The best street-food restaurants in Muscat

By Dina Macki

D6K80W Mutthra district Muscat Oman Middle East

While Oman is one of the Middle East 's lesser-explored destinations, once in Muscat, you’ll step into a Narnia-esque city packed with restaurants that represent the vast cultures and diversity of its people, from ancient Omani tribes to the expats who have called the country home for generations. Muscat's restaurants might not be as glamorous as those in neighbouring UAE, but they are packed with all the raw, authentic and comforting stand-out dishes you could ask for.

This list brings together spots that are much-loved by the local community, and are off the beaten tourist trail. Some have no seating, some have authentic Omani interiors, and most offer simple picnic-chair seating outdoors. While a place to sit is not guaranteed, food you’ll remember is.

Here are the best street-food restaurants in Muscat .

The interiors reflect a traditional Omani house

The interiors reflect a traditional Omani house

Ramssa's menu features cuisine from across Oman

Ramssa's menu features cuisine from across Oman

Ramssa, Qurum

Cuisine: Omani

Ramssa is relatively new to Muscat, but it's already one of the busiest places in Qurum. When the owner, Nasser, opened it a couple of years ago, he strategically chose a location next to a mosque and an iconic tea stop chain known as Tea Corner, which teems with locals from early morning to midnight. This quaint Omani restaurant has a menu that features dishes from across country, which is rare and a hard thing to pull off due to the diversity of Omani cuisine. The interiors have been carefully designed to feature as much warmth as a traditional Omani house.

As you walk in, you’ll be met with an enchanting old tree stump decorated with ceramic water jugs and foliage, with majlis-style floor seating hidden behind it. The rest of the space is filled with details that pay homage to the country's culture, from traditional style doors and date palm woven mats to Bedouin style cushions. Ramssa also has an outdoor area that features an abandoned horse cart Nasser found in Qantab, a fishing village in Muscat.

While the menu has a lot to offer, it's best to opt for the authentic Omani dishes, which can easily get lost in the array of Middle Eastern dishes on offer (which are also delightful). One of my favourite (and usually hard to find) dishes is qeliah , slow-cooked lamb or goat served with classic paper-thin Omani bread and honey. This dish originates from the Al Dakhiliyah region and what makes it special is the floral sidr honey drizzled over the meat and bread. The synergy of warming spices, paired with the delicate sweetness, is simply perfect.

Ali Thani is reminiscent of houses from the 1940s

Ali Thani is reminiscent of houses from the 1940s

Al Thani has been around for more than 30 years

Al Thani has been around for more than 30 years

Ali Thani has been around for more than 30 years. The owner dropped out of school at a young age and took on multiple jobs to support his family, until he was eventually able to open his own restaurant. He now has two branches in Muscat and one in the Sharqiyah Governorate. The original, situated a short walk away from Muttrah Corniche, is the most nostalgic, conjuring memories for my family and friends who were raised close by. Since Covid, the owner has spent every Ramadan distributing hundreds of meals each day to those in need in the neighbourhood – just one of the many reasons I love to visit this place.

From the outside, the restaurant looks like an Omani home, with an intricate carved wooden door. As you step inside, the idyllic restaurant is reminiscent of scenes from pre-1940s houses and forts. Food is kept on display for guests to see what is available for the day. I love coming to this branch as I know I can always get mutafay , a tuna tamarind curry that is traditionally made by the families that grew up in this part of Muscat, and Ali Thani is one of the only places to offer it in a restaurant setting. Naturally, I recommend ordering the mutafay with white rice, alongside the fried fish of the day and if you have room, some qabooli rice with a side of tomato chili salsa. The paplouh curry, a turmeric lemon kingfish broth, is also a strong contender and pays homage to the Al Lawatiya tribe that still live in front of the corniche. As soon as it hits 1pm, this place is swarming with those who live and work in the area, so make sure to get there early.

