W Muscat brings fresh vibrancy to city

MUSCAT: W Muscat is the hotel that opened in 2019 which keeps attracting customers. The hotel’s General Manager, Gerald Chevasson talks to Times of Oman about the hotel.

W Muscat is relatively a new hotel that opened in 2019 and yet is very successful. What is the reason behind it?

Our hotel is a totally unexpected destination in the middle of Muscat. We have a ‘dive in’ attitude that brings a fresh new vibrancy and energy to the city and that attracts something in all of us, from escapists to thrill-seekers. We came here to shake things up and we’ve been true to our word, offering FUEL weekend and Graffiti Jam among a range of high-energy experiences. We have six B&F outlets that offer the likes of CHAR-grilled Omani favourites with endless sea views, Asian-Mediterranean sharing platters by our rooftop infinity pool at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, our newest Chinese restaurant, Ba Ban, that oozes glamour and attitude, and of course, our supercharged mixology culture that is inescapable.

How different is W Muscat compared to other hotels in town? Why do you think people should choose W Muscat?

It’s completely different, unlike any other hotel in Oman. From the moment you enter the property, you can see our bold and eclectic design, inspired by the rugged landscape and rich culture of the Sultanate that sets us apart visually. This is quickly reinforced by our ‘always on’ approach and the celebration of our passion points: design, music, fashion and fuel. I think it’s our attitude that really attracts people, to begin with – our fearless and fun-filled W twist on life and our backstage access to what’s new and next in Muscat. Our mission is to fuel a lust for life which is a perfect fit for Oman where the people and the environment ignite a sense of carefree adventure in guests and it’s exhilarating to satiate that desire.

I personally love the interior - fusion of modern art and classic Middle Eastern design, and also the names of the room. What is the concept behind it?

Thank you! Our hotel design is inspired by Oman’s physical, historical and social beauty and it tells the story of the Sultanate’s journey from past to present. Muscat is a tale of two worlds – of modernday, edgy Oman with a blossoming arts scene and a contemporary city life; and the traditional and hospitable Oman that is rooted in centuries-old history and culture. W Muscat’s design is an ode to this combination and celebrates the balance of old and new. We have lush animal print fabrics inspired by the unique wildlife of the land, light-speckled ceilings that celebrate the star-studded skies of the desert, Majlis-style tent seating that pays tribute to the nomadic nature of Oman’s Bedouin and a host of other architectural and décor elements inspired by the Bimmah Sinkhole, the Al Hajar mountains, the ever-fragrant frankincense, traditional Omani dress, local fishing culture and more.

Ba Ban, one of the most talkedabout Chinese restaurants in Muscat, opened this year and is already a huge hit. Please tell us a little about that.

Ba Ban has been outperforming since it opened and I think it shows why W Muscat’s original and provocative concepts are so popular in Muscat. The restaurant captures the spirit of 1920s and 30s Shanghai and life around the Bund. It is named after an ancient piece of folk music and literally means “eight beats,” a nod to the local music scene at the time where a hybrid form of Chinese jazz was blossoming as the nightclubs of Shanghai were finding their vibe. We have an incredible head chef as well, Chef Dayi Nong, who has over a decade of experience in Chinese cuisine and oversees a kitchen team that are experts in their own, specific stations and techniques. The menu is truly authentic and our Peking Duck quickly developed a name for itself in Oman which is pretty reassuring that the food is true to its origins.

What can customers expect at Ba Ban?

At Ba Ban, guests are entering a bold and sophisticated world of escape that oozes the glamour of Paris with the vibrancy of Shanghai. Its design celebrates the Golden Age of Art Deco by fusing traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern Eastern décor to recapture the spirit of the time. It’s a very moody restaurant with a dark, eclectic environment, cosy leather seating and low-lit lamps creating an intimate and electrifying atmosphere. Obviously, the restaurant’s success owes much to the carefully curated menu and the quality of food coming out of the kitchen. The menu brings a modern flair to traditional Chinese cuisine with delicately prepared dim sum, wok-fried Omani lobster, soy-braised short ribs, mango pomelo sago pudding, and our classic Peking duck with a Cantonese twist. Of course, we’re well known for our creative mixology and the Ba Ban beverages menu doesn’t disappoint either.

Is there an option for a buffet at Ba Ban? What are the top picks that you would recommend people to try?

We don’t do buffet dining at W Muscat, but Ba Ban’sà la carte menu ranges from fried dumplings and wonton soups to Szechuan spiced noodles, spicy humour and mangojasmine sorbet. I think the Peking Duck is unmissable, but perhaps my top two choices after that would be wok-fried king prawns and the Wagyu-beef rib eye in black bean sauce, or perhaps the Szechuan Dan Dan noodles. It’s a tough call for me, but luckily, I get to indulge my cravings fairly often!

What lunch options does W Muscat offer?

We currently have a great lunch offer running in CHAR, our signature grill house, and it’s ideal for a working lunch on-the-go or a more leisurely afternoon. We have a two-course option for OMR 12++ that includes an appetizer, a soft beverage and the choice of the main course or a dessert, and a three-course option for OMR 15++ that includes an appetiser, main course, dessert and a soft beverage. Our rooftop playground, Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, also serves an impressive lunch with all the usual suspects including sushi, fresh catch of the day and parmesan truffle fries. Plus, they do a Friday brunch like no other. Served from 1pm to 5pm, the Friday brunch mixes à la carte favourites with sushi and pasta stations and beats by our very own DJ Armando. It’s OMR 25++ with unlimited innocent beverages or OMR 39++ for the upgraded beverages option. And of course, we have our WET deck. A very refreshing poolside venue that’s perfect for these breezy winter days, especially following a day cooling off in the pool.