Bales Worldwide

Escorted Tours and Tailor Made Itineraries Since 1947

A country of fascinating contrasts and one of the safest and cleanest in the gulf, Oman has a rich cultural history along with historic ties with Britain. Luxurious and diverse, its astonishing variety and unspoiled beauty come from its mountains, deserts and coasts. A destination not to be missed.

Journeys in Oman

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generic egypt middle east specialist sarah jane phelps

Oman Tours

Through Bales Oman tours you can experience the rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches and warm hospitable people, all qualities that make the Sultanate of Oman the perfect destination to tour.  Bales can easily help to create your own journey through this fascinating country and offer some suggested Tailor-Made itineraries to lead the way, bringing together all of the elements that make Oman the gem of the Arabian Peninsula.

"Discover the delights of this hidden corner of Arabia, home to one of the oldest nations in the world. For thousands of years the focus of the frankincense trade route, Oman reveals a land of friendly people and dramatic landscapes of deserts, mountains, and beaches peppered with forts and souqs."

Sarah-Jane Phelps
one of our Africa, Egypt & Middle East Experts

Call our Egypt & Middle East team on 0844 488 1123 or send us an enquiry

Things to do and see

NIZWA

NIZWA

One of Oman’s ancient capitals and an important centre of religious and cultural significance, Nizwa was for centuries the traditional heartland of the rebellious Omani Imamate. Surrounded by immense oases of palms the city today is one of Oman’s most captivating destinations, its imposing 17th century fort, built to protect the routes through the strategically important Sumail Gap, and its bustling souk have both been superbly restored to reflect something of their former glory, evoking a real sense of the city’s lively and often turbulent past. The added attraction of the Friday goat market is an occasion not to be missed, presenting a captivating scene of traditional Omani dress, colourful chaos and uncooperative livestock.....

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MUSANDAM

MUSANDAM

Separated from Oman by the UAE, the mountainous limestone massifs of the Musandam Peninsula are culturally and linguistically removed from their near neighbours. The stark beauty of the area is emphasised by the deep blue waters of the Gulf, which over millennia have carved an intricate network of islands and fjords amongst the peninsula’s mountain landscape, offering a perfect playground for dolphins and turtles and countless numbers of cormorants.....

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JABRIN CASTLE

JABRIN CASTLE

Jabrin is without doubt one of Oman’s most impressive forts. From the imposing battlements the views across the open plains are quite spectacular, whilst its interiors afford a remarkable insight into the lives and workings of the Imams and their households. Built during the 17th century as a place of refuge and learning, Jabrin’s exquisite details and carvings, along with a perfect attention for restorative detail, makes this a most engaging piece of historical heritage.....

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SALALAH AND THE SOUTH

SALALAH AND THE SOUTH

Most visitors restrict their stay to the northern part of Oman, concentrating on the capital Muscat, and the forts and markets of the mountains. South of the great expanse of desert in the centre of Oman, however, lies a very different, sub-tropical region of the country which borders on the Arabian Sea, and which is well worth exploring. This is traditionally the home of the legendary Queen of Sheba, and is also source of the frankincense tree, so important in ancient times. Our recommended hotel is the Hilton Salalah Hotel.....

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EVASON HIDEAWAY & SPA AT ZIGHY BAY

EVASON HIDEAWAY & SPA AT ZIGHY BAY

Nestling in a secluded fishing village amidst the northern landscapes of the Musandam Peninsula, this exclusive property offers uncompromising luxury and style. A total of 82 pool villas and pool villa suites present an exquisite blend of Omani tradition and contemporary comfort, with private infinity pools, 24-hour butler service, a summerhouse and an exceptional range of amenities. Dining options include a superb mountain top restaurant overlooking Zighy Bay.....

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1000 NIGHTS CAMP

1000 NIGHTS CAMP

1000 Nights Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands,where guests will hear nothing but the sound of silence. The camp has 10 genuine hand-made Bedouin wool tents, furnished in a unique style with Arabic carpets, two stylish comfortable beds, table and chairs, and towels. There are hygienic toilets and showers around the camp area, with separate facilities for men and women. There is also a restaurant complete with cushions and low tables,where guests can sample Arabic and Omani cuisine. The camp has no electricity so at night is lit by candles and lamps.....

