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For stunning scenery, fabulous hotels, adventure and relaxation Oman has something to offer everyone. Whether you want to chill out in wonderful 5-star hotels, visit spectacular mountain ranges or camp overnight in the desert this diverse and beautiful country is not to be missed.
Alison Warburton
Private Travel CounsellorOman
Oman is proud of its rich Arabian culture and history, with one of the oldest civilisations in the region, dating back over five thousand years. And tradition plays a great part in everyday life here, with a definite serenity and gentleness to the place. There are many luxury resorts set on fabulous beaches and watersports are understandably popular, including some excellent dive sites. But we recommend you also go exploring, as you’ll find ancient imperial forts, magnificent mosques, Oman’s own Grand Canyon and centuries-old frankincense-producing trees which were the original source of the area’s wealth. The mountain villages have remained unchanged for centuries. Dolphin watching boat trips are unforgettable, whilst on land tennis and many other activities are also available.
We think you’ll love the capital, Muscat, with its colourful mix of old and new. It’s worth standing on the waterfront and watching the animated scenes, or bargain in the Muttrah Souq for Bedouin rugs, gold and frankincense. Muscat’s aquarium is probably the best in the Gulf region. You’ll find the restaurants are excellent, with very attentive yet relaxed and friendly service.
Open-air arts, dance and music displays are common and help define Oman’s unique character and warm hospitality. But perhaps the most surprising thing about Oman with all that it has to offer, is the way it is so often overlooked by holidaymakers. One more reason for you to go.
Out & About
Discover the wealth of sights and history, with a few suggested activities.
- Take a dolphin and whale watching boat trip from Muscat and then stroll along the lovely corniche, flanked by mountains on one side and the sea on the other. Perfect at sunset!
- Visit Muscat’s Bait Al Zubair Museum and the magnificent Jalali and Mirani forts, which stand majestically at the entrance to Muscat Bay.
- Marvel at Muscat’s Grand Mosque with its 50 metre high central dome and towering minarets and Al Alam Palace, official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
- Take a tour of Oman’s fascinating forts, including Nizwa Fort, the largest in the Arabian Peninsula and Jabrin Fort built in the 17th century with beautiful paintings and elaborate carvings.
- Jebel Akhdar, part of the Al Hajar Mountain range is one of the most spectacular areas in Oman. Famed for its dramatic peaks terraced with fruit orchards and beautiful local villages where rose water is distilled, it is well worth the trip.
- Explore The Wahiba Sands by four wheel drive with its impressive dunes rising up to 200 metres.
- Oman is famous for its Wadis and one of the best known is Wadi Bani Khalid. With its constantly flowing stream, large pools and delightful villages embedded in the mountains, it is a must see.
- Visit the Amouage fine perfume factory and sample the highly-prized scent of Oman.
Food & Drink
The cuisine of Oman is a fine blend of flavours from the Middle East, Africa and the Far East. Traditionally it is prepared with liberal use of various marinades, spices, herbs, onion, garlic and lime and yet it is not as hot as other Asian cuisines. You will find Kahwa or Omani coffee served with dates everywhere and do try Omani Halwa - a sticky sweet dessert made from brown sugar, eggs, honey and spices; the chocolate infused version is delicious. For authentic flavours, Al Bustan Palace hotel’s Seblat Al Bustan restaurant has a theme night every Sunday and Wednesday evening, with Omani dishes, dance and music in a Bedouin village style ambience. We think The Golden Oryx is the best Chinese restaurant in Oman and The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat is not to be missed, serving an eclectic mixture of flavours that will awaken your taste buds, in a beautiful setting. Offering pristine beaches and verdant oases of greenery, Oman has to be one of the most surprising countries in the Middle East.
Festivals and Special Events
January - February Muscat Festival
July Salalah Festival
Oman Tourism
Tel: 020 8877 4524
www.omantourism.gov.om
Getting There
Flights to Muscat are with Oman Air direct or British Airways via Abu Dhabi in both directions.
Oman Air Departures from Heathrow daily on A332 aircraft with Economy and Business Class cabins.
British Airways Departures from Heathrow via Abu Dhabi daily on B777 aircraft with World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First Class cabins.
Note: All our inclusive holidays are based on British Airways World Traveller flights. Prices with Oman Air are also available on request.
Hotels
Hotel Name  |
|---|
| Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental Muscat |
| Contrasts of Oman |
| Desert Nights Camp |
| Grand Hyatt Muscat |
| Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa |
| Six Senses Zighy Bay |
| The Chedi Muscat, Oman |