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(1) Omani henna (2) Explore traditional architecture at Bait Al Zubair Museum (3) Mosaic floor
December 2012
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Our driver from the Al Bustan Palace Hotel Muscat was waiting as we cleared Customs. Peter, sitting next to the window, was waving at every car we passed all the while talking nonstop. As we pulled up, I must admit the hotel looked as I remembered it had. The Al Bustan has received many international awards as one of the world’s best hotels. I still recall the romantic moments my wife and I spent in the glorious lobby and beautiful garden, despite this being many years ago. Will it be the same? I reflected, as we entered the hotel. The lobby – 38 metres high – was totally new, while a delightful fragrance of Arabic bahur overtook us. Looking up, I marvelled and then wondered how they cleaned the huge Austrian luster above blinking in the sunlight as if
thousands of diamonds. While I left our passports and hotel voucher with Reception, we were welcomed with a cup of tea. Once finished, we were escorted to our lagoon room on the lower level. Need I mention that our luggage was already there? While my wife unpacked, Peter and I checked out the newly designed garden, where we found the Children’s Club. An attendant greeted Peter by name – I no longer wonder how she knew – and he left with a smile when he saw other kids playing. I found the Beach Pavilion, ordered a refreshing beverage and read about the upcoming Children’s Programs. Tennis, kayaking, table tennis, sailing trips, kids in the kitchen; each day offers four different activities. I had no doubt Peter would be kept busy!