W Muscat is located in the capital city of Muscat in the heart of Oman. Around 20 minutes drive away from W Muscat lies Sultan Qaboos Mosque, made of enthralling beautiful islamic heritage patterns from across the world. The alleys of the mosque stunning with beautiful colourful artwork are ones to walk in for hours to understand the stunning beauty of Islamic culture. There is also a grand chandelier which was the largest chandelier in the world when it was built. Sultan Qaboos Mosque breathes of peace, elegance and architectural marvel like none other, a place to explore on every culture centric traveller's wishlist.
While in Muscat, I also explored the local market, where I found dried shark (apparently a delicacy in the middle east) as well as loads of fish in the fish market. It was huge and there was a live station where fish were being butchered and weighed before locals bought their purchase to enjoy as a feast at home. There were also numerous fresh vegetables being sold in the market - adding colour to my photographs as a traveller. The plethora collection of dates is also worth a strong mention.
With a souk just nearby the huge local market, I explored jewellery made of gold in middle eastern designs. Some jewellery to my surprise were large enough to cover a woman from neck to stomach, making me wonder occasions grand enough to adorn the jewellery. Since, I was there during Ramadan, there was little to explore in terms of food, most of the cafes outside were closed during the day.
I was lucky since my travel guide told me about a nearby fort - Al Mirani which I explored on foot for a good 45 minutes. The fort was stunning with beautiful views and I could spot a road going by the coast in the distance. Besides a fun day of local sightseeing, Oman has more to offer in Muscat itself.
Just 30 mins away from our hotel W Muscat was Sea Oman - a water sports company where we booked a day of 2 dives. After a 30 minute boat ride away from the shore of Muscat, we reached Damaniyat Island which was in the middle of nowhere. A bunch of islands off Oman which offer excellent diving and a spot I wanted to explore even before my trip to Muscat started. As a master scuba diver, I went to explore the hidden depth of Damaniyat and was stunned to find beautiful corals and marine life down. The dive guide had also packed lunch for us to explore. I sat ahead at the helm of the boat during the whole drive back and enjoyed the waves and breeze so close. I also felt a sense of safety since the team at Sea Oman ensured we were being safe the whole time.
While Muscat overall can be explored in a day, so can Damaniyat Island. A 3 day trip to Muscat is enough to explore the heart of the city and to feel the pulse. While staying at W Muscat, travelling and exploring became much easier since it is located in the middle of the city. It is also only 30 minutes away from the airport, easing the drive and time spent on road. One can truly maximize how long they explore the city while on a short trip to Muscat. What I liked most about W was the interiors at the hotel that provided a soothing experience. The whole experience of walking around the hotel while I spot interesting interiors stood out to me.
W Muscat was an abode of relaxation where I could return at the end of the day and feel a sense of calm. Like most other W properties I have been to, this one was also located close to the beach and I enjoyed accessing a public beach in the evenings and taking a stroll there. The excellent experience of sitting by the pool and taking in the evening breeze was awe inspiring and I was inspired to write some poetry as I sat there and watched clouds float by. I watched the sunset from the beach everyday and enjoyed spectacular views in clear skies. The whole vibe near the pool allowed me to relax and float by.
Besides my experience with the pool, another element of the hotel I truly enjoyed was the balcony outside my room that opened up to views of beach and waves. If I listened carefully, I could also hear the waves hitting the shore. It was a dreamy vacation indeed. The concierge at W Muscat also helped me to rent a car when I wanted to explore places outside the city. Muscat is an easy city to self drive in which also makes it tourist friendly.
When are you exploring Muscat next ?