elite travel & tourism oman

The Ultimate Luxury Guide to Oman

Oman’s resplendent natural beauty and rich culture entice those who want to go off the beaten path.

By Samantha Coles

Despite being neighbors with Dubai, the Sultanate of Oman couldn’t be more different. Away from the glitz and glamour of the Middle East’s answer to Las Vegas, Oman’s resplendent natural beauty and rich culture are enticing those who want to go off the beaten path and immerse themselves in an ancient way of life. The varied terrain is like nowhere on earth—outside the bustling markets and grand mosques of Muscat, you’ll find Musandam’s sparkling fjords and white-sand beaches, the imposing peaks and wadis (valleys) of the Hajar Mountains, and, of course, endless stretches of desert with gargantuan sand dunes.

Where to have…

A magical night dining by design.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort’s Dining by Design concept brings private dining to new heights at Diana’s Point. Named after the Princess of Wales who visited the very spot in 1986, the protruding platform features panoramic canyon views that will have you feeling the grandeur of nature. It’s a magnificent spot for a private dinner—your personal chef will prepare your meal tableside as you cocoon in a plush blanket, kept warm by a crackling fire pit and surrounded by flickering lanterns. Advanced booking is a must.

[email protected] , jabal-akhdar.anantara.com

SEAFOOD ON THE SAND The Beach Pavilion

The Beach Pavilion Bar and Grill, at the Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace in Muscat is unbelievably romantic—tables for two are set right on a beach peppered with lanterns and torches. Start with salmon tartare, then order the fresh seafood platter and enjoy the gentle lull from the Sea of Oman. After dinner, head to the bar for shisha and cocktails.

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A TRADITIONAL FEAST Kargeen

The Muscat restaurant Kargeen, meaning ‘little wooden cottage’ in Omani, serves traditional Arabic dishes such as shuwaa (lamb or beef wrapped in palm fronds and cooked over hot embers underground). In the garden, trees are entwined with twinkling fairy lights, and a tent structure called Al Marjal features traditional Omani dining on plump floor cushions.

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DINNER WITH A VIEW The Indus Fine Dining

Located at the Opera Galleria in Muscat, The Indus’s alfresco terrace has incredible views looking over the Royal Opera House courtyard and beyond. The dishes include traditional Arabic cuisine, but the desserts are not to be missed—order homemade kulfi, with either mango, pistachio or cardamom puree. There’s also a private dining area if you’re after a more intimate affair.

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When in oman, go back in time.

The fascinating Green Mountain villages Al Aqr, Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah are archaeologically significant, and many ancient practices are still in place there. Go on a cultural walk with friendly guide Ali to visit all three villages, one of which is completely abandoned. You’ll see the cascading terrace farms, ancient falaj irrigation systems and climb through the villages to find waterfalls and serene natural pools. Ali offers insight into the culture and history of the villages while leading you through the winding alleys and steep walkways, stopping en route for a snack of dates and traditional Omani qahwa (coffee brewed with cardamom, rosewater and saffron). Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees, as is the local custom.

From $156 per person. Contact Abdou Ibrahim, reservations manager, +968 252 181 12, jabal-akhdar.anantara.com

Search for Secret Pools

In an exclusive seven-day itinerary created especially for Elite Traveler readers, Pelorus X will take you to see some of Oman’s most wondrous sights, among them the Wadi Arbaeen in the Selma Plateau. Considered one of the most picturesque wadis in Oman, it’s also difficult to get to. A 4×4 will whisk you there to marvel at the shimmering freshwater pools and surrounding sandy mountains, before hiking through a canyon to discover secret pools and waterfalls. Thrill-seekers can rappel 400ft down into the Seventh Hole, followed by lunch in a cave chamber before traversing through the largest surveyed cave system in Oman. Other highlights include paramotoring over the Empty Quarter’s sand dunes and exclusive access to the Sultan of Oman’s stables.

From $98,700 for four people. Contact Jimmy Carroll, cofounder, [email protected] , pelorusx.com

Fortified History

Bahla Fort stands as Oman’s only Unesco World Heritage–listed fort. Built by the Banu Nabhan tribe in the 12th to 15th centuries, the sand-hued structure is an epicenter of mystical tales—all manner of paranormal activity and wizardry have supposedly taken place there (legend has it a woman constructed the fort in a single night). Nearby you’ll find Jabreen Castle. Erected in the late 17th century, the castle is historically significant because, unlike most forts in Oman, it was not built during wartime. The architecture is breathtaking—don’t miss the Sun and Moon Hall. In the Al Batinah region, Nakhal Fort rises dramatically above its rocky surroundings. Well over 1,000 years old, it’s now a museum. Visit all three on Bediyah Safari’s private 4×4 tour with a personal guide.

