AS Foreign Secretary, serving six Prime Ministers, I have had the pleasure of staying in some of the most famous hotels around the world. When asked to name my favourite and most memorable stay, my first choice always falls on The Bustan Palace in Muscat.

Built in 1985 by the Sultan to accommodate seven visiting Heads of State for the Gulf Summit, the Bustan Palace was wisely converted into a luxury hotel after the Conference.

Situated around a sandy beach about ten miles from the town of Muscat, The Bustan Palace is a magnificent nine-storied structure built in exquisite architectural taste. From the outside, its sandstone aspect and traditional setting of its windows and balcony alcoves give it a remarkable dignity and serenity. As you step inside into a beautifully decorated hall, a hostess conducts you to the reception desk.

Meanwhile, the invisible porters take charge of your luggage and within a few minutes you complete formalities and are ensconced in your room with your luggage already in place. No tip-seeking bellboys are seen, nor are you disturbed all day by hotel staff wanting to replace fruit, check the bar, change bed sheets etc. All this is done in one fell swoop while you are having breakfast or swimming downstairs and there is no further disturbance until you return from dinner to find your room refreshed and your bed prepared for the night.

The Bustan Palace rooms are frankly luxurious. In the spacious bedrooms, there are two king sized beds, each with a telephone and a common TV. The decor is exquisite and the bathrooms large enough to have a separate shower room and a bathtub. The shower itself is a rare pleasure. The water cascading down on you like a waterfall. Adjoining the bedroom is a comfortable sitting room with a writing table, all the requirements like fruit, a bar and of course a TV. There is a bathroom attached to the sitting room and delightful balconies overlooking the bay.

The real pleasure of the hotel however lies in its expanse which engenders a sense of privacy. One never gets the feeling of being huddled together in a confined space like a swarm of tourists.

My favourite place was the open-air swimming pool which is exceptionally large. The water is heated to a temperature of 29C and one of the great pleasures for me was to take an early morning swim and afterwards walk over to the breakfast terrace where the most delightful breakfast spread was laid. The choice of dishes was enormous to satisfy both Asian and Eastern tastes.

The Bustan Palace also has a private beach where sea-water bathers can spend the day with their families. In the evenings, there is a choice of restaurants and attractions. For the family, the morning breakfast area is converted into a quick-service buffet restaurant. On the first floor is a French restaurant serving continental delicacies that would please the most fastidious gourmet. In the basement there is jazz club with a live jazz quartet headed by a delectable singer. Dinner can be ordered at this restrained, sophisticated jazz club which stays open till well past midnight.

The gastronomical highlight however, is the barbecue set in the spacious gardens of the hotel. Here, under a tent with cushions spread over the floor and with a delightful duo of Arab musicians, a wonderful atmosphere is created. It is noticeably non-touristic and the tent, the musicians, the seating on the ground, all are entirely unforced.

The Bustan Palace also has an excellent sports club so that tennis, squash and sports club facilities cater to all ages and all levels of competence. At the end of a strenuous workout, a massage can be arranged to relax the muscles.

For Pakistanis, Oman is one of the nearest overseas countries. It is a treat for the family and ideal for honeymooners. For me it is quite simply the finest hotel I have ever encountered.