AL BUSTAN PALACE, A Ritz Carlton · Resort Review · Muscat, Oman 🇴🇲 · Prime Palace On The Sea

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

Hard to imagine this was a KLM crew hotel in the nineties, especially since it was a multi day layover. So many beautiful memories, especially of the friendly staff, food and impressive architecture. It does have the wow factor comparable to the Apurva Kempinski. I enjoy all your reviews, but this one is especially close to my ❤ Thank you for this wonderful video and trip down memory lane 🙏🏼💫

[@tfft]

Y’all must have had quite the contract back then! 😅 Glad it has held up so well and brought you right back to that time!

[@ahmedabualkhaiir]

I grew up in Oman 🇴🇲 from when I was in grade 7 until grade 12. This video brought back memories from when I lived there. Omani culture will always be down to earth yet fancy and memorable!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@LionWriter1012]

A few things stick out to me: 1) The “Mary Poppins” shop in the lobby. probably the most 80s thing I saw. 2) “chic coastal dining” love it when they tell you the vibe. 3) breakfast array of smoked salmon next to eel next to miscellaneous ham. 4) That dinner menu was alllll over the place: sushi, ceviche, pasta, tomahawk steak. Gotta love expensive resorts.

[@tfft]

Yeah I found the cuisine at quite a few places in Oman to be trying to please quite a few cravings.

[@inayathkhan100]

WOW, What a awesome Hotel, I like all your videos each and every video is very unique 👍 Thank you

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@ism671]

Great video,it brought back wonderful memories,staying in one of the top floor Suites in 1994, was something else,and having tea andcream scones,whilst listening to a Harp being played live in the Atrium...

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@dpvisser]

Hi Kevin. We stayed here in the last year that the Al Bustan was an InterContinental Hotel and even then the hotel and the premises were absolutely pristine. Like it was frozen in time, but modernized at the same time! What I didn't see was a fusion restaurant that was just next to the reception (it overlooked the gardens). Simply stunning and the service everywhere was top notch! Thanks for this little walk down memory lane!!!

[@tfft]

This one seems a step too high for Intercontinental haha. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dpvisser]

@@tfft Mind you, at that time, the Al Bustan was the top tier hotel of the IHG group, which is why we went there! Definitely a bucket-list place then and now :)

[@jimmyjames6492]

Great looking property! Thanks for the info + video!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@woox007]

I'm Omani and I love how you show our treasured Al Bustan in all its classic beauty. There are no date trees in Salalah, dates only grow in the north of Oman whilst Salalah has an abundance of coconuts with its tropical climate.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@blake22222blake]

Revisiting this video because we're currently staying here, inspired by this review, and will be heading to the Oberoi Amarvilas in a few days as well!

[@marti_in_tx]

Fascinating place. I wondered about those palm trees; thanks for the info. Was astounded by the bakery and pastries available. My idea of an appropriate breakfast!!! Would need to stay there many days to try them all.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@veenarasika1778]

Wow, what a breakfast buffet. Each of those rolls looked like a mini meal. I spotted South Indian breakfast items, too. The grounds and views are spectacular!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@mashenka6189]

Nice pool.. and grounds , food looked incredible…but dated , tiny rooms..love your camera work and reviews..❤

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@chavasuresh1873]

Lot of Breakfast spread, specially Bakery💌

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@nunoalmeidacosta2417]

A very interesting one! Let's add it to the list ! I personally appreciate those long rectangular big pools perpendicular to the hotel at the back and palm trees at both sites! Classy. Thanks Kevin! Nice review as always! (Maybe they should consider bathroom renovation only).

[@tfft]

Yes, even just a refresh, perhaps integrate the bidet and free up some much needed space in there! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@michaelj3282]

Ha ha, rainbow milk in the coffee area of the room, classic evaporated milk over here, sickly sweet but great with coffee. I've stayed here a few years (eight years back) ago, it's the chill out vibe that I loved more than anything, did a 3 day midweek break and loved every second. Happy that it's still going strong. Thaks for the vid.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@mrkroswami]

Hi, just wanted to let you know that before checking in, I had casually mentioned to the Al Bustan team that I had heard about the hotel through the Flip Flop traveller, and was looking forward to the visit. What happened next - a triple(?) upgrade from base category to "lagoon" access. And a dinner on the house! It was such a fantastic stay, so thank you for doing what you do. Also, I must name drop more often!

