Global hotel owner, operator and investor Minor Hotels is expanding its luxury Anantara brand’s footprint in Oman with a new resort in Bandar Al Khairan, Muscat.

Located on the rugged Omani coast just 45 minutes from the capital, the new-build 121-key property is slated to launch in 2026.

Operated by Anantara, the beachfront property will be owned by Musstir, the real estate acquisition and development arm of the MB Holding Company, which also owns Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara on Oman’s south coast.

With a focus on wellbeing, the property will feature a signature Anantara Spa and a fitness centre alongside a private stargazing majlis relaxation space.

The resort in Bandar Al Khairan will also be home to a striking infinity swimming pool, five restaurants and bars, meeting and events space, a kids’ splash pool, a kids and teens club lounge and a helipad.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor and group CEO of parent company Minor International, commented: “The timeless beauty of the Omani coast is a natural home for this upcoming new addition to our Middle Eastern portfolio.

“Musstir is a trusted partner which shares our vision for the potential of this magnificent destination and our dedication to excellence across every element. Our team and I look forward to seeing this new Anantara come to fruition between the mountains and the sea.”

The upcoming Anantara resort in Muscat will join the growing portfolio of Anantara properties in the Middle East, which already includes the two already established resorts in Oman – Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. The operator runs an additional 10 properties in the UAE and one in Qatar.

Overall, Minor operates more than 540 hotels in 56 countries, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas.

The operator says it is working on a collection of new openings for 2024, 2025 and 2026 in order to strengthen its presence in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.