Travel Matters & Catherine explore Oman

If bling is not your thing and you’d like to try something different to the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean, then Oman may be just the ticket. With its low-rise buildings, architecture that blends into the natural surroundings and peaceful way of life, Oman offers an experience like no other.

On arriving at Muscat International Airport we were greeted by the warm smile of Azad - our driver and guide for the next few days. Knowing that you are in the safe hands of a reliable driver who is there to greet you at the airport is always a good start to a holiday if you ask me! I travelled with my partner and our 4 year old daughter (car seats are a legal requirement up to and including the age of 3 so make sure you take one with you or ask us and we can request this for you).

*Azad with Jasmine (she’s still talking about him!)*

Despite the endless amount of experiences available to those with a sense of adventure, we opted to spend the first week taking some much needed time for R&R at the Shangri-La Al Barr Jissah. As we walked into the entrance we were met with the unmistakable fragrance synonymous with Oman – Frankincense.

During our stay in Muscat we visited the Sultan Qaboos Mosque – with its nine ton Swarovski crystal chandelier, it's a truly breath-taking piece of architecture and a must see for anyone visiting Muscat. Make sure to visit before 11am Saturday-Thursday, after 11am and Fridays are reserved for Muslim worshippers.

For culture vultures, there’s the state-of-the-art Royal Opera house featuring world-renowned artists throughout the year with prices that are surprisingly reasonable.

After a week with the family in Muscat, I bid them farewell as I stayed on for a further week to explore more of what Oman has to offer. Here’s a taste of what you can expect to experience.

A Night in the Desert

A few hours outside of Oman’s capital city, Muscat, you can drive off in to the desert, literally. If you’re comfortable driving through sand it’s possible to self-drive, personally I very much enjoyed the ride in the hands of a seasoned pro at the wheel. At first it doesn’t look like much, just dusty plains and a few ramshackle outposts, but soon enough you’re driving through vast swathes of undulating sand dunes. Then the real fun begins (if you’re up for it) with the roller coaster ride of ‘dune bashing’. For those of you that don’t know – dune bashing is driving at speed over the dunes – my piece of advice ‘KEEP YOUR WINDOWS CLOSED’! It may seem obvious but in the excitement of it all and wanting to capture it on camera, I’d opened the window – next thing I know I have a face full of sand and I’m still finding bits in my hair days later! It was great fun though and well worth it!

On arriving at the Thousand Nights Camp, we were greeted with fresh juice and of course dates and Omani coffee (an acquired taste). Set deep into the dunes, I was surprised to see a swimming pool and full-blown restaurant, let alone power sockets and air conditioning – there's even WI-FI (granted it’s only accessible in the main reception area, perfect if you want an excuse to disconnect). Accommodation is in Bedouin style woven tents, all equipped with proper beds, AC, power sockets and private shower bathrooms.

The highlights for me went from high-octane fun bouncing around the dunes in a jeep and the more peaceful experience of trekking up the sand dunes in the moonlight and lying under the stars.

A Night in the Mountains

As soon as you walk through the doors of Anantara Jabal Akhtar you are transported to an oasis of calm with the most magnificent views of the Jabal Akhtar canyon. Anantara properties are famed for the tranquil surrounds and spa facilities, so you can rest assured that a stay here will leave you feeling restored... and in my case rejuvenated. For those of you with a sense of adventure and nerve, then the Via Ferrata experience is not to be missed. On meeting Hassan, my mind was at rest knowing that I was in the capable hands of an expert. We got kitted up and ventured out to the edge of the canyon where I began my adventure – traversing rocks over hundreds of feet, zip lining across gorges and ending the experience by crossing the middle-east's highest steel bridge just as the sun was setting – magical! It was an experience I’ll treasure forever, helped along by photos and videos captured by my expert guide along the way – thank you Hassan!

A Night on the Musandam Coast

To the northern tip of Oman is the beautiful Musandam Coast that bridges the Oman Sea and the Arabian Gulf. A stay at the Atana Khasab perched on a clifftop looking out to sea. A sunset cruise in a traditional dhow boat with a 400 step hike to the cross roads of the Oman Sea and the Arabian Gulf, the experience was nicely topped off by a swim in the azure waters of the Oman Sea.

We stayed at Atana Khasab, a simple boutique property perched on a low cliff overlooking the ocean, which was the ideal way to end a special trip!

To learn more about Oman, its holiday experiences or to talk to Catherine, please feel free to make an enquiry today.

(Catherine, a Travel Matters Travel Consultant, travelled to Oman in April 2023)

Oman is the Jewel of the Arabian Gulf