[@tfft]

Jeeze... that's more than I got 😂

[@richandmichelephaler5159]

I said WHOA too!! Excellent Vid.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@thetravellerwin]

Born & brought up in Muscat, well Kevin, you are spot on with the kind of people and mentality Omani's offer. There are one of the most humblest people you may find on this Earth. In fact their diplomatic relations are also one of the finest. Al Bustan Palace has been an epitome of Omani luxury. It was created as a Palace to host the GCC members who also are kingdoms. More like a King's meet on establishing growth and prosperity in their nations. From outside one can notice how each section of the octagon-shaped-hotel hosts a particular GCC member.. with the top most occupied by the heads of state. I have been to there at least 8 times in my 18 years in Oman and boy, today after 30 years of my first encounter - you have captured the very essence I felt back then. Nostalgic memories of a very VERY KIND HEARTED COUNTRY. Lovely video Kevin.

[@thetravellerwin]

Good thing you didnt stay at the Chedi. Aint a good properly and totally not in comparison of the Al Bustan. May I also add that when I visited the property it wasn't under the Ritz and the standards and qualities seem to have been carried on in legacy - this also could be because of the nature and humility of the people in the country. You may notice many Philippinos working as front desk or at restaurants - that's coz they are really kind - the essence that Omani's truly value. Hence a lot of kind hearted people are hidden in this gem I was born in - Oman!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@panoshountis1516]

Truly amazing, even the tiny bathroom and tight room

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@hungo7720]

Oman is so underrated as a tourist destination in the Middle East compared to the overhyped Dubai or Qatar. Anyway, this amazing footage really renders viewers great overview of Ritz Carlton palace Kevin. I am really impressed by the ornate decoration and chandeliers of this resort.

[@tfft]

Agreed.

[@nuonu]

At 19:50, as you said “So, the three big points…” you showed three pyramid-shaped lids covering that part of the buffet. Subtle, haha but brilliant; well done.

[@tfft]

Haha, wish I could take credit for that.

[@iwasmidnightrain.]

Back with another Oman video :) Love to see it. Amazing as always!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@malcolmlewis3967]

I visited Oman many times over a great 17 years of my career. I stayed at the Al Bustan in the early days, then the Chedi and in my latter days the Grand Hyatt. All were fabulous as were the lovely Omani people, if you were lucky enough as I was to get to know them well. A wonderful and interesting country.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@rasferrastfarian739]

Looks lovely. I'll never go so thank you for taking me there.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@goodlifewelltraveled8465]

I stayed there a few years back and had a very similar experience. Great property indeed.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jackybaynes1648]

Oh, that breakfast bakery spread! Mmmmmm bread……… 🤤

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@cosmo-q4596]

I am Omani , welcome to our little hidden gem country "no so little" - we are happy to see people from all over the world visit us , It truly makes us happy to see tourists.. we are also another place beside Dubai with less glam , Oman is making and investing lots of money into tourism , its definitely the next move in the coming years (when we run out of Oil and Gas). We are blessed to have diverse natural spaces , The sea with a total 3,165 km Coast , where you can basically drop your tents and sleep in most of the places. The mountains and canyons are something to look out for in the inner parts of Oman like Jabaal Shams and The Green Mountain (Jabaal Al Akhdar) with world class resorts and hotels like Anantara and Alila...Even Princess Diana visited those mountains...That should be your next adventure for sure. If you go to the far South , the city of Salalah would welcome you like it welcomes its monsoon winds every summer , the locals and people from the gulf visit the southern parts of Oman because of the monsoon season and the lush greenery it brings to this hot part of the world with much cooler temperature in the hot summer..but the south is beautiful all year around in my opinion..not to forget all the small scattered villages and cities all around Oman like Nizwa , Sohar , Sur and the Wadis. Welcome to Oman - Hope you have enjoyed your stay..Oman has its flaws we are not perfect - We are happy to see people leave with a happy impressions.

[@malcolmlewis3967]

Salam - Oman and its people are wonderful

[@True_Muslim]

Assalamualaikum.. plzz can u help me to get a work in Muscat..

[@cosmo-q4596]

@@True_Muslim I am an architect with Bachelors Engineering and dont have a job yet...so i am not sure i can help :(

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@shakesnbake]

Delightful :) Gorgoeous sunrise shot.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@naturalshatara9559]

Love this and the food was on point 20:45

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@benbrown7269]

Hey Kevin, great video! Was the breakfast buffet included or was it part of the "continental breakfast"? Looks so good!

[@tfft]

My rate included full breakfast.

