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Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Inside Guerlain's Only Spa On The West Coast
Regent Santa Monica Beach Hotel | Luxury Oceanfront Resort Photography by Hotel, Travel, Hotel, Lifestyle, and Architectural Photographer, Tanveer Badal | @TANVEERBADAL | Tanveer Badal Photography / TANV From its oceanic views, to its premium suites and Michael Mina's critically acclaimed dining establishment Orla, the Regent Santa Monica Beach Resort has contributed to the Los Angeles hotel scene in groundbreaking ways. Among those developments? The only Guerlain Spa on the west coast. Known as the Guerlain Wellness Spa, the luxury beauty and restoration destination opened in December 2024 with Parisian-influenced designs by Wimberly Interiors. A curated cohesion of sea-inspired textures, colors and patterns comprise the 10,000-square-foot spa, which fuses Mediterranean sophistication with the coastal charm of California. Twelve treatment rooms, along with lounges, a hot tub, saunas, steam room, champagne room and retail boutique offer a serene, immersive retreat for guests. The location is said to be inspired by the glamour of Beverly Hills and the serenity of Santa Monica. Its launch follows the 2023 opening of Guerlain Spa at Raffles Boston hotel, and preexisting Guerlain Spa at The Breakers Palm Beach in Florida and Guerlain Spa New York at The Plaza Hotel. The rare U.S. locations accompany approximately 20 additional Guerlain Spas in the world. 'There's a natural synergy between the resort and the luxury House,' says Regent Santa Monica Beach director of spa, Kristin Sartore. 'Regent Santa Monica Beach is located on the nation's most celebrated beach, redefining elegance and hospitality in the destination, and Guerlain is one of the most prominent and renowned Parisian brands in the realm of beauty. The newness of the property, coupled with the long history and respected reputation of the House allows for a unique blend of timeless elegance and thoughtful, modern luxury.' Regent Santa Monica Beach Hotel | Luxury Oceanfront Resort Photography by Hotel, Travel, Hotel, Lifestyle, and Architectural Photographer, Tanveer Badal | @TANVEERBADAL | Tanveer Badal Photography / TANV When it comes to beauty at Guerlain Wellness Spa, fragrance is very much part of the big picture. In addition to a retail selection of the legacy brand's signature scents, the hotel pays tribute to Guerlain's heritage with a specialty aroma infiltrating the hotel at all times, depending on new launches and seasons. For example, when Pêche Mirage launched at the beginning of 2025, its enchanting floral and fruity aroma flourished throughout the hotel and spa. Spa treatments themselves include L'Art & La Matière's collection of Rose Chérie, Herbes Troublantes, Musc Outreblanc, and Neroli Outrenoir. 'Guerlain fragrances are the epitome of olfactory craftsmanship: sophisticated, sensual and unmistakably refined,' Sartore says. 'Each scent is composed with high-quality natural ingredients. Think Madagascan vanilla, velvety Tuscan orris and lush Bulgarian rose. Guerlain's fragrances are multi-faceted. They evolve on the skin like a story unfolding. Their masterful ability to craft fragrances that layer seamlessly allows the creation of truly personal 'signature scents.' ' At Guerlain Wellness Spa in particular, the vibrant, musky Herbes Troublantes is a standout favorite, according to Sartore. 'It's a scent that truly captures the soul of the coastline,' she explains. 'If you could bottle the essence of a quiet morning on the Pacific, this would be it. Wearing Herbes Troublantes feels like slipping into a soft Regent robe, still warm from the spa, tea in hand, as ocean breezes carry whispers of mint, bergamot, and citrus through open balcony doors. It's coastal serenity and understated elegance in aromatic form—effortlessly chic, refreshingly grounded.' Regent Santa Monica Beach Hotel | Luxury Oceanfront Resort Photography by Hotel, Travel, Hotel, Lifestyle, and Architectural Photographer, Tanveer Badal | @TANVEERBADAL | Tanveer Badal Photography / TANV Whether a guest pops in for the scents or the services, they can expect a Guerlain Wellness Spa experience that extends a traditional beauty treatment. 'Wellness is a true philosophy of life that leads the body and mind on an extraordinary quest for harmony and longevity,' Sartore says, of Guerlain Spa offerings, which include exclusive treatments starting at $550, tailor-made treatments like face-sculpting and even makeup application. 'The House collaborates with a board of wellness experts to further push this vision, respond to the needs of the times, and offer an ultra-personalized approach. For all treatments, the beauty expert is guided by two major pillars of well-being and beauty according to Guerlain: listening and emotion. [We] craft an emotional journey where hand, sound and fragrance come together in perfect sensory harmony.'