Don't let the mispelt sign put you off

Don't let the mispelt sign put you off

Prices are display on a menu beneath the glass table

Prices are display on a menu beneath the glass table

Bakery and Rosted, Ruwi

Cuisine: Indian

If there is one thing I love about restaurants in Oman, it's their names. They tend to either be extremely literal or have no correlation to what they actually offer. Bakery & Rosted is the latter; don't expect to find any baked goods but, despite roasted being spelled incorrectly, you'll find the best tandoori chicken and fish in the city.

To find this place, you’ll need to search on Google Maps for its trading name, Rawabi Ibri Chicken Tikka & Seekh Kebab – this is a really common practice in Oman, so don’t be alarmed when you can’t find a restaurant's actual name. Located in one of the busiest parts of the city, Ruwi is home to a huge community of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian expats that have been here for more than 40 years and have transformed the area, so you are guaranteed to find some of the best places to eat here. The only thing is you’ll have to search for them, as they are hidden amongst a sea of restaurants , tailors and electrical shops.

I was first introduced to Bakery and Rosted, known by locals as the “tandoori shop”, a few years ago while working in the area. I was pre-warned that this wasn’t going to be anything fancy and that I should really order to go rather than sit inside, but I’m just about happy to sit anywhere in any setting to enjoy great food, so I dined in and I must say, it’s not for the faint-hearted. The interiors are minimal and you’ll sit on plastic chairs with a clear glass table that has the menu stuck inside it. There are precisely seven things on the menu, all priced at under 1 OMR ($2.70), so there is no excuse not to devour everything. The meat melts in your mouth, while the fish, which is likely to be hammour, is served whole and grilled to perfection, with just the right amount of charring. Make sure to ask for a side of laban (yoghurt, mixed with black pepper and coriander); there is something about how they prepare it that will have you pouring it all over your food (I sometimes ask for an extra one to drink). Don’t expect dessert here, but if you need something sweet, ask for directions to “Softies”, Muscat’s oldest ice cream shop. You'll be transported straight back to the 1970s with your vanilla and rose ice cream cone.

AlAhli is the place to go for breakfast

Al-Ahli is the place to go for breakfast

Get there early for the aab gosht

Get there early for the aab gosht

Al-Ahli Restaurant, Matrah

Cuisine: Baluchi–Indian

When I’m in Muscat, Al-Ahli is my breakfast jam. You could easily catch me here every morning happily eating away. While I do love smashed avocado and eggs in the morning, the only egg you will find here is in the masala curry. However, the reason I get here so early is to sit down to the most soul-fulfilling meat broth ever, known as aab gosht . This dish originates from the Baluchi tribes of Oman and is also a dish found in parts of Iran and Kashmir. The version here is a simple lamb bone broth with dried limes, onions and some delicate spicing. Despite being a very simply made dish, the synergy of the sour limes paired with the full-bodied broth is incredibly satisfying and you'll be left with oil-coated lips. Make sure to order it with a side of crisp tanoor bread. This is their stand-out dish, so by noon, it's gone. Having made the mistake of turning up late of mnay occasions, I've had to experiment and try other dishes – the masala eggs, daal takar and butter chicken are all worth arriving after midday for. The tanoor bread is a constant and I would choose it over white rice any day.

Turkish House, Al Khuwair

Cuisine: Turkish

When compared to the other places on this list, Turkish House is relatively modern and probably the best known. I avoided visiting for a long time, because I’m a big fan of championing places that I really have to search for and and are not very mainstream. But recently, I was in search of something central and Turkish House was the most reliable late-night meal to try. I arrived close to 10pm and the place did not look like it was closing anytime soon. We ordered the calamari and grilled king prawns, and were also given fresh Persian barbari bread with a plate of hummus, mutabal, muhammara and yoghurt.

For the mains, we opted for the grilled lamb chops and whole grilled hammour. The calamari, which I expected to be my least favourite dish, ended up being some of the best squid I have ever tried. The prawns reminded me that Muscat sits on a stretch of ocean filled with some of the best seafood in the world; they were grilled just enough to ensure not one ounce of flavour was lost to the charcoal. For the lamb chops, forsake your knife and fork, there's no way you'll want to leave anything behind on the bone, and use bread to wipe up the lamb drippings from the plate. If you’re looking for a reliable spot to feed you well and leave you satisfied, this is the one.

