Chilling at the Chedi!

I had heard so much about the Chedi before I had the privilege of staying there, and if I am honest I feared that it might not live up to its reputation and my expectation - but it surpassed them both! I love this place! It is difficult to capture the 'feel' of The Chedi either in words or in photos - it is quite unlike anywhere else I have been before. Perhaps it is the way the Japanese interior designer, Yasuhiro Koichihe has blended Zen, Arabic, European and Japanese influences together which gives it such a unique ambience, it feels tranquil and still, unhurried and 'hushed'. The Chedi, situated in Al Azaiba in Muscat, on its own private beach and in twenty one acres of green and gorgeous gardens, offers 158 guestrooms and villas. Many are clustered around shallow pools, which because of their dark colouring create the most vivid reflections of the little islands of planting, and the buildings in the water - the photo shows the view from my room, such a lovely sight to wake up to... The rooms are Omani influenced, and full of quirky furnishings, I wish I had space here to show you the decor, it mixes traditional styling with comfy furnishings and up to the minute technology. Lovely. Dining at the Chedi, in any of their six restaurants is a delight. Sophisticated, stylish and pricey, but a real treat, choose from Mediterranean, Asian and Indian cuisine, all in perfect surroundings. The Chedi has the largest spa in Muscat, where you can experience a range of Balinese therapies, Indian Ayurveda and indigenous rituals. This combines seamlessly with the fitness and health club with its state of the art equipment, and personal trainers. The fully serviced beach is another place for relaxation, with comfortable, deep cushioned loungers and attentive staff. But it is the three pools and in particular the Long pool, all 103 metres of it! - which I was most wowed by. Much photographed and described as a 'remarkable, architectural curiosity', it is, with its beautifully upholstered rattan beds and furniture on each side, quite the most elegant sight. Again with its very dark tiling maximizing the reflections of all around it, and with the ocean framed by an elegant structure beyond it, this, without doubt my favourite pool ever! So would I recommend the Chedi - absolutely! I will be delighted to tell you more - just contact me anytime on 023 80863663