Luxury Holidays Oman

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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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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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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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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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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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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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 the camp is lit by candles and lamps.

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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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Currently undergoing a total refurbishment, due for completion in January 2008, this stunning hotel will be one of the finest in the Middle East. Combining meticulous comfort, traditional elegance and art deco style, its 200 rooms and 50 suites will all boast private balconies and state of the art facilities, whilst an array of exquisite restaurants, excellent recreational facilities and a range of treatments will help create a property of matchless opulence.

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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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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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The most famous and most exclusive hotel in Oman, the Al-Bustan is situated on its own beach front, about 10 minutes from the centre of Muscat. Renowned for its opulent and breathtaking lobby, the hotel has recently undergone a major refurbishment. The hotel has 198 rooms and 50 suites. Facilities include 8 food and beverage outlets, a health club and spa, large outdoor swimming pool and watersports facilities.

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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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Occupying a beachfront location along Oman’s southern coastline, this stylish first class property offers 147 spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean and all with the amenities you would expect of a 5-star hotel. In addition, the resort also offers a freeform pool, 6 bars and restaurants and a fitness centre, all within the tasteful confines of its landscaped gardens.

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A permanent camp located in the middle of the desert, offering a unique experience. Accomodation is in "barista" huts with roofs made from palm leaves and comfortable camp style beds. Bathrooms are shared with separate facilities for men and women. Meals are taken Bedouin-style.

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Oman is a land of breathtaking contrasts, an enigma filled with an enthralling mix of rugged coastlines and endless deserts, dramatic forts and traditional villages, where colourful souks and timeless landscapes hold the visitor in an hypnotic and unbreakable spell. •Muscat (3), Sur (1), Nizwa (2), Muscat (2 nights plus late check out) •Flights with British Airways via Abu Dhabi in economy class •First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin •Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner •Private car and driver on all road transfers shown •Private sightseeing as detailed with local English speaking driver-guide •Complimentary bottled water during sightseeing and long drives •Entrance fees for all included sightseeing •Oman visa fee • Departure on a Saturday, although available on other days as well, but the itinerary would need to be modified, to visit the markets on the correct days of the week, and to also be able to include a visit to the Grand Mosque in Muscat

DAY 1 Depart London Heathrow on British Airways flight via Abu Dhabi to Muscat (0930-2220). Arrive in Oman later this evening and transfer to the InterContinental Muscat.

DAY 2 Your journey begins in the Omani capital, one of the most picturesque cities in the Gulf, sandwiched between the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and the encircling peaks of the Eastern Hajar Mountains. A full day tour of the city takes in the magnificent opulence of the Grand Mosque, one the largest in the world and capable of holding over 20,000 worshippers (open for visitors from Saturday to Wednesday only except during holidays). Take in its beautiful tile work and marbled halls, decorated with stained glass and chandeliers, and see the expansive carpet that fills the prayer hall – 4,300 square metres of Persian carpet that has earned a place in the Guinness Book of world records. Also visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, whose location in a traditional Omani house affords a glimpse of the lifestyles and traditions of both ancient and modern Muscat. Continuing onto Muttrah’s elegant waterfront and Muscat’s Old Town, you will take a walking tour past the Royal Palace and the dominating bastions of the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jabali and Mirani. (B)

DAY 3 Your destination today is the majestic citadel at Nakhl (approximately 2 hours drive from Muscat), an inspiring fortress that dominates the foothills at the base of the Jebel Akhdar Mountains. Dating back some 350 years this beautifully restored fort is one of the most magnificent in the country, set within a gorge and surrounded by a ring of imposing mountains. Towering some 30 metres above the surrounding landscape, its ceilings, doors and windows are decorated with beautiful carvings, whilst the impressive views from the rooftop offer a panoramic vista of the surrounding scenery. The old village of Nakhl, nestling below the fort, gradually leads to the warm springs of A ‘Thowarah, situated at the end of an attractive oasis. (B,L)

DAY 4 A 4-wheel-drive transfer takes you along the eastern coast today, towards the dhow shipyards of Sur (approximately 7 hours with stops). Travelling via the village of Quriyat (1 and a half hours drive from Muscat), a large fishing village still guarded by the dominating presence of a 17th century watchtower, you will pass by the golden sands of Fins Beach (2 hours on from Quriyat) and stop for a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque setting of Wadi Shab (a further 15 minutes on), en route to your destination. Checking into the Sur Plaza Hotel for the night (45 minutes from Wadi Shab), you then enjoy a remarkable evening’s visit to the turtle beach at Ras al-Hadd. The beaches of the Arabian Peninsula see thousands of turtles come ashore during the nesting season, to lay anywhere up to a 100 eggs at a time in the soft sands, before resuming their epic journeys across the oceans. This evening affords an opportunity to possibly witness this enthralling event for yourselves. Please note, the main season is from July to September, but turtles do come ashore, albeit in fewer numbers, throughout the year. (B,L)

DAY 5 After a morning’s visit to the clear green natural spring water pools of the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khaled (2 hours from Sur), continue into the endless shifting dunes of Wahiba Sands (a further hour on), a spectacular landscape of ever changing colours and contours that has been home to Bedu tribesmen for generations. Covering some 10,000 square kilometres, this expansive sand sea presents a spectacular wilderness to explore, and one that is remarkably blessed with a dazzling array of bird and animal life, including some 115 species of birds, wild foxes and the rare Arabian sand gazelle. After a chance to enjoy some dune driving across the sands continue to Nizwa (1 hour 45 minutes drive), regarded by many as Oman’s cultural capital, for a stay at the Falaj Daris Hotel. (B,L)

