The recently opened Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Ghala Muscat claims to be ‘celebrating culinary heritage, fostering connections through food and drink, immersing guests in culture, pleasure and social change’. On a recent trip to Oman, this writer can attest they do this and more.
Not only are the 282 hotel rooms and suites, and 58 hotel serviced apartments beautifully designed, but are spacious even from the entry level category. The entry level room size ranges from 33 sqm to 42 sqm offering seating areas for those relaxing moments, and a work desk for those workaholics. Espresso machines and tea making facilities are also available for the early riser. Also in the room is a flatscreen TV to watch the news or one of your guests’ favourite entertainment channels. Iron and ironing boards are also available, and with sustainability at the core of not only this property, but Accor Hotels worldwide, Yuni, the sustainable brand are the bathrooms toiletries. Of course, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Suites in the property range from 49 sqm to 83 sqm. I was fortunate to have one of the Junior Suites, which was big enough to have slept four. The bathroom with its double sink, and both a bath top and rain shower, again, provides space for a couple or a small family.
I do like a hotel that provides both bath and shower, this always wins me over.
There is also an executive floor with executive suites. With these rooms, the guests will have access to the Executive Lounge serving breakfast for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere to get their thoughts about them before the day of business, or to wind down in the evening with snacks and beverages. Accor Live Limitless Gold, Platinum and Diamond tiers receive complimentary access with any room booking.
The studio, 1 and 2 bedroomed services apartments are spacious and well-appointed with kitchenette, dining table, and complete crockery. A washer/dryer is also available in the 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.
RESTAURANTS
The Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Ghala connects guests through food and beverage. I can confirm your guest will not have to leave the property to find something they fancy and I can assure you, they won’t go hungry!
Amoun: The hotel’s all-day dining venue with its Omani design, serves everything from roasts to Sour Dough pizze cooked in a pizza oven to ice cream and cakes – and for those looking after their waistline, healthier options are also available. There is also an outdoor Shisha Terrace for those who enjoy this, or alfresco dining in the cooler weather.
Butcher House is a modern take on the classic steakhouse serving steak from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and the US. The restaurant also has a private dinning room.
Dates & Co: As the name states, this coffee and pastry venue offers date-inspired pastries, desserts and, of course, the famous Mövenpick Ice Cream. There is also a good range of coffees and teas to choose from.
The Watchtower: Here guests can enjoy mocktails, cocktails and nibbles, with a DJ spinning tunes until late. There is also an outdoor terrace with views of the city, Hajjar mountains and sea for those Shisha lovers or smokers.
Rooftop Lounge: Also offering a selection of beverages, this venue can be used for private events and is a great place to watch the sunset.
The Executive Lounge is convenient for Executive Floor guests and Accor loyalty members. One other special treat is the Chocolate Hour from 4pm to 5pm in every Mövenpick property worldwide. Here is where guest can sample free of charge, the famous Swiss Chocolate with the local flare (include camel milk chocolate).
MEETINGS & CELEBRATIONS
As the hotel is located within 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport, and within a key part of the city, Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Ghala, is ideal for your clients’ meetings or conferences.
Al Falaj Ballroom or the Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliya and Al Sharqiyah Meeting Rooms are available for individual or combined bookings each offering the state-of-the-art audio visual facilities. Connected to the Al Falaj Ballroom is a 423 sqm pre-function area seamlessly extends for exhibitions, breaks, networking and cocktails, providing versatility and convenience.
For those board or smaller meetings, the business centre is ideal and includes a boardroom for 10 guests with an 8000K definition TV and cove blue seating for 6, perfect for informal meetings.
FACILITIES, ACTIVITIES
Like me, if your clients want to remain active during their business or holiday, or they want to spoil themselves with spa treatments – Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments have a state-of-the-art gym with all the modern equipment from Precor. There is also a certified trainer available. An infinity roof top pool with views over Muscat City is a must see and a must to enjoy (although sadly, I didn’t pack my swimmers!).
The Novo Spa with its three ladies and one gentleman treatment rooms, offers a choice of treatments, whether you prefer relaxed soft massage or require a little deep pressure for those sore muscles, there is a treatment your guest will enjoy. I can attest, the therapist listens to you and your guest will walk away feeling so much better.
Last but certainly not least, a memorable hotel stay is one where the guest feels genuinely welcomed. Each team member at the Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Ghala Muscat, led by General Manager Arshad Mahmood, was friendly, helpful, and made us feel at home.
The next time your client plans a trip to Muscat, whether for business or pleasure, I highly recommend the Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Ghala Muscat.
EMERGE INTO MUSCAT’S CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Just minutes from the Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Ghala Muscat lies the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, covering around 416,000 sqm, including beautifully manicured grounds. Inside, the main hall is a marvel, featuring a 4,200-sq-m Persian carpet composed of 1.7 billion knots, which took over 27 months to complete.
The centerpiece is a Swarovski crystal chandelier, accompanied by blue-and-white marble walls and stained-glass windows -- just a small taste of the beauty within. Please check with the hotel concierge, as visiting hours for non-Muslims are limited, and women must dress appropriately, including covering their hair.
Also, nearby is the Royal Opera House, another architectural masterpiece clad in marble that resists humidity. Inside, the teakwood, chosen for its ease of carving, adds warmth and elegance.
The main auditorium seats up to 1,000 guests, and over 200 musical instruments from Sultan Qaboos’s private collection are on display. The Royal Opera House hosts an open season, offering the public performing arts shows, workshops, and more. Shops and restaurants are also available for visitors. The concierge can assist with event timings, or you may check the Royal Opera House website.
A visit to Oman would be incomplete without enjoying its natural beauty - sun, sea, and mountains. A boat trip to see dolphins is an experience for all ages (this big kid loves it), and the captains can almost guarantee a sighting of these delightful creatures. The boat tour also offers views of historic Portuguese forts, unique rock formations (even one resembling an elephant, aptly named the “Omani Elephant”). Although we didn’t have the chance to snorkel or dive in the pristine waters, I’m certain the abundance of sea life would captivate even the most experienced underwater enthusiasts.
For those who enjoy fishing, why not try your hand at game fishing? Several operators offer these excursions, and we went with Sidab Sea Tours. I highly recommend them for their friendly and knowledgeable staff.