Classic Oman
This vibrant itinerary combines some of the highlights of northern Oman, including the capital city of Muscat, the vast desert of Wahiba Sands and the dramatic forts and hidden villages around Nizwa in the stunning Hajar Mountains.
This vibrant itinerary combines some of the highlights of northern Oman, including the capital city of Muscat, the vast desert of Wahiba Sands and the dramatic forts and hidden villages around Nizwa in the stunning Hajar Mountains.
Oman is an excellent destination for families, with superb child-friendly hotels and plenty of activities to suit all ages. A combination of the beach, mountains and desert makes for an easy-going but exciting trip, which can easily be tailored for you.
Oman is a country with dramatic landscapes, magnificent forts, vast empty deserts, rugged mountain ranges and stunning coastlines. Imagine India specialist Louise has travelled extensively throughout the country and is very passionate about this little known Middle East destination. We have asked her to whittle down her ideas to come up with the top five reasons why Oman should be your next holiday destination…
This luxurious itinerary takes in Oman’s most breathtaking sites, including the dramatic Hajar mountains and powdery white beaches of Salalah. Spend a night under the stars in an exclusive private camp, and be awe-inspired by Muscat’s Grand Mosque.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916
The Alila Jabal Akhdar offers a breathtaking location, sitting 2,000-metres above sea level in the Hajar Mountains, offering incredible views of the valley below. At this altitude, you can expect a Mediterranean climate, perfect for hiking and exploring the rugged terrain. The hotel has been designed from stone and wood, so it blends into the landscape, with floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the wonderful views. The hotel also takes its environmental responsibility seriously, using solar power and recycling waste water to irrigate the grounds. After a scenic ascent only manageable in a 4x4 vehicle, guests are greeted with coffee and dates by the welcoming staff and can relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The city of Nizwa is around a 90-minute drive away, while Muscat is a two to three-hour drive.
There are 78 suites with a comfortable king-size bed, Satellite TV, Wi-Fi, small sofa, separate bathtub
and shower, as well as an outdoor terrace or balcony for admiring the magnificent views. The suites are either located in the main building overlooking the pool, or in two-storey standalone buildings clustered throughout the grounds. There are also two private villas which have their own pools. The décor is modern and contemporary, but in keeping with the area's natural surroundings, with neutral tones, dark woods and Omani-style soft furnishings and accessories.
All-day dining, either inside or out on the terrace, is offered in the Juniper Restaurant which serves delicious and sophisticated local and international cuisine. For drinks, snacks and cocktails, head to the Rose Lounge, the perfect spot for watching the glorious sunsets. Cabanas and sun loungers are dotted around the impressive infinity-edged pool and there is also a small indoor pool and fitness centre. The Alila Spa offers local and Asian-inspired treatments and therapies.
The Alila offers an amazing array of activities, with plenty of options for adventure and learning more about local culture. There are some excellent treks around the resort, which can be done alone or accompanied by a local guide. Adrenaline-seekers are well catered for, with rock climbing, mountain biking and, for those feeling particularly brave, Via Ferrata.
The Jabal Akhdar region of the Hajar mountains reaches heights of 2,000 metres above sea level. This creates a much cooler climate than the rest of Oman, and temperatures here can be well over 10 degrees Celsius colder than in Muscat or Nizwa, and this area also experiences more rain. In winter it can actually get fairly cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 10 degrees Celsius during the day, and even colder in the evenings. April is a wonderful time to travel to this region, as this is when the rose terraces come into bloom and the air is filled with their beautiful fragrance.
Hajar Mountains, Oman
read moreNizwa, Oman
read moreJabal Shams, Oman
read moreJabal Shams, Oman
read moreHajar Mountains, Oman
read moreJabrin, Oman
read moreNizwa, Oman
read moreBahla, Oman
read moreMisfat Al Abriyeen is one of the oldest villages in the region. Winding passageways are shaded by date palms and filaj irrigation systems zig-zag across the hillside. Take a stroll through the village and stop for lunch at a traditional house.
The Nizwa Friday Market offers a fascinating insight into Omani culture, as farmers from the mountains and desert gather to buy and sell camels, sheep, goats and cattle. There is a live auction close to the entrance to the souk.
Jabal Shams is Oman's highest peak, rising just over 2,000 metres above sea level. The area is often referred to as Oman's Grand Canyon, and the views from Jabal Shams down into Wadi Ghul below are breathtaking.
Get your adrenalin pumping by climbing to the top of Jabal Shams using the Via Ferratta; a metal cable and rungs in the rock face. Whilst not for the faint hearted, this is an exciting experience for adventure enthusiasts!
Enjoy a hike through Oman's dramatic mountains, accompanied by a private guide. There are plenty of options to suit every fitness level, and routes can be tailored according to your personal preferences.
Like the round tower fort in Nizwa, Jabrin Castle was built during the 17th century. Explore this historic castle, which offers panoramic views across the countryside and beautifully intricate design and decorations.
Explore Nizwa, where you can learn about the history of Oman's previous capital city, visit the fascinating Nizwa Fort and take a stroll through the winding souk, brimming with trinkets, handicrafts, antiques and spices.
Visit Bahla Fort, one of the oldest and most dramatic forts in Oman, as well as designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort also has extensive battlements which run along the valley, and the nearby town is famous for its pottery.
This luxurious itinerary takes in Oman’s most breathtaking sites, including the dramatic Hajar mountains and powdery white beaches of Salalah. Spend a night under the stars in an exclusive private camp, and be awe-inspired by Muscat’s Grand Mosque.