Beach Pavilion

Life’s a beach at Beach Pavilion, where savoring grilled seafood barefoot in the sand is an everyday extravagance. Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is locally known as a “must see.” Its enviable position at the end of Al Bustan Bay is wildly romantic and majestic, with rock formations smoothing into a soft beach. It is here along the water’s edge that the hotel has set up its fine dining restaurant, Beach Pavilion. Skip the refined indoors, the best tables are in the sand. Nature is the world’s best architect.

The cuisine is international with an emphasis on seafood – it’s to be expected, the scenery is universally breathtaking, and, quite frankly, an ode to the sea. The fish is very fresh, so fresh you choose your favorite alive option before it is grilled oh-so-lightly with a small pat of butter or seasoning.

Beach Pavilion is a place where couples go to splurge, celebrating anniversaries and anticipating proposals, especially as the evening progresses. A private cabana is available for extra special occasions. (A long bar provides refuge for those who want to enjoy the view and not feel self-conscious of being uncoupled.)

For a pampered weekend, celebrate the beginning of the weekend with unlimited bubbly and live music at Muscat’s most decadent Friday brunch. (It’s like Sunday brunch elsewhere, but more party.) All-you-can-see Wagyu beef, prime rib, lobster and brunch favorites are served buffet-style while waiters bring ordered tapas to the table. It’s festive and fun, signaled by the Hawaiian-shirt wearing reggae singer’s uptempo beats. (31.900 with unlimited alcoholic drinks, 21.900 without.)