[@Sport4Life]

Im impressed you relayed the correct history of the hotel. Many reviewers would state absolute fiction

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@arup4490]

Nice to see you in this hotel as I lived in Oman for many years haha ! And being an Indian too I would like to mention the Postcard Hotels for your next visit to India. These guys are gonna be big in my opinion and is also headed by the guy who was the President of the Oberoi Group! For your next visit to India!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@Unazaki]

Dang thats an oustanding resort!!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@gengbondarenko]

Looks so otherworldly. Love all the reviews, now if I only could afford these places :) Oh, and .a guess.. 金沢市 to 東京 on 新幹線 (a journey i have made a couple of times actually :) )

[@tfft]

✅

[@VlumVon]

if i was asked the one thing id like to see change, id say the signages of the restaurants. They all look like signages for cheap fast food take-out joints lol Btw, i just realized you include the exchange rate in your videos, that's a fantastic and thoughtful touch, Kevin. But perhaps freeze the frame for a tad longer for your viewers to take in all the info on that page?

[@tfft]

It's a balancing act- longer will annoy as many as it helps lol. Screenshots are always an option!

[@michaell.4078]

I just discovered your KZbin channel, congratulations on your videos: they are great 👏 I am planning to go with my wife to Oman in January or February, and we are hesitating between JUMEIRAH MUSCAT BAY and AL BUSTAN PALACE, A Ritz Carlton. For the former, apparently the dining options are more extensive, as well as the beach and pools, the latter seems more upscale. Which would you choose? 🙏

[@Gullytogully]

I’m choosing between these two hotels too. Which did you end up choosing ?

[@thomasmooreCQ]

If i ever make it to Oman, i should check this resort out. I believe there was a period (1960s-1980s?) where resorts had a shopping arcade.

[@tfft]

Old school ones still do!

[@krosmei]

@tfft Hope you can do a review of The Datai Langkawi. I wonder how would you rate it.

[@tfft]

I've been trying to for a while, but their pricing strategy is a bit detached from the fact that they're in Malaysia lol

[@krosmei]

@@tfft Avoid Nov & Dec as that's their most peak time and price skyrocket, but having said that, I find them to be worth every penny spent.

[@greggottig]

112k followers and increasing Wonderful 🎉

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@HotelSnob]

Do they do the prayer chimes or bells several times a day ?

[@tfft]

The hotel? No, only Mosques would play the call.

[@HotelSnob]

@@tfft so you don’t hear them from the hotel then 👍🏽

[@Alvin-fd6cc]

Which would you recommend this hotel or the Jumeirah Muscat bay nearby?

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@julietkamwamba3081]

Nice

[@regatta2k]

Is the rate paid is per night or for multiples nights. Cheers

[@wicked_smaaht]

That short rib looked delicious!

[@tfft]

Oh, it was!

[@JordL-17]

Thought it worth pointing out that in your description where you mentioned ‘X’ by Y, Y is actually the album name not the artist. Would you be able to provide us also the artist name so we can hunt these jams down thanks

[@tfft]

As written under the tracks, every song I use is from Artlist. I always present the artist name as it’s labeled on the actual file.

[@petek5523]

Deluxe and delightful 😊. Do you ever get a chance to take advantage of some of the fabulous pools and bodies of water in these lovely resorts?

[@tfft]

Occasionally, but not as often as I’d like!

[@karlp8484]

I may be going out on a limb here, but I think the Sultan of Oman is a regular guest. And with that patronage, they probably are on their toes all the time.

[@tfft]

Well, as I said, the 9th floor belongs to the Sultanate, so I'm sure he does. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@petercowling6769]

Thanks very much! An interesting hotel, with what looked like great evening food and a truly incredible place to be in the morning. As you say, they'll not make it into a RC Reserve because it does not fit into that brand - too many beds, if nothing else. Probably RC could do worse than have a Heritage brand for places like this.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jbennison5672]

No alcohol available?

[@tfft]

Says who?

[@Themoonlight2020]

Oman are good in finishing

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@wisdomenigmainc9583]

prestige

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@wisdomenigmainc9583]

@@tfft Someday I will visit with my family

[@iwasmidnightrain.]

Alma-Ata?

[@tfft]

❎

[@peterlj613]

If you have so much money to stay in such expensive places, why you even bugging the viewers for Patronite donations?

[@tfft]

Uhh, this channel is a business. In case you’re unaware, money doesn’t grow on trees and so my ad rev and Patreons are what allow the channel to exist for you to watch… for free…

[@nezyesfandiari1]

If you had taken a geography class you would known that it is called PERSIAN GULF! Because the entire length of it is and was PERSIA!

[@tfft]

Look at a map, then consider growing up.