What's On
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 of the best spas in Dubai that feel like a mini holiday
Some days just call for disappearing – just you, a robe, and a room that smells like eucalyptus. A slow slide into calm, quiet, and the kind of silence that feels like a reset button and the version of you who isn't replying to emails or watching the clock. No special occasion – just a solid excuse to hide from the world in a steam room and do absolutely nothing. Some of the best spas in Dubai will make you feel worlds away without actually going anywhere. Dreamy, quiet, and just the right kind of escape. Here's where to let it all melt, zone out, and feel like you've gone somewhere far away. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 Hidden inside the stunning One&Only The Palm, Guerlain Spa is a refined retreat dedicated to the iconic French beauty brand. From the moment you walk in, the signature scent hits you, cold face cloths lightly misted with Guerlain fragrances set the tone. The calm, neutral-toned corridors lead you to private treatment rooms adorned with subtle floral patterns, keeping it elegant yet relaxed. The menu features signature treatments like the Desert D'Orient journey, a blend of scrub, wrap, steam, and massage, and the One&Only Solar Evasion, a face and body exfoliation designed to get your skin glowing. There's also the Imperial Face Sculpt, a deep tissue facial workout that lifts, tones, and contours your face with an hour of blissful massage and boosted circulation. Location: Guerlain Spa, One&Only The Palm Contact: (0)4 440 0100. Atlantis The Royal is a showstopper from the moment you step in, think flaming walls and massive fish tanks that feel like an aquarium meets art gallery. Is it spa? Equally impressive, located on the lower ground floor, this sanctuary is worth the 20-minute cruise around the Palm's East Crescent, even if it's just for a massage. The spa feels like a dark, calming hideaway. Inside, rough black timber and French panelling all wrapped in low light and chill vibes. There's a charcoal sauna for detox, an aroma steam room for deep hydration, a hydrotherapy pool with massage jets, a halotherapy salt room to boost your serotonin, and an alchemy shower designed to lift your spirits. Location: Awaken Spa, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah Contact: (0)4 426 0000. At Bulgari Resort Dubai, wellness is luxury with every detail dialled in. Designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the spa matches the Italian jewellery house's aesthetic. Step inside the Turkish hammam where Iranian green onyx meets Afyon marble. The Vitality Pool, inspired by the ancient Caracalla baths, shimmers with green and real gold mosaics right next to the main indoor swimming pool. Some of the spa's signature treatments include the 90-minute Exclusive Bulgari Facial. It combines a customised fascia massage to boost cell regeneration, a jade Gua Sha to lift and sculpt, and a scalp massage. Location: Bulgari Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Bay Island Contact: (0)4 317 4317. Set on the edge of Bluewaters Island, Banyan Tree Dubai is home to one of the city's most design-forward new spa spaces. It swaps the brand's usual darker tones for light, airy textures, all curved architecture, sandy marble and a corridor bathed in natural light that leads you into a state of calm before your treatment even begins. There are seven ensuite rooms, minimal and soothing, with sculptural mirrors and quiet corners to get changed and breathe. The treatment menu covers everything from Balinese massages and deep scrubs to herbal facials and long, ritual-style sessions that feel like a reset. The standout? The Rainforest Experience: a full hour in your own private space with a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and tropical shower, just for you. Total silence. Total solitude. Location: Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Island Contact: (0)4 556 666. Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is the definition of Arabian luxury. It's an escape that honours the ancient art of bathing as more than just cleansing, it’s about renewing your body and soul. The space dazzles with mosaic tiles, flowing curtains, and a massive chandelier that crowns the Thalassotherapy pool. Around the pool, cosy velvet seating areas, the perfect spot to draw the curtains and claim your own private sanctuary. More than just a spa, it’s a day-long retreat. Expect to float in the mineral-rich Thalassotherapy pool, steam away stress in the hammam, test your limits in the icy Snow Room, or let the jacuzzi work its magic on tight muscles. There’s also a sauna to help detox and reset. If you’re craving total escape with a rich cultural edge, this is the place to lose yourself and find your calm. Location: Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah