3 Luxury tented camps to open in Oman

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The Malkai is a collection of three luxury tented camps

The Malkai, a collection of three luxury tented camps across Oman, will open in autumn 2026 and offer an authentic hospitality experience.

Backed by the Khimji family who founded The Chedi Muscat, the new concept will include camps in the coastal farmlands of Barkaa, near Muscat, the Al Hajar mountains and the desert dunes of Sharqiyah Sands.

Each location will feature 15 tented Pavilion Suites that take inspiration from traditional Bedouin tents and include modern comforts and expansive living areas, with each suite extending to 85 square metres and having a separate bedroom and bathroom. There are also three-bedroom pavilions available.

There are also swimming pools, gym facilities, juice bars, running trails and open-air pavilions for meditation, yoga and Pilates.

One-bedroom Pavilion Suite at The Malkai

Guests can travel between the three Malkai destinations accompanied by their personal murshid – a guide, friend and philosopher – for immersive journeys ranging from four to 10 days.

For international arrivals at Muscat, the murshid can greet guests at the plane door and escort them to a dedicated lounge for customs and baggage formalities before the 30-minute drive to the Barkaa camp.

Itineraries can be tailored to guests preferences, with experiences including access to an exclusive private island and nature reserve off the coast of Barkaa, where guests can explore coral reefs, enjoy secluded beaches, and have the chance to see nesting turtles and whale sharks.

Infinity pool at a Malkai camp

In the Hajar mountains, guests can rise at dawn to walk trails with goat herders, or in Sharqiyah take to the skies in a hot air balloon.

Outdoor activities like trekking, stargazing and sailing will allow guests to explore all three Malkai landscapes. Spa treatments can be provided in guest pavilions and include local ingredients such as rose water, incense and frankincense.

The Malkai collection embraces sustainability, taking steps to minimise its carbon footprint, protect biodiversity and support local communities.

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Each location has been planted with herbs and fruit trees, enabling a farm-to-fork dining philosophy, while The Malkai, Barkaa is located in a date plantation. Seasonal organic ingredients will be grown at the camps or sourced from local farmers.

Dining pavilions will showcase Omani dishes, including baplo (seafood soup), shuwa (slow-cooked marinated lamb or goat) and madrouba (rice porridge with vegetables).

Rates will start from US$2,200 per night, based on double occupancy, inclusive of airport transfers, meals and refreshments.

Outdoor activities include horse riding and stargazing

“Creating The Malkai has been an emotional journey – a transition of passion and love for Oman, from one generation to the next,” said Pankaj Khimji of The Malkai.

“My children have joined me on this odyssey as we showcase Oman through our eyes to the world. We hope that our efforts to create a deeply immersive and intimate way of exploring Oman will herald a new paradigm for experiential luxury travel to our country.”

Oman is seeing rising demand from Europe, the GCC and Oceania, with hotel revenues rising 18.2% in the first half of 2025 to US$367 million.

The sultanate has committed US$31 billion to tourism development through 2040, of which US$5.9 billion is dedicated to new resorts and projects.

For more information, please visit www.themalkai.com