The Sultanate of Oman is a nation on the Arabian Peninsula blessed with warm weather year-round, friendly locals and a myriad of gorgeous natural landscapes from desert dunes, rugged mountain peaks, a verdant oasis and azure blue sea.
In an era of turbulence in the neighbouring Middle-East and even further afield, Oman is serenely beautiful and peaceful. Many attribute the region’s stability and prosperity to its leader: Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said who has been in power since 1970.
If you expect Muscat, the capital of Oman, to be similar to Dubai (which is just a 30min plane ride away) – you will be disappointed as the laconic, ancient port town is more akin to Disney’s version of Arabia with pastel coloured minarets, prettily lit up palaces and forts. Popular evening walks are along the promenade in Old Town, Muttrah, or along Shatti Al Qurm beach.
Imagine the sun setting, setting the city aglow in hues of pinks and oranges, as the sea whispers in time to the nightly prayer to call while the scent of frankincense wafts through the balmy breeze from the nearby souk. This is very far removed from the glitz and glamour on display in the UAE.
Glitz and glamour are evident in Oman, sporadically, through its choice of elegant eateries and high-end resorts. In Muscat, make sure to stay or at least have lunch or dinner at The Chedi, Al Bustan Palace by Ritz-Carlton or at Al Husn, the 7-star VIP wing of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah on the outskirts of Muscat.
The true beauty of Oman though is beyond its capital. The ancient fort town of Nizwa, now the academic centre of Oman, is the entry point into the desert and/or up the steep Al Hajar mountain ranges. The weekend markets are a great place to immerse yourself in the local art of haggling for fresh produce and even cattle. It attracts city slickers to local bedouins and offers some of the nations best dates and halwa – a gelatinous treacle, nuts and date dessert popular in Oman.
Depending on your point on the compass, the left takes you in the heart of Wahiba Sands and it secret wadis. The wadis here are lush, green and offer deep pools to swim in. They are also the perfect place to set up a picnic after shopping at the Nizwa marketplace.
The golden sand dunes that rise to 150m high are nowadays dotted with “glamping” options ranging from 3-stars to 5-star accommodation which includes swimming pools in the middle of the desert. Sleeping under the stars is otherworldly out here in the pure silence of the night.
From the desert, you can choose to go East to visit the coastline where miles upon miles of beaches lay wild and uninterrupted by mass hospitality. Near the seaside town of Sur you can visit the Turtle Conservation and stay in an eco-lodge to watch the nightly giant turtles lay their eggs (pending on the season). Each year, hundreds of turtles cross the Indian Ocean to Oman to mate and lay their eggs. Hatchlings are taken care of even by hotels such as the Shangri-La!
West of Wahiba Sands is the giant rocky Hajar mountains of Oman – the range stretching all the way north to Musandam. The mountains are a popular “summer” option when people seek a cooler reprieve. The temperature above can be as low as 27 degrees while down below it’s an uncomfortable 40 degrees. The windy roads and streams are popular with off-road drivers to even mountain bike racers. While the reward is worth it once you arrive at a destination such as the luxury Alila Jabel Akhdar resort. The views are outstanding.
Note – Try to visit this region in March/April when the local Rose and Pomegranates are in full bloom – you can then visit the rose water distilleries and watch ancient traditions unfold in front of your eyes.
From walking to talking to locals, there is so much to see and do in this tiny hidden nation, that I think it is the world’s best-kept secret. Travellers rejoice in a destination that is still unspoiled by mass tourism and hotel chains.
**Flights to Oman from Australia are possible with Oman Air from Malaysia or Thailand.**