Bakery Al Faizaman

Bakery Al Faizaman

Order the nabulsi cheese fatayer

Order the nabulsi cheese fatayer

Al Faizaman, Al Ghubrah

Cuisine: Lebanese

This is my go-to post-gym workout spot. It’s probably not the right thing to be eating after a session, but my cousin Khadija introduced me to Al Faizaman one day and now we always divert via here and grab a couple of fatayer to snack on in the car. If the weather is on our side, we occasionally opt to sit outside by the white plastic picnic tables and watch the chef as he meticulously rolls, folds and fills the dough before placing it in the wood-fired oven.

There are many fillings but our go-to is the nabulsi cheese, which we then fill with chips Oman (if you know, you know) bought from the shop down the road, topped with dakoos (chili sauce), and folded in half.

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Conde Nast Traveller lists Oman as one of the best 25 places in the world to visit

Britain’s CNT also lists ideas for a sustainable travel tip with trips to Salalah

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Muscat: Conde Nast Traveller (CNT), Britain, has listed Oman as one of the 25 best holiday destinations to visit in November.

The list contains places from South Korea’s capital Seoul to Canadian hinterland.

“If what you want is a hit of winter sun, somewhere remote with wide open spaces, and just a short flight away, then Oman may just be the place you were looking for. Muscat is where you’ll find age-old traditions, elaborate mosques and scent-filled souks. On the west coast, the Musandam Peninsula has empty coves and always-warm green-blue water, hidden by the imposing Hajar Mountains. For more dramatic scenery still, travel along the southern coast, camping among the dunes in goat’s-hair Bedouin tents.”

CNT also lists ideas for a sustainable travel tip with trips to Salalah, as well as visiting traditional fishing villages and learning about Bedouin life from local guides. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary are also mentioned as must-see places while in Oman.

November heralds the start of salubrious season as the temperature comes down considerably. Muscat is also a preferred port of call of many luxury cruise liners during the pre-COVID-19 days when tourism activities and tourists were in full swing. With Oman now open for international arrivals and the visa issuance also on track, hotel operators and DMC (Destination Management Companies) are hoping for a better season this year onwards.

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The GQ travel guide to Oman: Where to stay, eat and visit

By Charlie Burton

Image may contain Outdoors Nature Land Water Shoreline Ocean Sea Boat Transportation Vehicle Coast and Human

When Sultan Qaboos bin Said died in early 2020, tributes poured in from around the world. In nearly 50 years on the throne, he had transformed the country from a barely developed backwater with only a few miles of proper roads into what is today a thriving nation. While it remains an absolute monarchy, Qaboos channelled much of the country’s petrodollars towards the development of education, healthcare and infrastructure. On the world stage, Oman became a valuable political force: Qaboos proved to be a skilful diplomat, carefully steering a neutral course through the region’s problems and helping its neighbours resolve differences. His Times obituary described him as “elegant, reserved and dignified”.

The same could be said for the country itself. The extremist mayhem which blights so much of the region has never taken root in Oman. And unlike other prosperous Middle Eastern countries, such as Dubai, Oman’s wealth has not come at the cost of its sense of identity. The capital, Muscat, has refused to let itself become a high-rise cacophony of different architectural styles. Instead, the law insists that new-builds strictly adhere to traditional Arabian typographies – skyscrapers are completely out of the question.

It has thus emerged as an alluring tourist destination: a trouble-free, modern country where one can nonetheless experience a traditional idea of Arabia. It can offer the visitor picture-postcard beaches, awe-inspiring mountainscapes and vast, dune-filled deserts. Unsurprisingly, it now also has some extraordinary places to stay...

Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat

Image may contain Human Person Building Tree Plant Palm Tree Arecaceae Housing Villa House and Architecture

A short drive from the sights and sounds of Muscat, this glamorous resort occupies a secluded cliffside spot overlooking the crystal waters of the Gulf of Oman. Though it is adults only, it is a place for having fun. A pristine private beach, infinity pool and Instagrammable courtyard are the focal points for passing a day punctuated by visits to an array of restaurants and bars. If it all gets too much, book yourself into the L’Occitane spa – or simply retire to your sumptuously appointed bedroom. shangri-la.com

Read GQ’s full review of Shangri-La Al Husn

Canvas Club, Wahiba Sands

Image may contain Tent and Camping

The Wahiba Sands is the kind of desert you imagined as a child – a huge, golden nothingness with dunes straight out of a Tintin book. And Canvas Club is one of the most magical ways to experience it. This luxurious private camp offers complete isolation: there are no other guests and the only people you’ll see are your dedicated staff in traditional Bedouin dress. Having arrived by camel as the sun goes down, you will sit out under the stars and watch dinner being cooked on the fire in front of you. Your bed for the night is inside a beautifully furnished tent – and your fully functioning bathroom in the middle of this wilderness is just a few short steps across the sand. canvascluboman.com

Read GQ’s full review of Canvas Club

Anantara Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Nizwa

Image may contain Furniture Table Balcony Terrace Hot Tub Tub Jacuzzi Cushion Pillow and Coffee Table

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The awe-inspiring peaks of the Al Hajar mountain chain used to be inaccessible to all but the most high-profile travellers. When Prince Charles and Diana visited this area on an official visit in 1986, the only way to get there was by military helicopter. Now, a steep road winds up to an elegant property situated at the very spot where the pilot set the royal couple down to admire the scenery. At 2,000m above sea level, Anantara Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar lays claim to being the highest five-star hotel in the Middle East – and its clifftop suites offer heated infinity pools looking out into the canyon that once so captivated the Princess. Guests can work up an appetite with an adrenaline pumping climb on the resort’s via ferrata or take a guided walk through traditional mountainside villages, before dining on fine Italian or traditional Omani cuisine at the resort’s excellent restaurants. anantara.com

Read GQ’s full review of Anantara Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar

Getting around

We recommend asking Canvas Club to organise your ground transport. The company is also a tour operator and can arrange for a personal driver who will accommodate your whole schedule from the airport and back again. Alternatively, you can ask Canvas Club to produce a tailor-made itinerary to ensure that you see the best that Oman has to offer as you travel around the country. canvascluboman.com

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10 essential things to do in Muscat

Things to do in Muscat

Make yourself at home

Check into the Hormuz Grand Muscat , A Radisson Collection Hotel, which overlooks the vivid and brooding Omani mountains, where you can tap into local culture as well as all the mod-cons of luxury living. The hotel blends into the landscape with its fort-like architecture, and friendly Omanis in national dress greet you with coffee and homegrown dates. Once inside, you can sip creative cocktails by the pool (with high-speed Wi-Fi) or unwind in its excellent spa. In the rooms are Amouage toiletries, freshly prepared dishes at the click of a button any time of day or night, and powerful rain showers (as you won’t experience much real rain around here). Ask for a pool-facing room and admire the view of the palm-tree-lined modern-day desert oasis.

  • Breakfast like a local

Top up your energy levels as the sun rises at local hot spot Habboh Café ( pictured above ). The cute coffee shop has been designed to replicate the old houses you find in the small villages of Oman, decked out with wooden tables, colourful tiles and cool concrete floors. Recipes are inspired by the founders’ grandmother’s cooking ( habboh means grandma in Omani slang): order a mardhoof, a traditional Omani flatbread made from date syrup, flour and ghee. While the recipe is centuries old, here you can slather your warm bread in cream cheese, Nutella, honey or jams and wash it down with a sweet, karak tea (black tea with milk, sugar and cardamom).

You wont find sprawling mega malls in Muscat but you will find several hidden higgledypiggledy souks filled with...

