In October, I had the incredible opportunity to not only attend my first The Meetings Space event, but also to experience it in a country that had always intrigued me – Oman. Often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbours, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman is a hidden gem in the Middle East that is definitely worth adding to your travel list.
The event was held at the stunning, newly opened
St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, which had just celebrated its grand opening a mere three weeks before our arrival. However, you’d never have guessed it—the service was impeccable, with staff going above and beyond to ensure every need was met. Nothing was too much trouble, and everyone was warm, friendly, and welcoming. You could tell there was a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes effort to make our experience truly unforgettable, and I have no doubt we would be in good hands with an event should our clients choose this wonderful property. I was also incredibly fortunate to stay in a suite featuring not one, but two balconies, offering breathtaking views over one of the two pools, with the beach and crystal-clear blue sea stretching out beyond.
On the first afternoon, a show round of the hotel highlighted its eight exceptional on-site restaurants and bars, including the renowned
Hakkasan and
COYA. All the venues provide such an extensive variety of cuisine, it would be perfect for a group looking for dine around options without having to venture into the city. We were also introduced to the stunning
Guerlain spa and the airy, modern meeting spaces. The evening kicked off with a lively gathering at
Zorba, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the seafront. The relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect opportunity to meet new people, indulge in delicious dishes, and enjoy some Greek dancing!
Days 2 and 3 were dedicated to making valuable connections with suppliers from across Europe and the Middle East. It was an insightful experience, discovering new hotels and destinations, receiving updates on renovations, establishing important contacts, and reconnecting with familiar faces.
On the afternoon of day two, we were treated to a beautiful sunset Dhow cruise, dressed in our traditional Omani attire. Our journey took us to the stunning Jumeirah Muscat Bay, where we were welcomed to an unforgettable evening in an exquisite outdoor setting. Long wooden tables, traditional Arabian seating, towering palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and an array of incredible dishes came together to create a truly spectacular experience.
On the afternoon of day three, we had the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities, including snorkelling, a Souq city tour, cooking experience, sunset hike and a motorbike tour. I was fortunate enough to secure a spot in the snorkelling group, which sold out quickly! The boat ride to our destination took about 45 minutes, and we were treated to an incredible experience, spotting several turtles and a wide array of fish. The swim was a refreshing escape from the afternoon heat. Each excursion looked like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, and would offer delegates wanting to explore the local area, some great options to do this in a fun, exciting and different way.
Later that evening, we gathered for the farewell dinner by the main pool at the St. Regis. The dress code was shades of white and cream, and everyone looked amazing. The evening concluded with a DJ and dancing, a perfect way to wrap up my first experience at The Meetings Space.
Huge thanks to all attendees, suppliers, hosts and partners involved in this amazing event!
Megan Whitty, Project Manager
