How has it taken us so long to discover Oman?! This is a country that should firmly be on your bucket list for a little winter sun, an embracing warm hug when the British chill sets in.
Oman has everything from extraordinary landscapes with vast desert dunes, hilltop citadels, bustling souqs and colourful mosques to some of the most beautiful and (surprisingly) empty beaches we have ever seen. As for the hotels, they are quite simply out of this world – mountain resorts, luxury mobile camping and oasis retreats, all with Omani signature warmth of hospitality and impeccable service.
We can’t recommend Oman enough both for couples seeking a corner of remote beauty as well as families on the hunt for a spot of adventure and culture.
The Chedi Muscat
As the first luxury hotel to open in the region, The Chedi set the bar ridiculously high. At the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains on its own private beach overlooking the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman and surrounded by 21 acres of lush gardens, The Chedi is an Omani oasis of opulence and yet unbelievably just 20 minutes from the airport.
Get yourself booked into the vast Arabian spa for some indulgence (the body polish was insane), relax by one of the three pools or do some serious lengths in the whopping 103m infinity pool – aka Middle East’s longest pool. The food is quite exquisite with contemporary Asian, Arabic and Indian dishes with Omani delicacies woven in. But it’s the freshest of fresh seafood that we loved – go for the Omani tuna carpaccio, wild lobster and tiger prawns to really know you are on holiday.
Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar
We promise you will feel a gazillion miles away from the rest of the world here despite being just a two hour drive by 4WD from Muscat. Anantara is one of the highest resorts in the world, perching high up on Oman’s Green Mountain with endless views over the canyon and Al Hajar mountains. Embracing wilderness and luxury in equal measure, we love that authentic Omani culture is at the heart of this hotel.
The spa is just as heavenly and serene as its mountain surroundings with Hammam, salt infused steam room and sauna, indoor pool and some of the most delicious smelling local spa ingredients you will ever find. In terms of what to do, there is everything from sunrise yoga, tennis, archery, spectacular cliff edge infinity pool, mountain biking, abseiling and village walks. While mountain picnics for two and cosying up for stargazing by night are perfect for a little romance.
Hud Hud Oman
For a truly unique Omani adventure, this absolutely is it! This is no ordinary glamping experience, this is Bedouin Chic camping with proper beds, crisp linens and your own open air bathroom and what’s more, this luxury mobile tented camp can be set up wherever you like! From Al Hajar or Qara Mountains, the beaches of Dhofar or Bar al Hickman, across the vast desert that is the Empty Quarter or the eastern salt flats to the Indian Ocean, taking in jebel villages, souks and ancient forts along the way.
Itineraries are totally bespoke and each day will be completely unique with endless adventure – from camel rides, trekking through mountains, snorkelling in the Indian Ocean to walking through date and papaya plantations and learning about Bedouin traditions.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Located on a mile long crescent beach looking out over the glittering Gulf of Oman, this beautiful village style resort is barefoot living at its very best. With endless activities from snorkelling, sailing and cooking classes to paragliding, mountain biking and village treks on offer, Six Senses Zighy Bay promises fun for the entire family.
We love the fresh seafood straight from the sea and the fact that much of the produce comes from the resort’s organic gardens. Head to Sense on the Edge hilltop restaurant for endless views or meander down to Shua Shack, a Bedouin style restaurant on the beach for delicious mezze and Middle Eastern treats. And every day should end with Zighy Bay cocktails!
Alila Jabal Akhdar
A luxury fortress high in the Al Hajar mountains, this is a magical destination for adventurous families with all sorts on offer for children – from adventure walks and scavenger hunts to arts and crafts, science experiments and archery. You will love the adjoining villas if you are travelling with the tiddlers.
Days can be spent lazing by the large infinity pool, carved out of the rock or enjoying the spa with its hammam, plunge pool and age-old beauty treatments made from natural ingredients (the rose is incredible). Although jolly hard to peel yourself away from all these mesmerising views and serenity, outside the hotel there are countless walks and treks to the UNESCO protected Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle and for the more adventurous souls there is the via ferrata cave adventure which takes you down a mountain face to the bottom of the Wadi.
Book your trip to Oman by speaking to Jo by phone (01306 264 005), or via email ([email protected]), or