Luxury Holidays in Oman

Beautifully hemmed in by craggy mountains dotted with ancient forts and a shimmering ocean, Muscat is one of Arabia’s most handsome capitals. All of the architecture is authentically Arabic, ranging from whitewashed low-rises to sand-coloured villas, interspersed with modern art installations, palm trees and elaborately designed minarets and domes which rise above grand mosques. The finest is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, home to the second-largest chandelier and largest single-piece carpet in the world. Its heritage as an important trading hub in the Gulf means Muscat’s port and corniche area always has a bustling atmosphere. The best example is the seafront Muttrah Souk, a maze of stalls lining twisting alleyways where getting lost among the smells of sandalwood and frankincense is part of the fun. Modern development is evident in Muscat but the city retains its old-world charm, through its architecture and warm and friendly population.

The rugged beauty of the Hajar Mountains needs to be seen to be believed. Sawtooth peaks snake and intersect for what seems forever, like Oman’s geological backbone. It was once an inhospitable barrier to Oman’s core but now serves as an enticing gateway for visitors to explore and be in awe of. The best way is by taking on one of its making hiking routes, which web the wadis, canyons and mountain slopes for a raw and breathtaking way to soak up this otherworldly place. The Jebel Akhdar region is often described as the Grand Canyon of Oman, its labyrinthine wadis and plateaus serving up views of epic quality. It’s also worth paying a visit to the nearby historic mountain city of Nizwa while on holiday in Oman and its namesake 17th-century fort, which once protected the area’s valuable date plantations.

For an experience that’s really off the beaten track, head deep into the desert for the glamping experience of a lifetime on your Oman holiday.

Only a few hours’ drive from Muscat, The Wahiba Sands Desert Nights Camp is a landscape of gorgeous golden whipped dunes, some of which rise over 300ft above sea level. Hop on a camel or jump in a 4x4 vehicle to explore on an exhilarating desert safari, where it looks more like the surface of Mars. As well as offering jaw-dropping scenery, Wahiba Sands also affords the chance to interact with traditional Bedouin locals, where you can stay in a tented camp to enjoy their tasty food, hospitable company and a blanket of stars once night falls.

For something completely different to the rest of Oman, go to the sub-tropical city of Salalah, where its lush landscape makes you question whether you’re still in the same country. It’s a tropical scene sugar-white beaches are flecked with palms, while banana plantations and a unique Dhofari culture lies within. One of the few things that reminds you you’re in Oman is the smell of frankincense from its souk. It’s the perfect place for a beach break after time spent in the mountains, city or a desert camp.

For the ultimate Omani experience, combine a piece of every part of the country. Split your time between the city souks of Muscat, sweeping dunes of Wahiba Sands, rocky Hajar Mountains, fjords of the Musandam Peninsula and some relaxing beach time in Salalah – the perfect holiday to Oman!

Indulge in the sunshine on Oman’s many stunning beaches, from Turtle Beach to the beautiful Qurum Beach in Muscat.

Oman has some incredible sea life and what better way to experience it than with a scuba or diving tour? Depending which package you choose, you could even snorkel with dolphins!

No vaccinations are currently recommended for Oman. If you’re entering Oman from a Yellow Fever zone, possession of a valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate is required. For current travel health advice, you should seek guidance from your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel.

Oman is the perfect destination for a luxury holiday with your family. Flying from the UK only takes 7 hours and travelling around Oman is easy, making touring easy with younger children. Oman has firmly established itself as a family-friendly country that ticks all the boxes for sophistication and style, beach and adventure. 

The time difference is GMT +3 hours.

The direct flight time from London to Muscat, Oman, is around seven and a half hours.

The currency is the Omani rial.

British passport holders need a visa to visit Oman. This should be done online prior to travel by visiting evisa.rop.gov.om.