Spilling over with Arabian atmosphere, Oman holidays offer a mindblowing combination of luxury and tradition. It’s not all souks, mosques and fancy beach resorts in this part of the Middle East, though – holidays to Oman are a magnet for adventurous souls. Explore mountains and canyons, oasis and desert; camp under the stars; zoom down sand dunes; cruise across the waves; and watch dolphins and whales on the Arabian Sea. And if you’ve never tried a camel kebab, now’s your chance!
Top things to do in Oman
• Camp in the desert: Unmissable! Dune bashing, dune biking, camel rides, sunsets over the red desertscape… Get your glamp on at Desert Nights Camp, a luxury Bedouin-style resort in Wahiba Sands, around 2 hours from Muscat.
• See the sights of Muscat: Discover 16th-century forts, lose yourself in a world-class performance at the Royal Opera House, delve into Omani heritage at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and haggle for souvenirs at the 200-year-old Mutrah Souk. Make sure to give yourself some chill time on idyllic Qurum Beach, too, close to the city centre.
• Explore Nizwa Fort: One of Oman’s most visited attractions, there’s tons to see at Nizwa Fort. You’ll want plenty of time to wander around the many rooms and outstanding museum. Stay in history-filled Nizwa or make a day trip from Muscat.
• Escape to the Al Hajar mountains: If you’re into breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures, get the Al Hajar mountains on your Oman holiday radar. Base yourself at Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel for away-from-it-all luxury – it’s only accessible by 4x4!
• Visit Wadi Ghul and Al Hoota Cave: Jaw-dropping views are the order of the day at Wadi Ghul, ‘The Grand Canyon of Arabia’. Set off on a glorious hike, soak up the vista from Jebel Shams mountainside, and step into the cool of the dramatic Al Hoota Cave with its countless stalactites and stalagmites.
• Whale and dolphin watching: With around 20 species visiting Oman’s coastal waters (including blue whales!), the chances of spotting some of these incredible animals are high.
• Unwind at Wadi Darbat: Picturesque at any time of year but most spectacular in the Khareef (monsoon) season of June to September, when the waterfalls are in full flow. Go ziplining, spot camels, and paddle kayaks, all just 45 minutes from Salalah. A real highlight of holidays to Oman.
Where are the best areas to stay in Oman?
• Muscat: Jaw-droppingly beautiful and super old, the Omani capital is one of those unicorn cities where you can combine extraordinary sightseeing with exquisite toes-in-the-sand time. Stay in the heart of the action at W Hotel Muscat. Or escape to The Chedi Muscat for beachy R&R at one of the very best hotels in Oman.
• Salalah: Jumping-off point for dolphin spotting trips, wreck-dives and the Wadi Darbat waterfalls, Salalah’s a gem of a destination. A hit with families, thanks to its white sand beaches and welcoming Oman hotels, including the seafront Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.
• Nizwa: Thirsty for some of that enticing Arabian allure? It has to be the oasis city of Nizwa! Check into the palatial IntercityHotel Nizwa and you’ll be close to top attractions, such as Nizwa Gate and the Sultan Qabus Mosque.
• Dibba Al-Baya: The perfect spot for adventurers and seclusion seekers, Dibba Al-Baya in the Musandam region is a nature lover’s dream. Tucked between the Arabian Sea and the skyscraping Hajar Mountains, it’s home to Six Senses Zighy Bay – your luxury base on the beach.
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Still undecided? Take a look at these must-visit destinations: Abu Dhabi | Dubai | Egypt | Malaysia | Morocco | Qatar | Singapore | Sri Lanka | Tunisia
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