Contact: (0)4 453 0000. If you’re craving a spa day that feels like stepping into a Dior boutique, this is it. Sitting on the 29th floor of The Lana, part of the Dorchester Collection, Dior Spa is all about quiet elegance and design, think polished parquet floors, soft lighting, and shelves stacked with their signature fragrances and skincare. Expect treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city like a live artwork. Inside, the treatment rooms carry subtle nods to the French Maison with Toile de Jouy cushions and throws, Dior coffee table books, and soft floral touches in dusky pinks that keep things inviting, never overdone. The menu is as high fashion as you’d expect, personalised treatments paired with cutting-edge tech like the Japanese Iyashi Dome infrared sauna (for slimming and anti-aging), LED therapy, and Icoone therapy. It’s a spot for those who want their beauty and wellness wrapped in scientific expertise and pure sophistication. Location: Dior Spa, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Downtown Dubai Contact: (0)4 567 9999. Set by the Creek, Park Hyatt Dubai feels like a total escape, leafy, quiet, and low-key beautiful. Right in the heart of it all is Amara Spa, a hidden gem locals have loved for years, and for good reason. Surrounded by palm trees, bougainvillea and a postcard-worthy golf course, this spot makes switching off feel effortless. The spa menu is all about Natura Bisse facials, Gharieni tech-driven body treatments, and rituals that blend the old-school and the futuristic. You'll find things like psammotherapy (that's a warm quartz-sand bed), Welnamis acoustic therapy, and Touchless iDome with infrared light, all built to reset your body and clear your mind. To stretch the day into a proper mini-holiday, pair your treatment with a pool pass and follow it up with lunch or sunset drinks at Noepe, the Creekside terrace spot with chilled yacht-club views and a great rose list. Location: Amara Spa, Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek Resort Contact: (0)4 602 1660. Fairmont The Palm has quietly given its spa a glow-up, and Serenity now lives up to its name more than ever. It's one of the few spas in the city that includes proper hydrothermal perks, steam, sauna, and jacuzzi with every treatment. Inside, it's calm and thoughtfully designed. Soft arches, warm tones, and the low hum of meditation music guide you through to the treatment rooms. In both the male and female spaces you'll find a large steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and a quiet spot for sipping herbal tea with fresh muffins and dates. Prefer to spa together? There's also a unisex area with the same setup. The spa list features classic and contemporary treatments, from sea salt scrubs and bathing rituals to Swiss Line Hydrafacials, traditional hammam, and CBD-infused massages. Location: Serenity Spa, Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Contact: (0)4 457 3545. 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Vogue
09-06-2025
- Vogue
Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain
Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue's global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you're planning to travel—from a subway ride to a transatlantic flight—we want to make sure it's worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide. Why go here? The hotel's new Guerlain Spa was unveiled in June 2024. Drawing inspiration from the Arawak tribe native to Anguilla, treatments at the expansive new wellness center focus on three essentials: water, salt, and botanicals. And with seven serene treatment rooms, a wellness suite, an infinity pool, multi-temperature plunge pools, and a sauna, the spa truly offers something for everyone. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca What's the vibe? One travels to Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, via boat, sailing from the isle of Sint Maarten to Anguilla through turquoise waters and vistas of lush hills and valleys. The journey across the Anguillan Channel is smooth, scenic, and just 25 minutes long, and then, after a short drive, you arrive at the crescent-shaped Maundays Bay, with white Greco-Moorish villas nestled between picture-postcard Caribbean palm trees. In the open-air expanse of the main house, I was greeted with a signature mocktail, the Star of Juluca: freshly squeezed starfruit juice, sparkling water, and a dash of Ting soda. The laid-back vibe, in other words, is carefully crafted, and what I quickly learn about Cap Juluca and its staff is that they really want you to be well. