A 35 acre oasis of palm gardens in the heart of Muscat, the Intercontinental boasts stunning views of the Hajjar Mountains and the Gulf Coast. Right on the beach but a short walk from the city's main commercial district, you're also within easy reach of exotic local treasures like the Muttrahh Souk and the Qaboos Grand Mosque. This grand hotel has some of the best facilities in Muscat, no mean feat when most of the resorts here could rival Dubai for Arabian hospitality.

The facilities

Recently refurbished, the hotel amenities are world-class and provide plenty of distraction from the beach. The 900 square metre Palm Beach Club offers temperature-controlled swimming pools, a jacuzzi, steam and sauna room, plunge pool and freshly squeezed juices at the juice bar. Fitness freaks can work up a sweat in the gym, aerobics studio, volleyball court, or football and cricket pitch. Tennis fans can channel their inner Federer on six floodlit tennis courts, and there are two squash courts.

The watersports are excellent, with windsurfing, diving and sailing, and instructors available, and there are even mountain and dune safaris available. For something a little more relaxing, just wander through the tranquil gardens on a warm evening, listen to live jazz music alfresco in Tomato, the open-air bar and restaurant, or enjoy live sports, bands and a pub quiz at the award-winning Al Ghazeal Pub.

The rooms

The hotel's 265 rooms are all furnished in a luxurious Arabian style, and have romantic views of the mountains or the sea. All come with an interactive TV system, mini bar, bathrobes, laundry and valet services, 24 hour rooms service and plush bathrooms.