, there is a PADI-certified diving and water sports centre where you can get up close to the oceans greats or, again, if this is a little too much, perhaps some snorkelling with turtles?
Those with kids will be pleased to learn that Jumeirah Muscat Bay has a daily programme of activities for the young ones that take place in a dedicated club. And, if you don’t want to leave the noisy, boisterous ones in very capable hands whilst enjoying some well-earned me time and want to head out as a family, there are many interesting things to do. For example, exploring the remains of ancient UNWTO recognised villages, modern souks, old seaports, archaeological sites, and even the Royal Opera House await you.
Muscat Bay, where Jumeirah Muscat Bay is situated, is Oman’s only fully integrated resort village. Here, guests will find all modern conveniences within a natural haven wrapped in Omani-flavoured luxury hospitality. In addition to the resort, Muscat Bay also boasts exclusive residential enclaves, shops, pools, restaurants, BBQs, and kids’ play areas, set with beautifully landscaped parkland and gardens.
For more information on Jumeirah Muscat Bay, visit www.jumeirah.com/MuscatBay.
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