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca The history? Cap Juluca was built in 1988 and renovated in 2018, when the Belmond group—a hospitality company with a sterling reputation—took it over. (Its Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offerings are particularly appealing.) As part of the Belmond chain, Cap Jululca comes by its myriad influences honestly. One of the four restaurants on-site, Viva Venice, pays homage to Belmond's Hotel Cipriani in—you guessed it—Venice. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca What should you try? The southern Spanish–style courtyard of the spa is the heart of the complex, decorated with elegant arches, mosaic tiles, and lush greenery. My first treatment, Ocean Vibes, began with a refreshing hibiscus, aloe vera, and native cherry tea, accompanied by a cold towel infused with Guerlain's Bergamote Calabria—a warm blend of cardamom, pink peppercorn, and ginger. This signature treatment uses a soothing ocean drum and alternating heated and chilled globes that are pressed into areas like the calves and upper shoulders. The next morning, with the temperature already nearing 90 degrees by 9 a.m., I returned for round two. I was led in a sound-bowl meditation in the open-air yoga studio, where birdsong and ocean waves contributed to the serene atmosphere. Then it was time for the plunge pools, oscillating between the hot and cold. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca What else do we need to know? What makes Cap Juluca unique is the fact that it doesn't feel like a five-star resort hermetically sealed off from its surroundings; once the staff sees that your curiosity around the local culture has been piqued, they'll do everything in their power to showcase it. While having lunch at the hotel's Peruvian restaurant Uchu (don't miss the Ceviche Carretillero, which blends the freshest catch of the day with tangy tiger milk, crispy squid, and Andean corn), I struck up a spirited conversation with servers Yasmine and Manuela about which roadside spot serves the best barbecue chicken. Photo: Courtesy of Cap Juluca Who can go? If a more active kind of leisure is the pace you're looking for, the resort has tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, as well as a fitness center with all the equipment you'd expect. Adapted from reporting by Maya Layne.
Emirates Woman
15-05-2025
- Health
- Emirates Woman
9 rejuvenating spas in Dubai for the ultimate relaxation
After long strenuous hours during the week, it's important destress, switch-off and a relaxing spa session is the best way to do so. Each of these spas offers a unique experience, combining world-class treatments with luxurious settings. Whether you're looking for a traditional hammam, a relaxing massage, or a comprehensive wellness programme. With wellbeing now being more at the forefront of our minds in the UAE, there have never been more excuses to exercise wellness on a weekly basis to have a technology-free session to switch off. Be it Steamy hammams and frankincense compresses hark back to beauty rituals of yore while pulsing Iyashi Domes and caviar facials speak to innovative technologies and amenities. Overall, An indulgent Dubai spa day can be just what you need to rest and recuperate, and even the busy, thriving capital city has pockets of calm. Whether you're looking for a particular treatment or just a simple day of indulgence, we've selected the very best havens to either book for a solo date for some self-care or to even treat that someone special in your life. Dubai's spas have something to offer every discerning traveller. So, now you can add year-round sunshine and sandy beaches, and all the boxes are ticked for a world-class spa break. Hence, if you're in need of some spa inspiration, swipe through our guide of luxurious spas to visit around Dubai. The Pearl Spa, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Set in an enclave of lush greenery, The Pearl Spa and Wellness Jumeirah offers 10 treatment rooms, a tranquil indoor pool and a Fitness Centre with state-of the-art equipment. From themed spa therapy journeys and our signature pearl facial to massages and services tailored for mothers-to-be and our youngest guests, there's a personalized treatment for everyone at The Pearl Spa. For more information visit Guerlain Spa, One & Only The Palm The Guerlain Spa offers a unique chance to experience the secrets of one of the oldest skincare houses in the world, with treatments created exclusively for One&Only The Palm. It is accessed through a breath-taking courtyard inspired by the architecture of Andalusia's Moorish palaces, curating a feeling of calm sanctuary. Prior to, or post treatment, guests are invited to use the heat facilities including a steam room and sauna or relax on day beds around the adults-only private pool. the spa offers exclusive treatments designed by the House of Guerlain and features individual suites, a couples' suite, a relaxation room and a private swimming pool. Guerlain Spa is open daily between 10am to 9pm. For more information visit Address Creek