Take a stroll in the souks

You won’t find sprawling mega malls in Muscat, but you will find several hidden, higgledy-piggledy souks filled with artisans selling colourful shawls, rugs, silver and Bedouin jewellery. The best of the bunch is Mutrah Souk. This traditional Arab market (albeit with updated modern timber roofing) is the place to go and hustle for bargains. Tell your taxi to drop you off at the Mutrah Corniche, which is where the main entrance is, and rehearse your bartering banter as you’ll be expected to engage in a friendly haggle. Credit cards are taken at most shops but bring cash for an even better final price. Female visitors should remember to cover shoulders and avoid wearing anything too short while wandering through the souk.

  • Have a lazy brunch

For the city’s best brunch, local institution Nana’s tends to get busy first thing, especially at weekends. Wait until a little later on in the morning and you can bag a seat outside and sip coffee and eat eggs-over-easy while looking over the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf and the quiet sands of Al Qurum Beach. The menu includes international favourites such as burgers, wraps and sandwiches, but be sure to make the most of the breakfast menu, which is served until 1pm. Nana’s is renowned for its French toast, served with an Arabian twist: brioche toast with star anise, cardamom, orange flower yoghurt and mixed berries.

The Middle East has been crafting perfumes for centuries and Oman is the historic trading centre of incense and myrrh....

Breathe in history

The Middle East has been crafting perfumes for centuries, and Oman is the historic trading centre of incense and myrrh. Both precious ingredients can be found exclusively in the south, in the mountainous area of Dhofar, though the easiest way to find it is by visiting the Amouage Perfume Factory . The opulent fragrance brand was founded here in 1983 and the perfumes are now sold worldwide (in the UK they’re exclusively stocked in Harrods). A free tour of the factory offers a brief but interesting insight into the creation process, along with complimentary Omani coffee and locally grown dates that are generously handed out at the start. If you’re looking for a gift to take home, the bestseller is Amouage Gold Woman, concocted by French nose Guy Robert (who also created Hérmes Caleche, Gucci No. 1 and Dior Dioressence fragrances). Yes, it's pricey, but British jewellers Asprey developed the crystal bottle and the label is 18-carat gold.

  • See an architectural masterpiece

Even if you’re not an enthusiastic theatregoer, step inside the Royal Opera House Muscat simply to appreciate its incredible structure. Combining traditional architecture with groundbreaking audio technology, the seven-year-old building is a world-class masterpiece and one of the most technically advanced opera houses in the world. It’s open every day apart from Fridays, and a friendly Omani in national dress will take you on a personal tour behind the scenes, into the orchestra pit and up-close-and-personal with its beautiful artistry, inspired by a fusion of Islamic, Mughal, Oriental and European art. Don’t forget to look up – some of the most remarkable artwork is on the ceiling.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the only religious buildings in Oman that allows nonMuslim visitors. Wander...

Immerse yourself in local traditions

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the only religious buildings in Oman that allows non-Muslim visitors. Wander through the cool, quiet halls (mobile phones are not allowed, so it makes a good digital detox) that play host to more than 20,000 worshippers on a Friday, the day of prayer. Look up and you’ll see one of the world’s largest chandeliers, an exceptional 14-metre fixture made from more than 600,000 Swarovski crystals. Look down and you’ll see you’re treading on the world’s second-largest hand-loomed Iranian carpet, which took 600 women four years to weave. Entry is free, and don’t be afraid to accept coffee and dates from any one of the friendly Omani women you’ll meet along the way. Women and girls over the age of seven will be asked to cover their hair and shoulders with a shawl but don’t worry, these can all be hired for a small fee before entering.

  • Step back in time

Save two hours to visit the National Museum of Oman and gain an understanding of the country’s ancient culture. A bold contemporary building in Old Muscat, the museum has an easy-to-digest retrospective of Oman, covering its long, long history. There are 14 permanent exhibitions to explore, all with information in English, displaying more than 5,000 artefacts. Don’t miss the stone flint that’s believed to be two million years old — the oldest man-made object discovered in Oman. Start by watching the 15-minute short film in the museum’s high-tech surround sound cinema located in the heart of the high-ceilinged building to figure out what you want to prioritise.