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THE CHEDI HOTEL MUSCAT

THE CHEDI HOTEL MUSCAT

Designed in the style of traditional Omani architecture and offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Oman and the mountain ranges of Muscat, The Chedi has a total of 143 rooms in two wings overlooking either the Indian Ocean or the mountains. There are also some poolside cabanas available. The hotel has two swimming pools in addition to a private beach as well as an extensive Spa, fitness centre and tennis courts. The restaurant overlooks the water garden and offers contemporary Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, served brasserie-style.....

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INTERCONTINENTAL AL BUSTAN PALACE

INTERCONTINENTAL AL BUSTAN PALACE

The InterContinental Muscat is set in 35 acres of palm gardens, and yet is in the diplomatic quarter and only a short distance from the old city. The hotel has 265 rooms all with the facilities you would expect in a first class hotel. There is a choice of restaurants, shaded lap pool, main swimming pool, children’s pool, six tennis courts, two air conditioned squash courts, health club and direct access on to the beach. The small Jawaharat al Shatti Mall is adjacent to the hotel and has a coffee shop snack bar and post office (0800 to 1400 Saturday to Wednesday, but mall open 0900 to 2200 daily)..... Read more about INTERCONTINENTAL AL BUSTAN PALACE

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WADI BANI

WADI BANI

Set within the dramatic landscape of the Jebel Akhdar Mountains, lies the enchanting beauty of Wadi Bani. A navigable track passes underground springs, date palms and lush vegetation as it meanders its way through a deep fertile gorge towards the breathtaking spectacle of Snake Canyon. Here you can swim in caves beneath the towering walls of the Hajar Mountains, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the region.....

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SHANGRI-LA AL BANDAR, MUSCAT

SHANGRI-LA AL BANDAR, MUSCAT

Part of the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa complex, this deluxe hotel offers 198 superbly appointed rooms with balconies and sea views that look out across the Gulf of Oman. Set within 124 acres of elegant gardens this extensive resort includes a total of 19 restaurants and bars providing an unequalled choice of international cuisine, as well as three pools, a Chi Spa and three private beaches.....

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SHANGRI-LA AL HUSN MUSCAT

SHANGRI-LA AL HUSN MUSCAT

Part of the same resort complex occupied by the Al Bandar, this superior deluxe property boasts 180 sumptuous rooms, all very well appointed with sea views, private balconies, terraces or patios and a full range of modern amenities. The Al Husn offers its own private beach, gymnasium and infinity pool for the exclusive use of its guests. The resort also offers a comprehensive range of beach and water based activities.....

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DUBAI

DUBAI

A shining jewel rising from the shimmering desert sands. Much as it has for generations the modern city draws in the merchants and traders that have been the life-blood of the city for centuries, creating a veritable Aladdin’s Cave for the discerning shopper. Less than two hours by car from Muscat, it is easy to combine a visit to Oman with Dubai.....

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Places to stay

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

he Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa opened early in 2006 and is located at the Bay of the same name. Comprising three hotels, with 680 rooms, it is set within 124 acres of landscaped gardens. All rooms have balconies and are sea facing, although some have better views of this than others because of the palm trees and lush gardens. The resort has a total of nineteen restaurants and bars, a Chi Spa, five tennis courts, a lazy river, three swimming pools, children’s pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, fitness centre and three private beaches (the longest being 450 metres in length). The three properties are Al Waha (first class), Al Bandar (deluxe) and the exclusive Al Husn (superior deluxe). All rooms have mini bar, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, separate bath and shower, satellite television, but the size of room and quality of fixtures and fittings differ between the three properties. All facilities are available to all hotel gues....

1000 Nites Camp

1000 Nites Camp

1000 Nites Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands, where guests will hear nothing but the sound of silence. The camp has 20 genuine hand-made Bedouin wool tents, which are scattered under Cineraria trees. They are furnished in a simple style with Arabic carpets and twin or double beds. Adjacent to each tent is a private bathroom with toilet and shower. There is an open sided restaurant with cushions and low tables, where guests can sample Arabic and Omani cuisine. The camp has no electricity and so at night is lit by candles and lamps. The property closes from 1st June to 15th August each year.....

Six Senses Hideaway & Spa

Six Senses Hideaway & Spa

Zighy Bay – Six Senses Hideaway & Spa Situated along side a secluded fishing village on the Sultanate's northern Musandam Peninsula, Six Senses Hideaway and Spa at Zighy Bay sits within dramatic scenery: mountains to one side and long sandy beach to the other. The resort offers 82 spacious villas, all with modern facilities, outside shower and large, private plunge pool plus a number of dining options, from a hilltop restaurant serving international cuisine to a central dinning room that features regional specialities. The resort's Sixth Senses Spa offers eight treatment rooms and focuses on holistic wellness and rejuvenation. On arrival guests have the choice of three arrival experiences: a scenic ten-minute speedboat ride along the coast, a transfer by Land Rover down from the top of the hill overlooking the bay or the opportunity to be a companion passenger with the hideaway's own professional paraglider.....

