Barceló Mussanah Resort, Sultanate of Oman

On Oman’s Gulf of Oman beachfront in Musannah, about 45 minutes from Muscat International Airport. The resort sits on a private stretch of sand near Barka Fort and An Naman Castle, a handy base for exploring the Al Batinah coast.

A modern Art Deco beachfront resort with 308 rooms and luxury apartments, most with sea-view balconies. Rooms come with pillowtop beds, minibars, plasma TVs, complimentary wired and wireless internet, and bathrooms with deep-soak tubs and rainfall showerheads.

Four outdoor pools plus a children’s pool, a private beach with 10 cabanas and a private marina. Zayna Spa & Health Club offers 10 treatment rooms, sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi and a gym; additional perks include pool bars and sea-view lounges, an aquapark, diving club and babysitting (surcharge). All-inclusive rates are available.

Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, a business center, a conference center and four meeting rooms. Express check-in, a 24-hour airport shuttle (surcharge) and free self-parking round out the practical side.

Two main restaurants (Mydan and Azure) showcase international dishes with regional Omani flavors, plus a café, pool bar, Compass Bar and The Deck Bar & Lounge and 24-hour room service. Buffet breakfast is available and many meals and drinks can be included on all-inclusive plans.