A 90minute drive from Muscats city centre will take you to Nizwa an atmospheric district of leafy date palm trees and...

Visit a desert oasis

A 90-minute drive from Muscat’s city centre will take you to Nizwa, an atmospheric district of leafy date palm trees and some of the highest mountains in Oman. Nizwa was also the old capital of Oman, which explains the dramatic fort standing proudly in the heart of the city. The 17th-century castle has been carefully restored so allow time to wander around its rooms. Climb the stairs of the fort tower in the early evening to watch the sun melting over the mountains, before heading back down as the surrounding souk comes alive. Your hotel can easily arrange a day trip to explore both, but hiring a car will give you more freedom. The drive through the Hajar Mountains is beautiful and takes you along the single road from Muscat – so it’s impossible to get lost.

  • Discover local artists

If you’re interested in exploring Oman’s art and culture scene, make the Hormuz Grand Muscat , A Radisson Collection Hotel, your starting point. The bright lobby serves as an exhibition space that showcases local, contemporary artists, and the team at the hotel work to support regional talent all year round. Past exhibitions have included shows by Omani painter Fakhrataj Al Ismaily in collaboration with the Omani Society of Fine Arts, and an exhibition of the latest works by Oman-based, Columbian artist Rebeca Nigrinis. Ask the friendly front-desk team for tips on up-and-coming shows.

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Oman adventure travel

By Pri Shewakramani

Oman adventure travel

Oman, only a few hours from Dubai , is a sharp contrast to the opulence that has become typical of the Middle East. Nature still rules here, from the deserts and dramatic mountain ranges to the picturesque sea. Oman is now emerging as one of the hottest tourist destinations of the year especially for adventure tourism. The country offers an astounding variety of adventure sports from canyoning through gorges to rappelling through a cave. Condé Nast Traveller brings thrill-seekers the five must-try adventure sports in this gem of a country:

Wadi Bani Auf—located an hour from Muscat—is one of the most beautiful wadi's (gorges) in Oman. The adventure begins by driving off road through the wadi to the entrance of the snake canyon. The canyon can be a little intimidating as the fissure are 200m deep, three km long and 1,000m high. The instructor then takes you on a trek along the canyon. The trek is more a combination of swimming and walking as you have to go through boulders and paddle through water pools. The entire journey takes anywhere from two to three hours. We recommend buying a waterproof camera for taking home memories of the trek.

Addicted to Travel ( www.addictedtotravel.com )

Majlis al Jinn is the second biggest cave in the world and is only for the true adventurer. To reach the cave you have to walk for about three hours through mountain terrain. The chamber of the cave is 180m deep and you can only enter the cave by being lowered down on a free-hanging rappel through one of the cave's three entrances. Once you're in, get prepared to be astounded by the enormity of the cave which has an area of 624,306sq ft. Once you get out, the guides veer you towards White Beach to camp for the night. This trip takes two days and requires four classes to make sure you are fully trained to rappel.

Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre ( www.holiday-in-oman.com )

Rock climbing

Oman is often called a climber's paradise as the terrain of the country is ideal for mountain climbing thanks to the regions rugged and steep slopes. If you have never tried rock climbing before, this is a good a place as any to learn. Get started at Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, who boast an indoor climbing wall on which you can practice. They then take you to 5 o'clock slab, the closest climbing area to Muscat. Experienced rock climbers love Jebel Misht, the tallest cliff in the Arabian Peninsula, which is a four hour drive from Muscat. The best months for rock climbing are November through March as the rest of the year tends to turn excruciatingly hot.

Off-roading

There is nothing as exhilarating as driving a four-wheel drive through the jagged valleys of Oman. Pick your route carefully; some vales are extremely difficult for first-timers. But on the flip side, if you end up picking a remote area, chances are you won't spot another human being. It may make sense to rent a car with a chauffeur as its best to venture forth with someone who is familiar with the terrain. CNT tip: Rental car companies such as Avis rent out jeep safaris with chauffeurs. We suggest you try off-roadind at Wadi At Ta'iyeen, a large valley in the country that stretches for 82km.

