W Hotels Worldwide has made its debut in Oman with the opening of W Muscat, the brand’s newest beachfront W Escape and the second to open in the Middle East this year.
Set against a backdrop of the rugged Al Hajar Mountains, the hotel has seven events rooms, totaling just over 8,500 square feet. The largest space has a capacity of 810 with a maximum of seven breakout rooms.
All of the 279 guestrooms and suites offer views of the water; they have Art Deco detailing. Asymmetrical corridors across the floors have locally commissioned holographic artworks depicting a female perspective of power, love, peace and beauty. The EWOW suite (the brand’s take on the traditional presidential suite) has Majlis seating, which showcases a Zanzibar-inspired print; the ceiling has tilted white paneling, a saddle-like leather chair, bold mustard yellow stool, and faux fur wall are inspired by horse or camelback travel. Stacked luggage trunks comprise the MIXBAR (the W spin on the minibar) while a trunk closet is lined with exotic silk.
A 19,000 square-foot beachfront pool offers views of the Gulf of Oman and forms part of the W brand’s iconic WET experience. Here, guests can swim, soak up the sun and enjoy signature beverages while listening to live DJ performances. W Muscat will be hosting a FUEL Weekend in October—the W brand’s signature fitness and wellness retreat—where WET will take center stage. FUEL guests can expect celebrity workouts, killer parties and delicious beverage and food offerings, all celebrating the brand’s “DETOX. RETOX. REPEAT.” philosophy.
The Escape’s AWAY Spa has 10 treatment rooms, a steam room, a hammam and a couples’ treatment room. Alternatively, guests can sweat it out at FIT, which boasts sea views, state-of-the-art equipment and offers the brand’s unique take on fitness.
The lobby (dubbed the Living Room) will have a nine-ton frankincense tree sculpture designed by Pongsatat Uaiklang. Standing over 30 feet tall, the piece is made of solid stainless steel, welded from 28 winding pieces. It is believed that in traditional Omani culture, frankincense was used to bless and welcome weary travelers after their long journeys
The Siddharta Lounge By Buddha-Bar makes an Oman debut at W Muscat, bringing its signature flair for culinary prowess and inventive mixology to the rooftop restaurant and lounge. Overlooking the sweeping coastline of Shatti Al Qurum, the space has both indoor and outdoor venues. There will also be a rooftop infinity pool with a swim-up bar. Buddha-Bar transforms from a daytime respite for lounging and relaxing to a scene-setting hotspot when the sun goes down and the music turns up.
HARVEST offers guests greener, lighter, fresher and brighter options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is designed using locally sourced produce and rotating specialties, including an exclusive coffee roasted locally in Oman. CHAR is a take on a traditional grill house. Evocative of 1930s Shanghai, Ba Ban, named after Chinese opera-like music, offers dishes from Peking Duck to dim-sum bar to egg tarts.
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