Days Off: Brunch at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel
If there’s one thing that instantly says “weekend” in Oman, it’s Friday brunch. It’s a tradition that turns an ordinary afternoon into something celebratory — a long, lazy, sun-soaked feast that seems to capture the spirit of expat life here.
Last weekend, we joined a group of my husband’s colleagues, around nine couples in total, for brunch at Al Bustan Palace, one of Muscat’s most iconic landmarks. Managed by The Ritz-Carlton, this grand hotel is set between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, about a 15-minute drive east of central Muscat.
You can’t help but feel a little awe as you drive through the gates, tall palms lining the road, the sea glittering beyond, and the hotel itself sitting elegantly at the end of a long avenue. Originally built to host visiting dignitaries and heads of state, Al Bustan Palace blends Omani architecture and understated luxury in a way that lets you know you’re in for a rather fancy experience.
We ate outside at the Pavilion Restaurant, which sits right on the beachfront. The setting was spectacular, the blue of the ocean stretching into the distance, soft sea breezes drifting across the tables, and the sound of live music providing the perfect background. It felt instantly relaxed, elegant, and the perfect start to the weekend.
The beautiful lawns of Al Bustan Palace framed by palms and mountains
The Brunch Spread
The brunch was buffet-style, but not in the usual sense. This was an elevated buffet: fresh, beautifully presented, and endlessly tempting. There was a cold section with sushi, salads, cheeses, and charcuterie; a hot section featuring everything from cooked-to-order ramen and Mexican dishes to roast meats, freshly grilled fish, and even Omani lobster.
Every dish felt like it had been made with care, not just bunged on a few fancy dishes and left to take its chances. The chefs were standing by to carve meat or create ceviche to your specific liking. I especially loved how international the options were; it was a lovely opportunity to enjoy food I don’t cook at home (surprisingly barbequed lobster isn’t an everyday meal at my house!)
And then came dessert. Several stations offered a dazzling selection: mini pastries, creamy mousses, elegant cakes, and glossy chocolate creations that looked almost too good to eat. Almost. My favorite was a white chocolate mouse in the shape of a mango painted to look spectacularly lifelike.
The Pavilion Restaurant — a beachfront brunch with spectacular views of the Gulf of Oman.
Drinks, Music, and Setting
We opted for the house-beverages package (OMR 52 net per person), which included beer, wine, sparkling wine, and cocktails like a refreshingly cold piña colada that hit exactly the right note for a sunny afternoon. Everything was served to the table, and the service was faultless, attentive without ever feeling rushed. The staff seemed genuinely happy to chat, recommend dishes, and make sure every guest was comfortable.
A live singer performed throughout the afternoon, adding the perfect layer of atmosphere — smooth vocals, soft guitar, and a playlist that made it impossible not to relax. After we’d finished eating, we drifted to the gardens overlooking the beach, chatting with friends as the afternoon light softened and the sky turned golden. One clever lady in our group had prebooked a mininbus to take us all home so we could all have a rare drink or two and not have to have a duty driver.
Style and Setting
The dress code is relaxed, this is a western-style hotel, and people in the pool and sea are in bikinis and cossies, but I still prefer to stay respectfully modest in Oman if I’m not actually on the beach. I wore a long green dress from Boden, which felt comfortable yet a bit more put-together than my usual casual look. The crowd was a mix of expats, locals, and visiting guests, and the vibe was perfectly balanced, family-friendly, sociable, and refined without being overly formal.
We arrived at around 1 pm and stayed until nearly 5, which seems to be the rhythm of brunch in Oman, part lunch, part early evening social event, and completely unhurried.
The Al Bustan Experience
If you’ve never visited Al Bustan before, it’s well worth going even outside of brunch. The hotel itself is a destination — its grand atrium lobby is one of the most striking in Muscat, with a 38-metre-high domed ceiling and intricate chandeliers that shimmer like sunlight on water. The property also has a private beach, landscaped gardens, and several restaurants and lounges overlooking the sea. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes you slow down.
For me, this brunch felt like a gentle introduction to one of Oman’s most beautiful spots, and a reminder of how much there is to discover here, even just a short drive from home.
Was It Worth It?
Brunch at Al Bustan Palace isn’t cheap—OMR 32 per person for soft beverages or OMR 52 for house beverages—but it really felt worth it. The quality of the food, the service, and the setting make it one of those experiences that stays with you. For anyone new to Oman or looking to celebrate a special occasion, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s an indulgence, yes, but one that captures what makes life here so special, excellent food in an unbelievably beautiful setting, and that effortless sense of slowing down to savor the moment.
This was my first visit to Al Bustan Palace, and I’d absolutely go again, perhaps for another brunch, or even just a quiet afternoon tea overlooking the sea when I can find another reason to splash out!
