Marriott International, Inc. today announced that it has signed an agreement with Alfardan Group to introduce the iconic St. Regis brand to Oman. Expected to open in 2022, the 271-room St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is planned to rise on a prime beachfront plot within Oman’s lifestyle and leisure destination, Al Mouj Muscat. The project also includes plans for 170 branded residential units.
“The signing of St. Regis in Oman is a natural progression for the brand’s portfolio, as the brand continues to become one of the most recognised and sought-after luxury hotel brands in the region,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East & Africa for Marriott International. “We are thrilled to be working with Alfardan Group to bring this significant project to Oman, especially to this strategic location in one of the most desired waterfront masterplans in the city of Muscat.”
Omar Hussain Alfardan, President and CEO, Alfardan Group, said: “Alfardan Group launched the first St. Regis hotel in the Middle East out of Doha nearly a decade ago. Our portfolio has since considerably grown to include some of the largest high-profile hospitality and property developments in Qatar, Turkey and Oman. This year marks a milestone for our regional collaboration with this iconic global brand, with the deal for The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort in Oman, and the near completion of The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island exclusive luxury destination in Qatar. The announcement of this project in Muscat comes at a time when Oman’s tourism and hospitality sectors are growing at record pace, in line with the Sultanate’s national and international ambitions.”
Plans for The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort envision a retreat for leisure travelers, with panoramic views over the Gulf of Oman to the front, and lush green landscapes of the Al Mouj Muscat golf course to the rear. Guests are expected to have access to an accomplished portfolio of leisure amenities in the Al Mouj Muscat community, including a planned 360-berth marina with attractive retail and dining options, as well as a clubhouse with watersport activities.
The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is expected to encompass the hallmarks of the St. Regis brand such as its rich traditions and rituals, and signature St. Regis Butler Service. The amenities that are planned include an outdoor pool, spa, health facilities and leisure club, and five speciality restaurants including the iconic St. Regis bar, inspired by the original King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York. The beachfront location is expected to allow guests to access Al Mouj Golf – an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Greg Norman. Plans for the resort also include a 1,100-square-meter ballroom for corporate gatherings, special events or weddings.
The project also includes 170 branded residences, which are expected to include a mix of apartments, penthouses and townhouses. The residences are also anticipated to be completed by 2022.
The location offers proximity to both business and leisure travelers, alike, with Muscat’s central business district nearby and the Muscat Convention Centre a 10-minute drive away. The location is also situated near Oman’s rich cultural sites, such as the vibrant fort of Muscat, the iconic Mutrah Souq, the Royal Opera House Muscat and the Grand Mosque of Muscat.
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector.
Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC).
She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book.
She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter.
Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler.
It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
