MUSCAT, Oman — A brand-new reason to linger on the Sultanate’s shoreline is on the horizon: IHG Hotels & Resorts will introduce its fast-growing voco brand to Oman with a 251-room resort in the capital’s lively Al Mouj district, according to a press release by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Why Al Mouj Muscat Matters to Globe-Trotters
Al Mouj Muscat, a master-planned waterfront community just minutes from Muscat International Airport, has quickly evolved into the city’s go-to playground. Luxury villas line canals, a 18-hole championship golf course rolls out toward the sea, and a marina packed with sleek yachts offers sailing excursions at dawn and sunset. Upscale cafés and boutiques give the neighborhood a cosmopolitan edge while still showcasing Omani heritage in its architectural motifs and landscaped walkways. By choosing this address, IHG positions the forthcoming voco Al Mouj Muscat as both an urban and beach retreat. Travelers will be able to split their days between visits to the Muttrah Souq, the timeless Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and the rugged wadis that encircle Muscat, then return to a modern resort fronting the turquoise Gulf of Oman.
A Closer Look at the Resort
Scheduled to welcome its first guests in the fourth quarter of 2025, the property will feature:
- 251 rooms and suites, many with direct or partial sea views.
- Five dining concepts, including an all-day restaurant, a specialty venue, and a lobby lounge.
- Three flexible meeting rooms designed for small corporate retreats or intimate social gatherings.
- A full-service spa, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness center.
- A business center, generous parking, and even an in-house barber shop for last-minute grooming.
The design blueprint follows voco’s global playbook—bright color pops, locally inspired art, and thoughtful eco-touches such as refillable amenities and bedding made from recycled materials. A spokesperson for IHG said the resort aims to pair “informal charm with trusted international standards,” a hallmark that has helped voco become the company’s fastest-expanding premium flag since its 2018 debut.
IHG’s Broader Middle East Push
The signing in Muscat joins a voco pipeline that already counts more than 95 upcoming properties worldwide and exceeds 100 hotels in operation. Regionally, IHG operates nine hotels across five brands in Oman—Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn—while three additional projects are already slated to open locally within the next three to five years. Oman has set an ambitious goal under its Oman Vision 2040 plan to diversify the economy and welcome a growing share of international arrivals. Hospitality investments such as voco Al Mouj Muscat dovetail neatly with that strategy. “This project underscores our commitment to support Oman’s tourism development,” Haitham Mattar, IHG’s managing director for India, Middle East & Africa, said in the statement.
What the voco Brand Brings to Travelers
Since launching five years ago, voco has marketed itself as a “reliably different” stay. Properties keep their own sense of place—often by converting existing buildings—yet link to IHG One Rewards, the company’s loyalty program boasting more than 145 million members. Based on current standards, guests can expect:
- Signature voco welcome treats and a quick check-in ritual.
- Cloudlike bedding crafted from recycled plastic bottles.
- Large-format bathroom amenities to reduce single-use plastic.
- A social energy that leans more playful than traditional business hotels.
Muscat’s edition looks set to continue that thread, melding Omani warmth with an easygoing contemporary vibe.
Travel Logistics
Al Mouj Muscat sits roughly 10 kilometers from Muscat International Airport, a drive that can take as little as 15 minutes outside of rush hour. Taxis and app-based ride services are readily available at the airport, and many high-end hotels—voco expected—offer private transfers. Once checked in, guests can:
- Walk to the Al Mouj marina for dolphin-watching cruises.
- Book tee times at the par-72 Greg Norman-designed Al Mouj Golf course.
- Browse independent boutiques along the development’s palm-lined boulevard.
For desert or mountain adventures, tour operators cluster in Al Mouj and downtown Muscat, organizing day trips to Jebel Akhdar, Wadi Shab and the Wahiba Sands.
Tips for Travelers Planning Ahead
- Lock in points. If you collect IHG One Rewards points, earmark a future redemption; new hotels sometimes launch with attractive award rates.
- Shoulder seasons shine. October to April brings pleasant temperatures for outdoor touring. The resort’s Q4 2025 opening coincides with Oman’s mild winter.
- Blend city and coast. Combine two nights at voco Al Mouj Muscat with an overnight in Nizwa or Jebel Akhdar to experience Oman’s interior forts and mountain vistas.
- Dress respectfully. Although Muscat is cosmopolitan, light long sleeves and modest swimwear outside private resort beaches show cultural awareness.
- Extend via stopover. Omani carrier SalamAir and national airline Oman Air both offer connections that make Muscat an easy stop when traveling between Europe, Asia and Africa.
FAQ
When will the resort open?
IHG projects a soft opening in the fourth quarter of 2025.
How many rooms will the property feature?
Plans call for 251 rooms and suites, all classified as premium category.
Will the hotel have meeting space?
Yes, three meeting rooms and a business center are included in the current design.
Is voco part of a loyalty program?
Guests can earn and redeem points through IHG One Rewards, which counts more than 145 million members globally.
What other IHG brands operate in Oman?
Existing flags include Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn, totaling nine hotels nationwide.
How does voco differ from other IHG brands?
voco positions itself as an upscale yet relaxed option, weaving local flair into each property while maintaining the reliability of a global chain.
The Bottom Line
For travelers mapping future Arabian Peninsula itineraries, the forthcoming voco Al Mouj Muscat promises a modern beachfront escape that neither secludes guests from Omani culture nor forces them into a purely urban setting. With direct access to sailboats, golf greens and the capital’s cultural icons, the resort could quickly become a favorite base for first-timers and repeat visitors alike. Watch for package offers as opening day approaches, and be ready to tag an extra night in Muscat onto that next Europe-to-Asia flight. — Source: IHG Hotels & Resorts press release