The Chedi

The Chedi

Designed in the style of traditional Omani architecture and overlooking the Gulf of Oman and the mountain ranges of Muscat, The Chedi has a total of 156 rooms and suites. The hotel has two swimming pools in addition to a private beach as well as a Spa, fitness centre and tennis courts. The restaurant overlooks the water garden and offers contemporary Mediterranean and Asian cuisine other eateries include The Arabian which serves local cuisine and a beach restaurant which offers the freshest of seafood. ....

Zighy Bay - The Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa

Zighy Bay - The Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa

ituated along side a secluded fishing village on the Sultanate's northern Musandam Peninsula, the Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Zighy Bay sits within dramatic scenery: mountains to one side and long sandy beach to the other. The resort offers 82 spacious villas, all with modern facilities, outside shower and large, private plunge pool plus a number of dining options, from a hilltop restaurant serving international cuisine to a central dinning room that features regional specialities. The resort's Sixth Senses Spa offers eight treatment rooms and focuses on holistic wellness and rejuvenation. On arrival guests have the choice of three arrival experiences: a scenic ten-minute speedboat ride along the coast, a transfer by Land Rover down from the top of the hill overlooking the bay or the opportunity to be a companion passenger with the hideaway's own professional paraglider (an additional charge will be made for this service, which needs to be booked in advance). Additional facil....

The Golden Tulip Khasab Hotel

The Golden Tulip Khasab Hotel has 60 rooms with sea and mountain views, and all have satellite television, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has a swimming pool, dive centre, choice of restaurants and bars.....

InterContinental Muscat

The InterContinental Muscat is set in 35 acres of palm gardens, and yet is in the diplomatic quarter and only a short distance from the old city. The hotel has 265 rooms all with the facilities you would expect in a first class hotel. There is a choice of restaurants, shaded lap pool, main swimming pool, children’s pool, six tennis courts, two air conditioned squash courts, health club and direct access on to the beach. The small Jawaharat al Shatti Mall is adjacent to the hotel and has a coffee shop snack bar and post office (0800 to 1400 Saturday to Wednesday, but mall open 0900 to 2200 daily)....

Sur Plaza Hotel

The Sur Plaza Hotel is located in the city of Sur, originally famous for its dhow building, and 60 kilometres from the turtle beach at Ras-al-Hadd, a major tourist attraction in Oman. The hotel has 108 basic centrally air-conditioned rooms and facilities include a swimming pool, shop, restaurant and a bar.....

The InterContinental

The InterContinental

The InterContinental Muscat is set in 35 acres of palm gardens, and yet is in the diplomatic quarter and only a short distance from the old city. The hotel has 265 rooms all with the facilities you would expect in a first class hotel. There is a choice of restaurants, shaded lap pool, main swimming pool, children’s pool, six tennis courts, two air conditioned squash courts, health club and direct access on to the beach. The small Jawaharat al Shatti Mall is adjacent to the hotel and has a coffee shop snack bar and post office (0800 to 1400 Saturday to Wednesday, but mall open 0900 to 2200 daily)....

The Hilton Salalah Hotel

The Hilton Salalah Hotel

The Hilton Salalah Hotel has a beachfront location on Oman's southern coastline. The hotel has a total of 147 rooms featuring all the amenities you would expect from a first class hotel. In addition to the beach, leisure facilities include a swimming pool, children's pool, fitness centre, sauna and massage. There is a choice of bars and restaurants and many options for local excursions.....

Falaj Daris Hotel

Falaj Daris Hotel

Close to the famous fort and bustling souq in Nizwa, the Falaj Daris Hotel has 55 rooms with satellite television and mini-bar. There are two courtyards, each set around a swimming pools, a small gymnasium, restaurant and bar.....

Sohar Beach Hotel

The Sohar Beach Hotel is a haven of luxury, 200 km from both Muscat and Dubai airports. This beach resort spread over 9 acres of landscaped gardens, has been designed to resemble an Omani fort. It consists of 40 rooms including 6 suites and 7 independent chalets. ....

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