Al Bustan Palace Invites Guests to Explore Omani Culture and Traditions

MUSCAT, SULTANATE OF OMAN--(Marketwired - Sep 10, 2015) - Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, invites guests to immerse themselves in Omani traditions and culture with a new, tailor-made destination experience named "Flavours of Oman". The journey showcases the various attractions of Oman, taking guests from the historic souk in Nizwa and the heights of Jebel Al Akhdar, to the newly opened Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, a stately haven for treatments that go beyond the ordinary.

The luxury hotel package allows guests to explore the alleys of Nizwa souk, a part of the Nizwa historic fort, with a guided tour around the array of stalls displaying silks, incense burners and traditional Omani goods. Surrounded by the heady scents of oud mixed with the spicy tanginess of saffron, cardamom, turmeric, rose petals and coffee beans, whilst listening to local tales narrated by a private guide, the souk is a sensory experience that brings to life the traditions and history of Oman.

The excursion continues to Jebel Al Akhdar, namely the "Green Mountain", where guests can walk around idyllic rose gardens and fruit and nut plantations or hike to nearby villages that at the heart of the rose essence production industry in Oman.

To complete the experience in a soothing and relaxing way, guests are invited to discover the newly-opened Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, by indulging in a traditionally-crafted treatment. The spa journey includes a choice of Six Senses Signature Scrub using local spices, aromatic herbs and fragrances such as chamomile and raw cinnamon, Omani frankincense, or Arabic coffee, cardamom and grape seed oil, reminiscent of the mountain excursion or the souk experience.

"Omani traditions and flavours are part of the experience at Al Bustan Palace, from the sharp fragrance of frankincense infusing the air in the majestic Atrium Lobby, to the craftsmanship of our talented culinary teams. We are proud to offer guests and visitors a place to discover our local culture while epitomizing the Golden Standards of Service of the Ritz-Carlton. Our new partnership with Six Senses Spa beautifully complements this new experience with some of the most inspiring treatments created with local spices and essential oils", states Katrin Herz, General Manager at Al Bustan Palace.

The luxury hotel in Muscat, Oman, located between the Hajar Mountains and the Oman Sea is home to the longest private beach in the Sultanate, a flawless infinity pool, lagoon pools and lush gardens, providing guests with a selection of facilities to choose from to unwind and relax. Boasting a one-kilometer long private beach, crystal blue infinity pool, lush garden and spectacular year-round weather on offer, the hotel has been renowned as the Jewel of the Sultanate, for many years now.

With the new "Flavours of Oman' experience, guests can look forward to an escape that will leave them with a collection of indelible memories evoking the distinct personality of the Sultanate.

The "Flavours of Oman" Package Includes:

• Overnight in a Deluxe sea view room double occupancy
• A full day excursion with private guide to Nizwa souk and Jebel Akhdar
• One 25 minutes Signature Scrub per person at Six Senses Spa, Al Bustan Palace

Based on two people sharing a room. Rates starting from OMR 410 inclusive of taxes, based upon availability at the time of booking and seasonality.

The package is valid from September 15, 2015, to December 31^st, 2015 excluding Eid Al Adha (23-24 September 2015) and festive season (26-31 December 2015). Prices are inclusive of service charge and tax. For reservations please call +968 24 799 666 or email reservations.albustan@ritzcarlton.com

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 90 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, and for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR).

About Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace

Artfully built into the surrounding landscape of towering stone and rock cliffs of the Hajjar Mountains, Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace is the second in the Sultanate and presents treatments tailored to individual needs. Measuring 33,000 square feet and including 17 treatment rooms, the spa is housed on three levels - similar to an ancient Arabian fort, featuring three areas: separate men's and women's areas and ladies only members' area. Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace offers a wide selection of locally-inspired massages, result-driven facials from The Organic Pharmacy and Margy's, wellness therapies and rituals plus body, beauty treatments administered under the guidance of expert spa therapists. For more information on the Six Senses Spa, visit www.sixsenses.com/spas/muscat/welcome
The spa and gym are open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Six Senses Signature Scrubs

Calming - this soothing scrub uses ground rice complex with chamomile and raw cinnamon. Chamomile acts as a muscle relaxant and stress reliever, while cinnamon promotes the healthy flow of energy, calming the body's Qi.
Clarity - using frankincense, raw sugar and jojoba oil, this scrub acts as a gentle exfoliant, soothing and healing dry skin, and restoring balance to the mind.
Vitality - this invigorating scrub uses Arabic coffee, cardamom and grape seed oil. Its warming properties stimulate circulation, leaving you with a feeling of renewed energy.