Avis Oman ( www.avisoman.com )

Scuba diving

Some of the best diving in Oman is harboured around the Musandam Peninsula. The Six Senses Zighy Bay resort at the Musandam Peninsula has its own diving centre. The diving centre, operated by Extra Divers Worldwide, offers courses in SSI/CMAS and PADI.  Some of the good diving sites around here are Ras Claudia and Lima Rock. Expect to see beautiful coral, eagle rays, sea turtles and if you are lucky whale sharks. The best months for diving in Oman are from April to July. Editor's note: Six Senses offers a private yacht for rental which you can use for diving and other seaside adventures.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula (+968 26735 888; www.sixsenses.com )

ALSO SEE: /the-experts/series/surprising-oman

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http://www.cntraveller.in/news/indigo-fly-muscat

Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

Image may contain Architecture Building Hotel Resort Adult Person House Housing Villa Plant City and Couch

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Angama Amboseli Kenya

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Scenery Architecture Building Shelter Plant Tree Landscape and Vegetation

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

Image may contain Leisure Activities Person Sport Swimming Water Water Sports City Urban Architecture and Building

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Image may contain Home Decor Lamp Architecture Building Furniture Indoors Living Room Room Couch Adult and Person

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Lodges at Highland Base Iceland

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

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UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Image may contain Architecture Building House Housing Villa Summer Hotel Chair Furniture Resort and Palm Tree

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

Puqio

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

Image may contain Summer Chair Furniture Person Plant Tree Palm Tree Fun Vacation Outdoors Nature and Beach

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

Image may contain Lamp Bed Furniture Indoors Interior Design Spa and Floor

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Yacht Boat Ship Cruise Ship Nature Outdoors and Sky

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

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COMMENTS

  1. Oman

    Insider's tips: Christopher Chong's Oman. By Emma Lundin. 27 July 2010. Find the latest stories about Oman, plus travel ideas, products, expert advice, and more from Condé Nast Traveller.

  2. Oman: best places to visit

    Oman travel guide. Fashion in the Oman desert. Topics Destinations Camping Epic Adventures Coast & Countryside Desert Muscat Oman Asia. More from Condé Nast Traveller. Style & Culture. The best packing cubes for travel. By Sarah James. Inspiration. The happiest countries in the world for 2024 have just been revealed.

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    Here, as in the rest of the country, the atmosphere is more relaxed than you might expect, the people apparently unruffled. The mosque, which was completed in 2001, is named for Oman's 75-year ...

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    The Sultan of Oman has a palace in Muscat with gold columns shaped like bugles and herbaceous borders of flashing-pink blossom. Morning in the city comes fast and hot, and everything around is preternaturally intense: the sprinklers on the palace lawns, the smell of wet hydrangeas, the scream of birds. 'Very popular shop,' nods my friend ...

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  6. Camping in Oman: 7 spectacular tried-and-tested spots

    7 spectacular camping spots in Oman. From Jebel Shams to Salalah, and the country's vast interior, there's a camping site for all seasons in Oman. Sand, stone, and surf: from the briny fjords of Musandam to the monsoon-swept cloud forests of Dhofar, Oman truly has something for everyone. Camping in Oman - or as Europeans call it, 'wild ...

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    Day in and day out, Mahmoud walks first-time climbers through the basics. He assures me that my reaction is normal: My right leg is shaking uncontrollably as I grip a steel cable at 6,500 feet ...

  8. The best time to visit Oman

    At the top of its peaks, such as Jebel Akhdar in the Hajar mountains, temperatures are naturally more pleasant and cooler than at ground level. Many private and group guides operate across Oman and using a professional outfit is an easy way to keep safe and make the most of your time outdoors. Best months to visit: November to March.

