Sifawy Boutique Hotel

If you fancy a proper escape from Muscat, Sifawy is worth the 45-minute drive. The hotel sits within the Jebel Sifah marina development, designed by Italian architect Alfredo Freda, and it’s a step away from the usual city hotel — mountains behind you, sea in front. There’s a pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness centre, treatment room, and a decent range of activities and water sports on site.

The dining across the resort covers a fair amount of ground. Dunes Beach Club does seafood by the water, Tugra is a Turkish restaurant on the marina, Sakana is the Japanese option with an open kitchen and al fresco seating, and Al Sabla covers international cuisine. As a WGO member you get 10% off food and soft drinks across all four — useful if you’re making a day of it.