Highlights of Oman

Authentic Middle East

Oman totally exceeded my expectations and captured my heart! If you are seeking an authentic Middle Eastern experience this is the place to come. Whilst many people love Dubai, personally it just isn’t for me. The Dubai style luxury whilst impressive is too artificial and I struggle to make any connection with the destination. When I travel, I like to experience the culture, engage with the people, the food and stay in accommodation with a sense of place. Oman can offer all of this and so much more!

Culture

The tone of the culture is very much set by the Sultan of Oman, whom is adored and respected by the people, he provides them with a very good quality of life a strong sense of family values, along with enforcing strict guidelines on litter, crime and welcoming people to his country. So much so he even gave up one of his beloved palaces as a hotel for international guests to enjoy and Oman is one of the safest and cleanest countries you could visit. There are also strict guidelines on building heights and styles, you will not see unsightly high-rise buildings as they want to celebrate the views of the mountains and even the colours of the locals’ houses are in keeping with the landscape. You immediately know who the locals are as they are the only ones that can wear traditional dress and with a small population of only 5 million people and limited air capacity - it is a destination that is not overcrowded.

Unlike other countries in the Gulf, Women are empowered and respected, they have excellent jobs and important roles in government and decision making. They can travel freely on their own and Omani women are known for liking the latest models of cars.

Religion

The Muslim culture is at the heart of this society, but they are very liberal people, they are accepting of all religions and faiths and welcome different everyone and all places of worship. When entering a Mosque as a visitor this has to be respected and you will need to cover up, including headscarf’s for women.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Oman is from April to October. If you can handle the heat you could get away with end of September or beginning of May but after that the temperatures can start to head towards 50 degrees! Most of the guides take leave during this time as it is too hot, so best avoided. It is worth noting the mountains are a little cooler and December/January you would need warmer clothing particularly at night when temperatures drop.

What to see & do

I would recommend a few nights in Muscat on arrival to unwind after the flight and gain an introduction to the culture and learn about this wonderful country. I would highly recommend a city tour and a visit to the Grand Mosque. All the hotels are on the beach, so it is a very relaxing experience.

I would then head to the desert for a couple of nights at a desert camp. There are scenic stops enroute with many castles, forts and villages to drive through. You would go with a guide by 4WD and experience the thrill of Criss crossing along the undulating sand dunes. The endless desert is breath-taking and the sunsets and colours magical. You will see plenty of camels and choose between desert resorts or glamping.

From the desert I would then head to the mountains, the drive alone is spectacular! Either on the way there or back you can choose to go off road through the mountain paths. It’s not for the faint hearted but the drivers are extremely experienced, and it is worth it! I would liken it the Grand Canyon! In Al Jabal Al Akhdar the views are astonishing and there are a couple of incredible mountain resorts. It is extremely relaxing, you can take a dip in a pool with a view, enjoy a spa treatment or for the more active you can go on guided hikes, cycling, zip lining or climbing.

I would then journey back to Muscat enjoying some scenic stops enroute for a few final days relaxing on the beach and head out on a day trip to the Daymaniyat Islands, for some snorkelling and pristine white sand beaches.

Where to Stay

Muscat

Shangri-La Al Waha/Al Bandar

For families Shangri La Al Bandar or Waha would be my go too as they are resort style properties that are inter-linked and you have access to one of the longest lazy rivers in The Middle East, lots of water sports, activities and turtle nesting, as well as a stunning beach and mountain backdrop. They are a good standard but not high-end luxury, Al Waha is very traditional in style and I would grade as a good 4* and Al Bandar a 4* plus as it is slightly more polished and both properties have connecting family rooms. It is also located about 45 mins outside of Muscat.

