Muscat’s heritage deeply influences how general manager Mahmoud Sakr leads The Chedi Muscat. Here, he reveals the secret behind shaping unforgettable, culturally rich guest experiences.
What makes Muscat different from other Gulf capitals and how does that influence the way you plan to lead this property?
Muscat stands apart with its raw natural beauty, where the convergence of the sea and the Hajar Mountains creates harmony. Moreover, its unhurried, culturally rich rhythm invites a deeper connection with its surroundings and heritage. At The Chedi Muscat, this heritage is woven into our DNA: from falaj-style water gardens to ancient Omani irrigation systems. Additionally, the beachfront infinity pool mirrors the tranquil colors of the Gulf, further enhancing the sense of place. In leading the property, I emphasize preserving this unique essence through maritime excursions, including private sailing and dolphin watching, to ensure authentic experiences. Ultimately, leadership here and the guest experience are rooted in quiet integrity, thoughtful design and reverence for local tradition.
The Chedi Muscat has long embodied the quiet elegance of the city. How do you plan to keep that spirit relevant to a new generation of traveler?
Today’s traveler seeks more than beautiful spaces. They desire meaning, connection and purpose in their travel experiences. At The Chedi Muscat, we preserve our signature serenity and design purity while introducing resonant experiences for younger, experience-driven guests. This includes integrating local culture in innovative ways, through curated artisan encounters, Omani-inspired menus and immersive wellness offerings. Sustainability and mindfulness are key pillars of this evolution, guiding us toward a deeper, more meaningful guest experience. The goal is not to reinvent but to refine, offering depth over noise and authenticity over spectacle, always maintaining The Chedi’s discreet and elegant identity.
Muscat’s pace is slower and its luxury more restrained. What challenges and opportunities does this create for guest experience and service delivery?
Muscat’s thoughtful rhythm demands service that is quietly adept, where the art of hospitality becomes seamless and non-intrusive. The challenge lies in anticipating needs through understated gestures, ensuring a fluid, unobtrusive guest experience. Guests embrace long afternoons by the 338-foot infinity pool, enjoying private boat trips to the Daymaniyat Islands. Additionally, discreet club lounge service offers afternoon tea, canapés and cocktails, enhancing moments of relaxation. This slower tempo provides a unique opportunity: crafting deeply personal, reflective stays with luxury measured in stillness rather than speed.
Many visitors see Muscat as their first impression of Oman. How can the property serve as a hospitality ambassador for the country’s wider tourism narrative?
As one of Oman’s most iconic properties, The Chedi Muscat shapes a guest’s first impression of the country. Our architectural cues, the Bedouin tent-inspired lobby, Zen gardens and private beach serve as visual markers of Omani culture. We partner with local experts to offer guests bespoke desert glamping on Jabal Shams, city tours of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Mutrah Souq. Additionally, private boat charters allow for dolphin-watching, fishing and snorkeling, offering unique perspectives of Oman’s coast. We also collaborate with Omani artisans, frankincense growers and potters to bring authentic cultural encounters to life. Through these thoughtfully curated experiences, we guide guests to fall in love with Oman’s landscapes, traditions, and soul.
What are you most looking forward to reimagining at The Chedi Muscat?
The greatest opportunity lies in reenvisioning the guest journey at The Chedi Muscat, one that speaks to the heart. Intuitive, soulful and unforgettable experiences will deepen the connection guests feel with this unique destination. While The Chedi has always been a sanctuary of calm, I believe we can enhance its emotional resonance and sense of place. Together with my dedicated team, I look forward to introducing carefully curated wellbeing paths and immersive cultural experiences. This is not reinvention but rather thoughtful refinement, an organic evolution that stays true to our identity. Muscat itself is a city of understated beauty, where tradition and nature invite quiet reflection and genuine connection. My vision is to blend this serene elegance with the heartfelt warmth of The Chedi hospitality, offering authentic experiences inspired by both Omani heritage and modern luxury. Whether stillness, connection, inspiration or a beautiful memory held gently in time, I want every guest to find something personal. Ultimately, I envision The Chedi Muscat continuing its legacy as more than a hotel, elevating the guest journey into a gateway for visitors to connect with Oman’s soul.
