Deck the Halls and Let the Festive Celebrations Begin at Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

MUSCAT, SULTANATE OF OMAN--(Marketwired - Dec 8, 2015) - Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, sets the stage for series of celebrations for families to enjoy throughout the festive season, including a glittering tree lighting ceremony, cheerful gingerbread house decoration workshops, unique culinary offerings, as well as a magical New Year's Eve masquerade under the stars.

The season also brings with it a variety of enticing experiences to ensure a memorable end to the year at the luxury Oman resort tucked away between the Omani Sea and the Hajjar Mountains. These include holiday specials from the recently launched Six Senses Spa for those looking for a relaxing escape, in addition to a variety of activities for the little ones to enjoy through the hotel's renowned Ritz-Kids program.

To mark the beginning of the festive season, guests and visitors can look forward to a magical tree lighting ceremony held in the Atrium of the iconic palace hotel on December 10 at 5PM. The British School Students Christmas Choir will be on hand to create a truly unique atmosphere, enchanting visitors with traditional Christmas carols.

Carrying the festivities on throughout the month, guests can enjoy a selection of seasonal treats including holiday sweets and cookies with tea or coffee from the Festive Sweets Trolley that will be present in the Atrium daily from December 10 - 31 between 8am and 10pm.

Further bringing the seasonal spirit to life, the luxury resort will be hosting Gingerbread House Decorating Classes in the Al Maha Lounge on December 20^th to 24^th from 4pm to 5pm priced at OMR 7 for non-residing visitors -- the activity is complimentary for in-house guests of the luxury hotel during this period. Families are invited to participate in the fun and creative workshops to enliven the festive ambience and create lifelong holiday memories.

Christmas Eve brings with it unique dining experiences at China Mood, Beach Pavilion and Al Khiran Terrace, providing visitors with a variety of options to indulge in at the hotels most renowned restaurants. For those looking for a combination of the finest Asian flavors to tantalize their taste-buds, a five-course tasting menu will be served at China Mood. A spectacular show will be presented from the Tea Sommelier to delight guests of all ages whilst they dine in the magical beachfront ambience.

Festive favorites will be on offer as part of a five-course tasting menu at Beach Pavilion, including Pheasant Galantine and Chestnut Crusted Seared Scallops, Roasted Celeriac Veloute and Pommery Mustard and Sage Crusted Venison. Accompanied by a live vocal performance, visitors can look forward to an unforgettable dining experience under the stars, in the elegant beachfront setting of the renowned restaurant.

A sumptuous Christmas Eve Buffet boasting over 15 live cooking stations will be served at Al Khiran Terrace overlooking the pool and gardens. The youngest guests can enjoy a variety of activities to remain entertained throughout the evening and build up the excitement ahead of the arrival of Santa Claus.

The celebrations continue through to Christmas Day at 12.30pm to 4pm, where a day brunch will also encompass spectacular live cooking stations in addition to a vast array of food displays including seafood, international and Arabic flair, cold cuts, grill and carving stations, individual appetizers and more. A guest pianist at Al Bustan Palace will be on hand to enhance the atmosphere of elegance and sophistication ahead of Santa Claus' arrival to surprise and delight the younger guests, creating an unforgettable Christmas afternoon. Prices start at OMR 35++ with complimentary dining for children under 6 years of age.

Guests and visitors are invited to bring in the New Year in style with a night of magic and mystique on the shores of the sea of Oman through a Masquerade Gala on December 31 at 8pm. Starting at OMR109 ++, with complementary access for children under 6, guests can look forward to celebrating the evening surrounded by the lights of the torches around the pool and on the beachfront at Al Bustan Palace in their finest gowns as they welcome the New Year under the stars.

To start the New Year in a magical way, guests are invited to join the countdown to 2016 on the beachfront, where they can light their very own lantern and send it flying into the sky with the beautiful backdrop of the Hajjar Mountains. The signature restaurants will also be hosting New Year celebrations with tailored, delectable menus for visitors to indulge in, ensuring a memorable start to 2016.

NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA PACKAGE
Guests are invited to bring in the New Year in style with a night of magic and mystique on the shores of the sea of Oman. Visitors can dress up to celebrate the masquerade gala night, surrounded by the lights of the torches around the pool and on the beachfront at Al Bustan Palace.

The package includes:

• Overnight in an Executive Suite
• Buffet breakfast at Al Khiran Terrace
• New Year's Eve Masquerade Gala Night on the beachfront

Package for two, available from on December 31, 2015
Rates from OMR 499 + taxes for two, based upon availability at the time of booking.
Information and reservations: reservationsalbustan@ritzcarlton.com; Tel: +968 24 799 666

SIX SENSES SPA
With the cooler season arriving in Oman, the Six Senses Spa has some great offers available to keep visitors warm and cozy. Visitors can indulge in a Warm Winter Combo and usher in 2016 healthily with an introductory offer on the revolutionary Wellness Screening. The Spa will also be hosting Yuko Ozawa as the Visiting Practitioner this month, who will be hosting a series of Wellness Sunday workshops.

HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Warm Winter Combo
100 minutes | OMR 70

With winter and the holidays coming up, guests can treat themselves with this relaxing package that will leave their body and face with a beautiful winter glow. The package begins with a Six Senses Signature Massage of choice, and followed by one of the Margy's Monte Carlo facials and finish off with a homemade beverage.

VISITING PRACTICIONER
Yuko Ozawa
Shiatsu and Macrobiotic Health Advisor

December 13-31, 2015

Guests can restore natural balance and well-being with Shiatsu -- an invigorating full body massage, using the application of pressure along the meridians to release trapped energy. Ms. Yuko Ozawa offers Shiatsu together with macrobiotic and dietary consultations to help guests achieve optimal health.

WELLNESS SUNDAY WORKSHOPS
December 12, 18 and 26, 2015
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Complimentary

These workshops are designed to enhance guests' knowledge about health and wellness related topics. The Visiting Practitioner will speak to guests about ways in which to take their health back into their own hands, enabling them to enjoy healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Six Senses Spa and fitness are open from 9.30am to 9.00pm
For reservations or inquiries, please consult our website www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/AlBustan, call Ext. 3030 or email reservation-albustan-spa@sixsenses.com

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 91 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).