From $365 for up to three people, omansafaris.com

WHERE TO STAY

In the desert hud hud travels luxury camps.

In line with the time-honored Arabian way of life, Hud Hud Travels provides an authentic Bedouin-style experience, but with luxurious touches such as a private chef and camp staff who can arrange a traditional lunch with a Bedouin family. The tents have minimal negative impact on the surrounding environment and can be pitched wherever you wish: desert, mountain or beach, or create a trip that combines all three. We recommend the deserts of Wahiba Sands, where dunes in the northeast can reach an astonishing 300ft high—an awesome spot to try dune bashing or sandboarding. Bespoke itineraries are available.

From $4,420 for two nights. Contact Jo Archer, general manager, [email protected] , +96 899 802 922, hudhudtravels.com

ON THE BEACH Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort

A new entry in Elite Traveler’s annual Top 100 Hotels 2018, Six Senses Zighy Bay is flanked by the gargantuan Hajjar Mountains and the powdery sands of Zighy Bay itself. Native villages inspired the gorgeous architecture—think stone alcoves and beamed ceilings punctuated with sumptuous materials and pops of color. As the resort has its very own marina, glide through the calm seas on a traditional dhow. The Beit Musandam (House of Musandam) Private Reserve is the largest private villa in the Middle East and spans a mammoth 32,000 sq ft. Within the huge space, you’ll find three buildings, including the four-bedroom villa, a 60ft-long infinity pool lined with palm trees, wine cellar, majlis with space for 100 people, spa, gym and yoga studio—all on your own stretch of private beach.

The Private Reserve from $8,500 per night. Contact Ahmer Rasheed, head concierge, [email protected] , +986 2673 5555, sixsenses.com/resorts/zighy-bay/destination

IN THE MOUNTAINS Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Perched 7,200ft above sea level, the resort Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar (on Green Mountain) is far from the coast, the heat and pretty much everything. In fact, you’ll hardly come across another soul as you snake up the winding canyons on the two-hour drive from Muscat airport. But your reward is stunning: the resort’s award-winning design by architect Lotfi Sidirahal features grand Moorish archways, fountains, brass lanterns and intricate Omani patterns. With a private entrance and garage, the Royal Mountain Villa is a favorite of the Saudi royal family and celebrities. The three-bedroom villa is the only accommodation with a second story, so total privacy is guaranteed. The views from the spacious infinity pool are incredible, and the dining table on the deck is the perfect spot to watch the sun dip beneath the dramatic mountains.

Royal Mountain Villa from $5,500 per night. Contact Darren Darwin, general manager, [email protected] , +968 2521 8000, jabal-akhdar.anantara.com

Samantha Coles

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Oman, United Arab Emirates

Elite Travel & Tourism è una DMC in Oman in Oman e negli Emirati Arabi Uniti. La sede principale si trova nella capitale Muscat, con una filiale a Salalah, Oman meridionale e un ufficio a Dubai negli Emirati Arabi uniti.

The team is multilingual and has extensive knowledge and skills, combined with a personal approach. It is available to assist in planning and booking the ideal tour for our clients, as well as finding the perfect location and hotel, meeting and greeting visitors, and organizing airport transfers and excursions. Elite's strength is its proximity and accessibility to the local population, resulting in a first-class Oriental experience.

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Working with long-term strategic partners from all over the world, Elite utilizes its strong local ties to organize VIP programmes, customize its services and create an atmosphere of well-being and peace. Tailor-made (round-trip) trips and customized approaches showcase the best of both countries: Oman, a country steeped in its history and culture, with a natural beauty that is unmatched by most Middle Eastern countries; and the UAE, where yesterday meets tomorrow.

AMUR SAID HARDAN

Amur is an Omani national from Salalah. After 18 years at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, he founded Elite Travel & Tourism in January 2005. Since then, he has been actively contributing to the promotional initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism, participating in all major trade fairs and acting as a consultant to various tourism groups and associations

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Oman is a gem, an authentic Arab country largely unspoilt by the modernity of the Emirates. Just ask those of our clients who for years travelled to Dubai, then decided to visit somewhere remote and peaceful. Only 20 minutes away from the 1.5 million-metropolis, Old Muscat still feels like a fishing village. Besides the solitude of the desert, you will find empty beaches all along the coast, and inland hikes will reveal secluded spots by clear mountain rivers. Add traditional souks, old mosques and historical fortresses, and you begin to see why Oman is the place to go for a real Arabian experience.

