Cue the holiday jingles, it’s that time of the year where your favourite Oman attractions transform into festive winter extravaganzas with the warmest of decorations and welcoming spirits. There are open-air dinners to enjoy, succulent buffets to feast on, family-friendly activities and festive traditions for the kids, and spectacular holidays spent in secluded havens throughout the season. Looking for a place to escape to for the holiday? Our guide will help you plan and navigate the merriest time of year in Oman. Here are 6 destinations that top our list.
1. Six Senses Zighy Bay
Wrapping up the year with family in a secluded haven is just what Six Senses Zighy Bay offers during the festive season, nurtured by beautiful scenery, scrumptious food, and the warmth of good company. Creating an out-of-the-ordinary experience for guests who aim to make the most out of the coming new year, lasting from December 23rd until January 2nd, in a series of joyful surprises, tantalizing aromas and picturesque backdrops, amidst the Omani Hajjar mountains and Arabian Gulf azure waters.
The celebrations offer a unique evening of memories, presented in a different setting. Enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner crafted with an Omani twist, featuring a banquet of local delicacies, a dedicated carving station for slow-roasted turkey, a grill station for locally sourced seafood, and an array of sweets. The air fills with delicious aromas and the dreamy tunes of the Jazz band, floating through the gentle ocean breeze and under the starry night next to the beach.
For bookings or more information, contact +968 2673 5555
2. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Celebrate the festive season with your loved ones and experience an authentic Omani mountain escape at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. Discover cultural enigmas, indulge in sumptuous feasts and relax at Anantara Spa. Experience unparalleled service with luxury stays and create memories to last a lifetime.
Spend Christmas surrounded by nature on the glorious mountains of Al Jabal Al Akhdar from 19 December 2019 to 9 January 2020. You’ll also get to ring in the new year from the curving rim of a grand canyon in the Al Hajar mountains, feast on a scrumptious gala dinner with bubbles and toast New Year to the tunes of their International band.
For bookings or more information, contact +968 2521 8000
3. W Muscat
Celebrate the season in style with W Muscat. Kicking off the festive period on December 24th with an exquisite buffet and delectable treats at Harvest. For OMR25++ per person, the fresh and nutritious restaurant is rivalled only by the hotel’s signature grill house, Char, offering a flavourful set-menu designed by chef Marcos for OMR30++ per person. Moving into Christmas Day, Harvest is celebrating with a lavish lunch buffet served up for OMR25++ per person, you can leave the cooking at home and spend the day being jolly with friends and family.
This is the year to sparkle as W Muscat prepares to ring-in their first NYE with a bang. The Living Room invites you to adorn your most decadent dance attire and indulge in delicious canapes and unlimited speciality drinks from just OMR70++ per person. Or, go for an unforgettable evening at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar. With a mouth-watering set-menu and unlimited premium beverages, the rooftop revelling can be enjoyed for OMR125++ per person. With Char and Harvest also serving up glam celebrations for NYE, W Muscat is pulling out all the stops for the most wonderful time of the year.
For bookings or more information, contact +968 2212 0000
4. Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Get into the festive spirit as Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel promises the ultimate Christmas Brunch at Al Khiran Gardens. The restaurant’s lush outdoor lawn will be lively with merriment as the resort’s chefs prepare a sumptuous buffet of traditional classics and much more.
With the stunning beachfront and infinity pool as the backdrop, feast on a tantalizing array of cuisines from the traditional to the exceptional. From succulent turkey with all the trimmings, live cooking stations, international and Arabic delights, and a dessert display to impress even the most discerning sweet lover. Spend the afternoon soaking up the celebratory atmosphere while enjoying a leisurely meal at the hands of the resort’s dedicated Ladies and Gentlemen.
Some of the highlight events include Gingerbread Decorating Class at Qantab Ballroom on December 20, 21, priced at OMR 18++ for Gingerbread House; a 4-course Christmas Eve dinner at Beach Pavilion Bar & Grill on December 24, at 6.30pm to 11pm, priced at OMR 45 net per person; a Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Al Khiran Kitchen on December 24, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, priced at OMR 32 net per person. Including live entertainment; and Christmas Day Brunch at the Gardens on December 25, 1pm to 5.30pm, starting at OMR 35 per head.
For bookings or more information, contact +968 2479 9666
5. Kempinski Hotel Muscat
This festive season the iconic five-star beach resort, Kempinski Hotel Muscat is cooking up a number of indulgent dining experiences and fun activities for families and friends to indulge.
On 24th December, guests can celebrate Christmas Eve with loved ones at The Kitchen and experience the merry spirit of the season with family and friends with an exquisitely crafted festive buffet, starting at OMR 26, offering some of the best cooked Christmas dishes in town. Little ones will have complimentary access to the children’s popular play zone, Dippy’s Clubhouse, with a half-price dinner offering for 6-12 years old and free-of-charge for below 6-year-olds. For those looking for to enjoy a fun and outdoor atmosphere, Kempinski Hotel Muscat’s iconic beach club, Zale is offering a five-course menu created by a specialist culinary team where guests can indulge in a fine selection of paired grapes and bubbles to enjoy, whilst taking in the breathtaking views of the beach.
The Kitchen will also be hosting a Christmas Day Brunch from 1pm to 4pm on the 25th December with a festive menu and seasonal specialities, which includes live cooking stations serving delicious signature dishes such as a Christmas Turkey with all the trimmings.
For bookings or more information, contact +968 2498 5000
6. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
Celebrate Christmas Eve in Salalah along with a sensational buffet dinner and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, all happening at Al Baleed Resort Salalah’s iconic space. Get into the holiday spirit with an evening of mingling and merriment. Enjoy mixed drinks at Al Mina before a hearty Christmas buffet at Sakalan.
Celebrate Christmas Eve with your family and friends with a sensational buffet dinner with all the trimmings! Santa Claus makes his way from the North Pole to deliver presents for the kids, while the band will keep the adults entertained. Taking place from 7pm to 11.30pm, Priced at OMR19 per person, and OMR5 supplement fee for guests staying at the resort.
That’s not all, Indulge in a couples pampering session with a soothing therapeutic journey right at the start of the festive season. Enjoy special treatments to relax, recharge and unwind in the hands of experts. Alternatively, have yourself a 45 minutes Rasul Chamber treatment with a mineral self-scrub and mask treatment designed to release tension with an aromatic body massage, ultimately refreshing the mind with a soothing facial treatment.
For bookings or more information, contact +968 2322 8222
