Luxury, Tailormade Holidays to Oman

Sometimes to get a perspective on the beauty of Oman it is worth getting away from the land. With drink in hand aboard a traditional Omani boat, the dhow, you can best take in the dramatic landscapes, from the rugged coastlines of Musandam to the imposing Hajar Mountains behind Muscat. But once you’ve done that, venture back inland – the feeling of being in Arabia is evoked when its waters run through your fingers or its sands get stuck between your toes.

“Today is wine, and tomorrow is work” – Arab proverb

Hospitality is everything in the Middle East, and few places more so than Oman. This is a tranquil country, a Sultanate with a real flavour of Arabia. Where Dubai and some of the other Emirates have sacrificed their history for modernity’s sake, Oman has trodden a more delicate balance, making a visit a fascinating mix of the contemporary with its roots.

Any visit to Oman begins with Muscat, the capital city, where the Sultan Qaboos Mosque speaks of majestic modernity and forts such as Al-Mirani and Al-Jalili hint at the centuries of history contained within Oman.

Beyond the capital and its inviting coastline lies a great deal further, however. The cattle market at Nizwa is like a window into the past, while the interior of the country is home to surprising mountainous and arresting terrain, dotted with forts and riveting views. To the south, for a total change of pace, there is the town of Salalah, nestled in the mountains and showered by moist winds in the summer which keep the temperature cooler and the land lush and green. It is just one surprise of many in a visit to Oman.

Explore some highlights of a trip to Oman:

- Omani Forts - Oman’s best-known landmarks, with hundreds dotted up and down the country

- Muscat – A modern city which some charming old parts, Oman’s capital is a crucial part of any visit

- Salalah – A coastal spot nestled away under the mountains on the far side of Oman

- Nizwa Market – There are few better chances to see the Arabia of old in action than in the frenzy of negotiations for livestock in this interior town

- Sur – A picturesque coastal town home to the building of traditional dhows

- Ras al-Jinz - On whose beach green turtles come to lay their eggs

- Musandam Peninsula - A beautiful retreat off the coast of the UAE

- Wahiba Sands – Dunes at their shimmering, sweeping best

- Omani Wadis - Oman is home to countless charming and unexpected valleys and springs

- Hajar Mountains - A dramatic touch to Oman’s landscape, soaring more than 3500m above sea level