Harbour Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, The Spa complements the serenity of the hotel's waterfront location with artful interiors and a relaxing and luxurious ambience. Each treatment room is equipped with cutting-edge amenities to facilitate curated wellness journeys led by highly qualified specialists. Choose from a wide array of exclusive treatments designed to rejuvenate mind and body. It's open daily from 10am to 10pm and has a myriad of treatments including Foot Reflexology starting at Dhs350 for 30 minutes and more. For more information visit Awaken Spa, Atlantis The Royal Nestled within Atlantis The Royal, Dubai's latest buzzing new property, is this soothing retreat that offers a holistic experience curated to unlock one's spiritual alchemy. Aside from its game-changing facial treatments like The Method by Augustinus Bader and the Sturm Glow Facial, the AWAKEN Chakra Balance treatment which is a unique tune-up sensory experience combining a massage and chakra balancing using tuning forks to clear energetic debris – is a must-try. For more information visit J Wellness Circle, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa The Palm Inspired by ancient approach to wellness. With well-trained experts, guests can experience different therapies including Vishram, Pehlwan Malish, Trupti, Champi, Anana Lepa which is a facial massage that nourishes the skin and more. Inspired by rituals of Indian royalty, guests can experience a myriad of treatments to rejuvenate guests from the inside-out. Offering signature experiences exclusive to the brand, the spa invites guests to embrace harmony through different variations of massage therapy designed to melt away stress, lift spirits, and resolve muscle aches and pains. For more information visit Nikki Spa, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa By offering the best in wellbeing, this pristine spa provides an array of facilities including a Hammam, sauna, steam, ice fountain and a mixed vitality indoor and outdoor pool with a team of talented experts. Every area of the property is designed to immerse guests in a cool and glamorous lifestyle experience, blending contemporary design and refined cuisine, with bespoke and attentive service. For more information visit Talise Spa, Jumeirah Al Qasr This calming space situated in the luxurious setting Jumeriah Al Qasr will whisk you a way to a world of relaxation. With a stunning property and azure waterways of Jumeirah Al Qasr, this award-winning sanctuary is known for its ladies-only facilities and private luxury treatment villas to unwind from a busy schedule. For more information visit The Bulgari Spa, Bvlgari Resort Located on the ground floor of Bulgari Resort Dubai, the Bulgari Spa and the workshop co-function to provide the ultimate eudemonic wellness experience over 1,700 square metres. Give yourself 20 minutes in the sauna before your treatment and you'll feel the added benefits. For more information visit Fairmont Spa Fairmont The Palm's renowned and recently opened Serenity Spa invites guests to embrace the essence of spring with an array of rejuvenating treatments and luxurious experiences. As the season blooms, Serenity Spa unveils its exclusive Spring Offers, promising guests an unparalleled journey into wellness and tranquility. Discover unparalleled luxury with the Aurum Suite, available for 60 minutes at Dhs1,370 or 180 minutes at Dhs1,960. The suite features a private steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, experience shower, double treatment room, and lounge area, making it perfect for special celebrations or ultimate relaxation. A complimentary bottle of bubbles is included to elevate your experience for Dhs1,370 for 60 minutes per couple. For more information visit – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @oothepalm
Forbes
11-05-2025
- Forbes
How To Spend Three Days In Muscat
Make the most of your time in Oman's capital city. An underrated destination in the Middle East, Oman wows visitors with its rose-gold desert dunes, rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, pristine islands, terraced farms and white-sand beaches. Brimming with character, capital city Muscat is home to cultural attractions that offer a glimpse at the country's profound connection to its heritage while embracing a nuanced approach to modern progress. Omani culture also thrives in atmospheric souqs (markets), ancient forts and quiet agricultural villages tucked away in the country's mountainous interior, an easy drive from Muscat. Elsewhere, under the surface in aquamarine waters, turtles, stingrays and black reef sharks hint at Oman's astounding biodiversity. If you only have enough time for a fleeting, three-day glimpse of Oman, here's the itinerary to follow for a lasting impression. Have a stellar stay at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort. For a sophisticated