Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, has launched a new, tailor-made destination experience named Flavours of Oman, taking guests on an immersive journey through Omani traditions and culture. The package covers everything from the historic souk in Nizwa and the heights of Jebel Al Akhdar, to the newly opened Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace.

'Omani traditions and flavours are part of the experience at Al Bustan Palace, from the sharp fragrance of frankincense infusing the air in the majestic Atrium Lobby, to the craftsmanship of our talented culinary teams,' says Katrin Herz, general manager at Al Bustan Palace. 'We are proud to offer guests and visitors a place to discover our local culture while epitomising the golden standards of service of the Ritz-Carlton. Our new partnership with Six Senses Spa beautifully complements this new experience with some of the most inspiring treatments created with local spices and essential oils.'

Guests will explore the alleys of Nizwa souk, a part of the Nizwa historic fort, with a guided tour around the array of stalls displaying silks, incense burners and traditional Omani goods. The souk is a sensory experience that brings to life the traditions and history of Oman –surrounded by the heady scents of oud mixed with the spicy tanginess of saffron, cardamom, turmeric, rose petals and coffee beans, while listening to local tales narrated by a private guide.

The excursion continues to Jebel Al Akhdar, or the Green Mountain, where guests can walk around idyllic rose gardens and fruit and nut plantations or hike to nearby villages that at the heart of the rose essence production industry in Oman.

The newly opened Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace makes for the perfect conclusion with its traditionally crafted relaxation treatments. The spa journey includes a choice of Six Senses Signature Scrub using local spices, aromatic herbs and fragrances such as chamomile and raw cinnamon, Omani frankincense, or Arabic coffee, cardamom and grape seed oil, reminiscent of the mountain excursion or the souk experience.

The luxury hotel in Muscat, Oman, located between the Hajar Mountains and the Oman Sea is home to the longest private beach in the Sultanate, an infinity pool, lagoon pools and lush gardens, providing guests with a selection of facilities to choose from to unwind and relax. Boasting a one-kilometre-long private beach, crystal blue infinity pool and good weather around the year, the hotel is nicknamed the Jewel of the Sultanate. 

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A new study of luxury hotel brands by Luxury Branding, a London-based consultancy, recently named The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as the world’s most popular luxury hotel brand. 

The independent analysis of 2.25 million on-line consumer-generated reviews on TripAdvisor, ranked global luxury hotel brands for both consumer sentiment and consistency across the hotel portfolios.

This recognition comes months after The Ritz-Carlton was named the top luxury brand for guest satisfaction in the J D Power 2015 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study.

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