The Chedi, Muscat

20 August 2015

Words: Stacey Siebritz / Images: The Chedi Muscat

The Chedi might well have been the first five-star hotel to open in Muscat but, although it’s more than a decade old, the resort feels fresh as ever. That’s largely thanks to visionary architect Jean-Michel Gathy, and his cool mix of traditional Arabic elements and Asian minimalism.

This is embodied in the crisp white linens, dark woods and black marble of the Chedi Club Suite, whose serene rooms and ocean views tempt you to simply stay in, order room service and take long soaks in the sunken terrazzo bath.

But you must venture outside, if only to marvel at the show-stopping Long Pool (all 103 metres of it) and the elegant Club Lounge, where suite guests get treated to pre-dinner cocktails and canapés.

Along with the Long Pool, there’s also a stunning infinity pool, shaded family pool and private beach – unsurprising, given Gathy’s well-known penchant for water in his hotel designs. Choosing where to lay down your beach towel will be the most strenuous part of your stay.

ghmhotels.com/en/muscat