introduction to Muscat, check into Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, just a 10-minute drive from Muscat International Airport. With nine world-class restaurants, a stunning outdoor pool, a padel court and the luxurious Guerlain Spa, the October 2024-opened property is a destination in its own right that's set on a private beach in the upscale Al Mouj area, next door to Al Mouj Golf, an oceanfront 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman. The resort's contemporary architecture and design draw inspiration from its coastal location and Oman's rich maritime history. The snazzy accommodations have a superyacht aesthetic — cream, beige and pops of navy set the nautical tone — and deliver gorgeous sea views best enjoyed from private balconies. Don't forget to take advantage of the signature St. Regis butler service, which will promptly fulfill requests for packing needs, garment pressing, restaurant reservations and a cup of steaming chamomile tea to unwind after a long flight. When you're ready to explore Muscat, head to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a 25-minute drive from your hotel. Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said commissioned this contemporary Islamic architectural masterpiece in 1995 to celebrate his 30-year reign. Measuring more than 90 acres and having a capacity of 20,000 worshippers, the largest mosque in Oman features arched walkways; an ornate, 164-foot central dome; a massive Swarovski crystal chandelier; five minarets that symbolize the five pillars of Islam; doors with inscriptions of Quranic verses; stained glass panels; and marble walls adorned with floral and geometric designs. In the main prayer hall, you'll find the world's second-largest carpet (only bested by Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Mosque), handcrafted with natural colors over nearly four years. Audio guides and guided tours are available. Admire the sea, sun and sights. No visit to Muscat is complete without a wander through the historic Mutrah Souq. This traditional market, built in the 1820s with mud and palm leaves, is just a 15-minute drive from the mosque. Now restored, its labyrinthine lanes remain a fascinating place to shop for antiques, traditional clothing, Omani khanjar (daggers), frankincense, jewelry, handmade sandals, coffee pots and dates. Buy a cup of karak (milky tea) and Omani halwa (dessert with cardamom, saffron and nuts) to enjoy alongside views of whitewashed low-rises, mosques and the sea while you stroll along the nearly two-mile-long Mutrah Corniche. At the Royal Opera House Muscat, a 15-minute drive toward your hotel, take a guided tour to learn about Islamic, Mughal, Oriental and European architectural influences on Muscat's iconic cultural institution, see an exhibition of rare instruments and stroll through landscaped gardens. If you'd like to experience a show here, check out the official program for upcoming opera, musical, ballet and acrobatic performances during your trip. Back at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, make time for a quick dip in the pool or a swim in the Arabian Sea. Afterward, admire the sunset as you stroll along the private sandy beach or lounge on a sunbed with a refreshing beverage from beachfront bar Paralia. After you freshen up, head to the always-humming Hakkasan at the hotel. Here, you'll find a contemporary take on authentic Cantonese flavors and techniques, with an artful presentation by well-respected executive chef Sebastian Tan. Combining modern design with traditional Chinese motifs, the restaurant's dark wood screens, moody lighting and stunning sculptural installation create a refined ambiance. When it comes to the dishes, start things off with the delightful Supreme dim sum (lobster, seabass, chicken and wagyu beef dim sum), a Hakkasan classic. With perfectly balanced flavors, the organic honey-drizzled, charcoal-grilled Chilean sea bass; wok-fried Omani prawns; and pomegranate-flavored sweet and sour chicken are all excellent choices for mains. The cocktail menu boasts inventive creations like the Silk Road Margarita, with cardamom and pistachio tequila. See what lies beneath at the Damaniyat Islands. Wake up early for a quick breakfast to get to the nearby Al Mouj Marina by 8 a.m. for an exciting day of adventure. From here, a 40-minute speedboat journey brings you to the Damaniyat Islands, an archipelago about 11 miles off the coast of Muscat that is surrounded by crystal-clear blue-green waters. These nine islands, made of limestone rocks and ancient coral reefs, are a designated nature reserve and a nesting site for migratory birds and turtles in summer. A sublime destination for snorkeling, these waters are teeming with coral shoals, turtles, angelfish, parrotfish and other marine species. Tour operators will provide snorkeling gear, lifejackets and