Explore Oman

Oman’s two main airports are in Muscat and Salalah. As direct international flights are not numerous, travellers usually connect via Dubai or Doha. Another option to enter the country is by road from the Emirate of Dubai – it’s a five-hour drive from the city of Dubai to Muscat. The northern Omani exclave of Musandam can be accessed by road from Dubai, and by air or ferry from Muscat. Once in Oman, there’s not much in the way of public transport, so your best option to move around is by car. The roads are excellent – just beware that if you are used to European or American traffic, Omani traffic can feel rather wild.

Climate & seasons

Unless you are comfortable with temperatures that can go up to 50°C, avoid visiting Muscat from May to September. It’s best to go from October to April, when the average temperature is 27°C during the day and falls sharply at night, reaching down to 15°C. Some people find the sea water is not warm enough for swimming then – but you might feel differently. In the mountains, temperatures are always around 15°C cooler than in Muscat, and in winter it can even snow on the higher peaks.

Where to go

To start with, visit the capital city of Muscat – including Old Muscat, which is a 20-minute drive away from the modern city. If you are in a beach mood, spend a few days at the Musandam Governorate on the coast, or fly south to our favourite beach destination, Salalah. If you prefer mountain adventure, drive into the imposing Al Hajar Mountains. At these four destinations, you will find high-end hospitality.

On the coast, bask on the warm sand, snorkel and dive to see marine life, go on a dolphin-watching cruise, visit fishermen villages, and sail into the flaming sunset on board a traditional Omani dhow. Inland, trek the rocky hills to find hidden oasis, and bathe in the clear waters of seasonal mountain rivers. Go luxury camping in the desert and see the desert sky studded with more stars than you ever imagined could exist. Take guided tours of ancient fortresses and archaeological sites, and discover a rich history that includes Portuguese influence and an empire extending all the way to Zanzibar.

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12 Tage im Oman

Bekommen Sie einen eindrucksvollen Vorgeschmack des wahren Arabien in einem kurzen Video, produziert von Mark Roth Production in Zusammenarbeit mit Easy Writers & Elite Travel & Tourism

Empfohlene Reiseziele

Entdecken Sie eine Hauptstadt, die noch immer ihren authentischen Traditionen entspricht und sich mit ihren niedrigen weißen arabesken Häusern schmückt. Muscat, die Küstenstadt und Hauptstadt des Omans, hat einen Charme, der seine Vergangenheit mit einem einzigartigen Flair widerspiegelt.

Ausflüge wählen

Sur war einst ein bedeutendes Handelszentrum und bekannt für seinen Schiffbau. Heute ist die Stadt ein idealer Ort, um die omanischen Dhows auf dem Weg zu schönen Wadis, weißen Sandstränden, Wüste und Schildkrötenreservat zu besichtigen.

Nizwa ist eine der ältesten Städte im Sultanat. Bis heute gilt die Stadt als Silberhauptstadt und religiöses Zentrum des Landes. Erkunden Sie den traditionellen Souk mit seinen Töpferwaren, regionalen Produkten, dem nahe gelegenen Fort und dem wöchentlichen Tiermarkt.

Die subtropische Stadt Salalah ist der beliebteste Urlaubsort des Omans, der für seine Khareef Saison berühmt ist. Die mit Kokosnuss-Palmen gesäumten Strände und Obstplantagen spiegeln die ehemaligen Territorien in Ostafrika wider.

Jabal Akhdar

SDer grüne Berg liegt im Zentrum des Al-Hajar-Gebirges und ist bekannt dafür, eines der fruchtbarsten Gebiete des Landes zu sein. Es ist berühmt für seine Rosenwasser-Destillerie, terrassenförmig angelegte Obstgärten und blühende Rosen.

Jabal Shams

Der Berg der Sonne ist nicht nur für seinen Gipfel bekannt, sondern auch für den Blick in das spektakulär tiefe Wadi Ghul, auch als Grand Canyon von Arabien bekannt. Jabal Shams ist ein beliebter Ort für Sightseeing, Offroad-Abenteuer und Trekking.

Musandam, die nördliche Exklave des Oman, ist durch die Ostküste der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate vom Rest des Landes getrennt. Es wird als "Norwegen von Arabien" bezeichnet und bietet kleine Fischerdörfer, beeindruckende Kalkberge und atemberaubende Fjorde.

Sharqiya Sands

Die Heimat der Bedu, Sharqiya Sands, auch als Wahiba Sands bekannt, bietet einen Einblick in die traditionellen Lebensstile der nomadischen Beduinen. Abenteuerlustige werden sich tagelang auf diesem riesigen goldenen Spielplatz amüsieren.

Vorgestellte Touren

Classic Muscat (4h)

Exclusive emirati evening (6h), dune dinner safari (6h), hot air balloon breakfast adventure (5h), the hidden treasures of al ain (10h), desert dinner safari (6h).