Wish you were here – an Oman Odyssey

Travel is complex right now.  Navigating the Government’s traffic light system, working out testing and quarantine requirements for different destinations and ticking all the travel boxes all take time and expertise. What is not complex however is dreaming of those adventures we are looking forward to enjoying once the freedom of travel returns.  It’s a luxury we should allow ourselves with time to plan that long awaited getaway.  In the first of our ‘Wish you were here’ series we visit the mesmerising Sultanate of Oman.

Muscat

This Oman Odyssey starts in Muscat.  Muscat is sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Al-Hajar Mountains along a golden, sandy coastline. The city is laidback and friendly and across the three districts; the old town, the port and the business district, offers wonderful character and history as well as spectacular sights.  The Grand Mosque and the Al Alam Palace (Sultan’s Palace) are a visitor’s must.

Home to dazzling souks and superb seafood, Muscat offers the chance to immerse yourself in Arabian culture.  The impressive Gurum Natural Park and the fortresses of Jalali and Al Mirani provide a further opportunity to explore.

Stay at the Grand Hyatt Muscat for five star luxury and beautiful views.

Al-Hajar Mountains and the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

After a couple of nights in Muscat the Oman Odyssey takes you to the Al-Hajar Mountains and the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar for 2 nights.

The Al-Hajar Mountains rise to over 3,000 metres.  The highest peak is Jebel Shams where the hike up there will be rewarded with spectacular mountain views. Al Jabal Al Akhdar, meaning green mountain, is home to traditional mountain villages, fruit orchards and pretty rose gardens, famed for producing Oman’s coveted rose water.

The natural playground of the Al-Hajar Mountains offers a host of activities from rock climbing and canyoning to visiting archaeological sites, ancient forts, UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric settlements and historic towns and villages.  The incredible location of the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar isn’t the only attraction of this hotel. High levels of service, true Omani hospitality and authentic cultural experiences are all guaranteed.

Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands is the next stop on your Oman Odyssey.  On the way, stop at Nizwa; Nizwa Fort is the oldest in the Oman and Nizwa Souq is exciting and bustling. Wahiba Sands, in the east of Oman covers an area of 12,500 square metres; an undulating red and white sea of dunes rising up to 200 metres and host to a variety of flora and fauna as well as being rich in wildlife such as gazelles, mongoose and a variety of birds.  Wahiba Sands is a photographers’ paradise!

Desert Nights Camp is the place to stay in the desert.  Get a taste of Bedouin life with a touch of Arabian style in comfortable Bedouin style tents.  Dine under the stars and immerse yourself in desert life.

Chedi Muscat

After a night in the desert, spend the final few days of your Oman Odyssey next to the crystal waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Chedi Muscat.  On the way, visit Bimah sinkhole and Wadi Arbayeen.  Along the coastal route to Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with deep blue water, you will see the fish jetty and the dhow factory and maybe spot a sprightly gazelle sprint across the landscape or sharks in the deep blue water of the crater. Wadi Arbayeen is famed for its refreshing deep pools of water set amongst date palms.

The Chedi Muscat is a contemporary oasis of luxury and calm on the beautiful shores of Oman and the ideal spot for the last relaxing few days of your Oman Odyssey.  With exceptional restaurants and stunning facilities, the Chedi Muscat is set in the Al Khuwair  area, not far from the city’s commercial district.

Rich in culture, Oman has plenty to offer.  Combine the sights of Muscat such as the Grand Mosque and the Sultan’s Palace with the beautiful bays of Bandar al Khiran.  Coastal trips and dolphin watching are all on offer and luxury camping in the desert is a must on any Arabian experience.

This is Oman at its best.

Of course, there are many itineraries we can create to ensure you experience Oman in the best way possible.  We are always happy to help so do get in touch to chat through your next adventure.