island permits. The shallow waters mean it's easy to explore under the surface, even if you don't have prior snorkeling experience. While you're not allowed to disembark on the islands from May through October to protect nesting turtles and birds, you can visit the sandy beaches from November to April and walk up to viewpoints after you've snorkeled for a few hours. From September to October, you might also spot whale sharks, while stingrays and dolphins are commonly seen in the deeper waters around the islands. Having worked up an appetite with the underwater exploring, return to your hotel for a break and a breezy, Mediterranean-inspired lunch at charming Greek restaurant Zorba. Glimpse splendid sea vistas from the terrace tables and through floor-to-ceiling windows in the indoor dining room. Fuchsia bougainvillea, coastal hues and chef Athanasios Chatziefthymiou's grandmother-approved recipes transport you to a quaint eatery in Thessaloniki. Have a memorable Mediterranean meal at Zorba. There's no better place for some midday relaxation than the hotel's serene and stylish Guerlain Spa. Arrive 30 minutes before your session to use the sauna and hammam. Then, drift off into bliss during a reinvigorating Imperial Relaxing Massage, delivered on a heated bed. The spa's lavish Royal Suite offers the ultimate pampering for couples. After a full day of activities, it's welcomed news to hear that dinner will be at the hotel. Make your way to Coya, where the Incan-heritage-inspired interiors with painted murals, foliage, a lively bar and a curated electronic and Latin soundtrack create an intriguingly upbeat atmosphere. Chef Dhharram Rana's menu focuses on modern Peruvian fare, which is best enjoyed family-style. You can't go wrong with the ceviche platter; cheesy, truffle-flavored potato churros; prawn and Chilean sea bass gyoza; and chargrilled beef skewers. The mushroom rice hot pot also impresses. Finish with the tres leches cake with salted dulce de leche, exactly the kind of indulgence you deserve when on holiday. Visit the 17th-century Nizwa Fort. Have a leisurely breakfast in your hotel at the spice-route-inspired Omani restaurant Karibu. This spot serves a lavish breakfast until 11 a.m., so you can enjoy a slow morning and fuel up with its decadent beef bacon or smoked salmon eggs Benedict. Once you're ready to explore, begin the 90-minute journey to the ancient town of Nizwa, which is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Formerly the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries, this conservative town with ancient mosques, a fort, a castle and a historic souq is still considered the country's cultural capital, making it well worth the trek. Your first stop here is the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, which was built over 12 years. Its monumental circular tower, the largest in the region, boasts ingenious features such as notches designed to pour hot date syrup on invaders. The adjacent Nizwa Castle traces back to the 9th century and was expanded by ruling imams (religious and political leaders) in the centuries since and renovated in the 1990s. You can walk through the castle's various rooms, including residential quarters, guest accommodations and official spaces used for religious education and public meetings. A museum exhibits traditional clothing, jewelry, agricultural tools and beehive tombs. Stop by the old village of Birkat Al Mouz. Right next to the castle, the Nizwa Souq, thought to date to the 3rd century, is full of shops selling high-quality frankincense, incense burners, coffee pots, handmade silver jewelry, khanjar, embroidered kumma (traditional headwear for men), pottery and other items that would make for unique souvenirs and gifts. Bargaining is expected. For lunch, head to Liwan Nizwa, a five-minute walk from Nizwa Souq, to try some delicious Omani specialties, such as rice with curried fish and grilled seafood or meat platters. Wash it down with refreshing laban (a yogurt-based drink) or fresh fruit juices. Before you return to Muscat, make a quick stop at the old village of Birkat Al Mouz, where you can walk past the crumbling ruins of abandoned houses, wind your way along UNESCO-listed aflaj (irrigation systems) and take refuge in the cool shade of banana and palm trees. On your last night in Oman, prepare to feast on sumptuous contemporary Italian seafood in the hotel's elegant Roberto's. Get the evening off to a delicious start with a cocktail such as the frankincense-infused Spritz My Way. Puglia-born chef Giandonato Tafuri's talent results in memorable dishes like slow-roasted octopus, gnocchi in basil pesto (prepared tableside with liquid nitrogen), oven-baked sea bass in charcoal sea salt crust, and roasted spiced chicken. End your time in Muscat on a sweet note with decadent tiramisu or the luscious, olive oil-drizzled pistachio ice cream.