  9. The ultimate Oman road trip: from Muscat to the mountains and beyond

    244km from Muscat - 3 hours 20 minutes. From Muscat, take Route 15 for 155km (90 minutes) until you reach the historic town of Nizwa, a charming passage that houses a giant fort and high-walled souk. Watch out for goats who tend to scamper across the road en masse with little regard for oncoming traffic. This is the crossing to Oman's ...

  10. The best hotels in Oman

    The Chedi, Muscat. The Chedi, with its intricately laid-out gardens, is the most beautiful hotel in Oman. Low-built villas sit in gardens of oranges fringing a private beach. Pools and fountains and topiary and paved walks alternate with white-stone, silver-domed buildings in an exquisite geometry (a modern architect's fantasy of luxury hotel ...

  11. The perfect 6-day itinerary for Oman

    Day 3: Take the scenic route past villages and palm groves to Nizwa. Visit the fort, drive to Wadi Bani Khalid for its natural pools, and to Sharqiya Sands to go quad biking and sleep in a desert camp. Day 4: Drive to coastal city Sur and take a factory tour to see how dhows are made. Visit Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, a nesting sanctuary for ...

  12. A local's guide to Oman

    A local's guide to Oman. Known for his big-ticket fashion campaigns and ambitious personal projects, photographer and graphic designer Mohamed Al Kindy, known as Chndy, has played a vital role in crafting the image of the modern Middle East. This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international ...

  13. The best street-food restaurants in Muscat

    The paplouh curry, a turmeric lemon kingfish broth, is also a strong contender and pays homage to the Al Lawatiya tribe that still live in front of the corniche. As soon as it hits 1pm, this place is swarming with those who live and work in the area, so make sure to get there early. Dina Macki. Dina Macki.

  14. The Chedi Muscat, Oman

    Readers Choice Awards 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 Gold List 2023

  15. Conde Nast Traveller lists Oman as one of the best 25 places in the

    Muscat: Conde Nast Traveller (CNT), Britain, has listed Oman as one of the 25 best holiday destinations to visit in November. The list contains places from South Korea's capital Seoul to ...

  16. Escape Routes with Condé Nast Traveller Podcast: Oman

    This episode of the Condé Nast Traveller podcast Escape Routes is presented by contributing editor Antonia Quirke. By Antonia Quirke. 19 October 2021. Tom Parker. Oman is like the Middle East stood still in time, a largely desert-covered country where there are 'vast massifs of malachite; eerie valleys haunted by wild shaggy goats; terraces ...

  17. Oman

    Now, you can get an Oman visa for 10 days. Just for 5 Omani Riyal, that too. By Condé Nast Traveller. 17 July 2018. Find the latest stories about Oman, plus travel ideas, products, expert advice, and more from Condé Nast Traveller India.

  18. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

    All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Book Now at Expedia. Location ...

  19. The GQ travel guide to Oman: Where to stay, eat and visit

    Oman is a thriving modern nation where you can nonetheless experience a storybook notion of Arabia - and enjoy a clutch of first-rate hotels. When Sultan Qaboos bin Said died in early 2020 ...

  20. Things to do in Muscat

    The Middle East has been crafting perfumes for centuries, and Oman is the historic trading centre of incense and myrrh. Both precious ingredients can be found exclusively in the south, in the mountainous area of Dhofar, though the easiest way to find it is by visiting the Amouage Perfume Factory.The opulent fragrance brand was founded here in 1983 and the perfumes are now sold worldwide (in ...

  21. On a Road Trip through Oman, Navigating Grief and Parenthood

    The hospitality in Oman, like other Islamic countries I've visited, was unparalleled. Young men leaped into traffic to help us cross the street. ... Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen ...

  22. Oman adventure travel

    Oman is now emerging as one of the hottest tourist destinations of the year especially for adventure tourism. The country offers an astounding variety of adventure sports from canyoning through gorges to rappelling through a cave. Condé Nast Traveller brings thrill-seekers the five must-try adventure sports in this gem of a country:

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  24. Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

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