The Chedi, Muscat

For couples or families with older children, or younger ones that don’t mind not having a kids club but seeking high-end boutique accommodation, there is no comparison to the Chedi, Muscat!! This is my favourite hotel and a member of the Leading hotels of the world. It is an oasis in the city, built over 21 acres of expansive gardens like an Omani style village and exudes timeless elegance. I would highly recommend upgrading to the club rooms or purchase a club supplement or half board upgrade. The club benefits are excellent value, with transfers, daily high tea, cocktails and canapés from 6-8pm, mini bar and laundry service all included. Drinks are expensive so it’s worth doing and you will save more adding on half board than paying locally for meals at the hotel and you can choose to have the meal at lunch or dinner.

Shangri-la Husn

This is a stunning adults-only resort on a peninsula next to the Shangri-La properties above. The benefit of staying here is you can also use the restaurants and facilities of the other two properties, but retreat to your little oasis at the end of the day. Also included is afternoon tea and cocktails from 6-8pm daily.

W Muscat

For younger clients the W Muscat is hip and happening, but the beach club style set up does mean loud music by the pool. The restaurants are an incredible standard, so my Top tip is to at least eat here and if you are wanting a beach club experience you can get a day pass.

Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace

This is a very unique property and not for everyone. It was a former palace of the Sultan that was gifted to be used as a hotel. It is extremely grand, and the royal family still have control over the décor and styling, as well as private access to the top floor. It is a beautiful spot, but you do feel as though you need to be in formal dress and if you want a more laid-back resort this may not be the best choice. They also have a private beach for women only, where Muslim women have the freedom to wear swimwear. My Top Tip would be to visit for afternoon tea or the Spa, as it is worth seeing the hotel.

Wahiba Sands Desert Resorts

Arabian Nights Desert Resort

If you don’t fancy glamping this is a basic resort that would work well. It is made up of individual bungalows spacious in size and you can upgrade the view. They have a great pool and spa, but it is not high-end luxury but a great mid-range option.

Desert Nights Camp

If you are seeking a camp that is a little more luxurious with pool villa options, this would be my go to. They offer luxury tented accommodation with air conditioning with all the facilities of a luxury hotel. They also have 2-bedroom suites for families.

Glamping Magic Camps Wahiba Sands

For the ultimate authentic desert experience, Magic Camps deliver the best private luxury glamping experience. This is a small eco-friendly retreat where there is a very low footprint but high levels of comfort and style. Arrive by camel and experience the desert in style. They don’t have air conditioning so only operational from October-April and they don’t serve alcohol but you can bring your own.

Mountain Stays

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Just over a 2-hour drive from Muscat and you can be in the magnificent cooler climes of the mountains. The Anantara is in a peaceful spot and the resort is a great all-rounder, perfect for both couples and families. The canyon view rooms are spectacular and if you can upgrade to a pool villa you won’t be disappointed. It would be an iconic inclusion on any honeymoon and for families there is so much to do. There is a kids club for little ones but plenty for older teens, from tennis courts, scenic bike tours, rock climbing, zip wires and guided hikes. There is also a wonderful spa and infinity pool.

Alila Jabal Akhdar

Set even higher than the Anantara the Alila has the most spectacular views, this minimalist haven is a mountain sanctuary. Kids are also welcome but it perhaps leans slightly more to couples. Again you can have incredible experiences from dining under the stars, private star gazing, a spa treatment on a ledge over looking the mountains, cliff edge dinner and so much more.

Top Tips for travelling to Oman

• No need to pack travel adapters as English plugs are available
• Remember to fully cover up when visiting the mosque and just be respectful when out in public areas. Generally, women cover their knees and shoulders. However, they understand westerners will be in less clothing but as long as it is not too offensive, they don’t mind and worth just taking a shawl.
• Where possible in remote locations - Upgrade to a half board meal plan – Prices are not like Dubai , but equally it is not cheap and if you pre-book half board or full board it will be cheaper paying locally.
• During winter months in the Mountains, it will be cooler in the evenings so take some layers.
• Make sure you have a meal at W Muscat, there is an outstanding Chinese restaurant, fabulous cocktails and the Beach Club day pass is great for younger clients.
• Go for Afternoon Tea at the Ritz-Carlton A-Bustan, a former palace gifted by the Sultan
• Don’t forget your mosquito repellent