Truly Magnificent

Muscat, the capital of Oman is full of monuments old and new and for visitors who are interested in viewing such grand edifices, the city offers up several interesting and suitably magnificent examples. The Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace is one such opulent building. Completed in 1972, this large modern palace is built into a rocky cove on the Muscat coast and is alongside Muscat Bay, a natural deep water harbour. The 16th century forts Al Jelali and Al Mirani on either side of the palace appear to stand guard over the new monument. The huge building with a large suitable impressive central entranceway is flanked on either side by two similar wings. It is set off to great advantage by a beautifully landscaped area with formal gardens sporting a variety of flowers, trees and shrubs. The blue and gold detailing on the main entrance archway is said to reflect the blue of the sea and the gold of the sunset. The well laid out intricately finished structure with rich trimmings represents the best of Omani architecture and craftsmanship. While the palace is a spectacular sight to behold in the mornings, it is even more so at night when the building and its surroundings are lit up highlighting the exquisite architecture. Although visitors can only view the exterior and experience the gardens, they will certainly not be disappointed with the views it affords at any time of day.

The palace complex incorporates a multitude of functional areas including head of state accommodation and leisure facilities, banquet hall, dining rooms, an auditorium and a conference centre, all of which cover a floor area of 32,000 square metres. Other buildings in the compound include a service wing and guard barracks. Although the palace is known as the office of Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman, it is mainly used for ceremonial occasions such as greeting and entertaining state visitors. The Sultan lives in Salalah.

Those heading to the region and looking for luxurious accommodation in a coastal setting can stay at Millennium Resort Mussanah. The resort’s location on a bay on the Gulf of Oman defines its ambience and activities. A private 54 berth marina is one of its dominant features and this Muscat hotel is geared to welcome leisure seekers addicted to sun, sea and water sports! With contemporary and spacious rooms and fully equipped serviced apartments at hand, the property is able to accommodate both long and short stay guests. The many facilities and amenities of this Oman Muscat hotel includes restaurants serving a delectable range of Mediterranean, Moroccan and fusion cuisine, relaxing outdoor areas for beverages and snacks, modern wellness and leisure facilities, state of the art business and conference facilities and easy access to many of the sites and activities in Muscat.