DAY 6 A full day exploring some of the highlights of the area includes the impressive fort at Bahla ( 1 hour from Nizwa), which is currently closed for restoration (but none the less presents a fine view from nearby advantage points) and also that at Jabrin (10 minutes from Bahla). Once home to the Imams, Jabrin Fort is filled with passageways and chambers, where most of the ceilings are decorated with beautiful Islamic motifs, including the breathtaking ‘Sun and Moon’ room, and from the roof the views out across the fertile plains to the distant mountains are truly stunning. Continue by heading into the mountain vistas of Jabal Shams (approximately 45 minutes drive), site of a spectacular 1,000 metre canyon, where it is possible to take an exhilarating walk through a landscape that has been aptly described as Oman’s very own ‘Grand Canyon’. En route back to the hotel visit the old mud-brick village of Tanuf, where you will have an opportunity to learn something of the Jebel Wars amongst its haunting ruined streets. Also visit the lovely mountain village of Misfah (approximately 45 minutes from Nizwa), where labyrinthine streets and precarious stone houses cling to the rocks as they have for centuries, presenting you with a captivating glimpse into Oman’s rural past. (B,L)

DAY 7 Before heading back to Muscat today, a morning visit to the souk and goat market will present you with one of the highlights of any visit to Nizwa. This weekly event encapsulates all the colour and noise of a traditional Arabic market, where traditionally dressed Omanis vie for space alongside an eclectic collection of goats, cattle, sheep and tourists! You will also visit Nizwa’s impressive 17th century fortress which was built during the struggles between the Sultan and the radical Imams. Towering some 40 metres above the surrounding souk, the fortress is an imposing circular bastion that once dominated the passage through the Sumail Gap, its 400 gun emplacements presenting a formidable barrier against invading troops. Arrive back in Muscat later this afternoon where you will check into Al Bandar part of the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. (B)

DAYS 8 & 9 The next two days are free to enjoy at your leisure, perhaps making the most of the extensive facilities at the resort, or even venturing back into the city to explore some more of Muscat’s bustling souks and cultural delights. Late evening on day 9 it will be necessary to transfer to the airport, however your room is reserved right up until your time of departure. (B each day)

DAY 10 Early morning British Airways flight via Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow (0010-0540), arriving later this morning.

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THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

Closed to the outside world for many years, the historic Sultanate of Oman has now opened up to international tourism yet retains an air of mystery and romance and has much to interest the traveller. The rugged beauty of the interior creates dramatic contrasts between mountains and plains, deserts and verdant valleys. 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.
• Direct non-stop flights with Gulf Air in economy class
• First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room (with the exception of camping at Wahiba Sands which is more basic)
• Breakfast daily plus lunch on Days 3,4,5,6 and 7 and dinner on Day 5.
• Private car and driver on all road transfers shown
• Private sightseeing as detailed with local English speaking driver-guide
• Complimentary bottled water during sightseeing and long drives
• Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
• Airport taxes
• Oman visa fee
• Departure on a Saturday, although available on other days as well, but the itinerary would need to be modified, to visit the markets on the correct days of the week, and to also be able to include a visit to the Grand Mosque in Muscat.

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DAY 1 Leave London Heathrow Airport by Gulf Air daytime flight to Muscat via Bahrain. Arrive in the evening and transfer to the InterContinental Hotel for 3 nights.

DAY 2 Your morning sightseeing starts with a visit to the Grand Mosque (open for visitors from Saturday to Wednesday only except during holidays) which is one the largest mosques in the world. From here proceed for a visit to Bait Al Zubair, which is a museum in a traditional Omani house giving glimpses of the lifestyles and traditions of ancient and modern Muscat. You will also visit Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat and from here the drive continues to Muscat Old Town where the tour proceeds on foot, walking past the palace of Sultan Qaboos and the forts Jabali and Mirani (which can be viewed from the outside only). (B)

DAY 3 Today you will have a full day excursion to Al Hazm and Nakhl. First visit the Al Hazm Fort, built in 1708 by Sultan Bin Seif II before driving through the date palms to the village of Nakhl and visit the Nakhl Fort, which once served the Imams of Bani Kharous and the Ya'arubah dynasty. En-route you will stop for a brief photograph of the Rustaq fort and a picnic lunch or at a local restaurant before driving back to Muscat. (B,L)

DAY 4 After breakfast leave Muscat by 4-wheel drive along the coast to Sur. The first stop is the port of Quriyat, a large fishing village still guarded by a watchtower dating back to 1635. Continue by track past the coast and creeks to a sink hole, where the land has collapsed over an ancient sea cave, still fed by sea water today. Then to Fins beach (White beach) where you will stop for a short swim or to just relax under the sun. From here visit 'Wadi Shaab ', Shaab in Arabic literally means “Ravine between Cliffs” and the shallow green pools and abundant shade give the wadi a perfect setting for your picnic lunch. Proceed to Sur for overnight at the Sur Plaza Hotel. After an early dinner, head to Ras al-Hadd, a beautiful beach where giant green turtles still come ashore to nest (worth taking a torch). The main hatching season is May to October, when thousands of tiny turtles emerge and head for the sea. Even outside these moths, the chances of seeing turtles actually laying eggs on the beach, is very good. Return to Sur, arriving back in the late evening. This is a long but very rewarding day. (B,L)

DAY 5 This morning drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, which is an oasis in the desert with clear green natural spring water pools (a journey of approximately 2 hours). Continue to the great desert of Oman known as “Wahiba Sands”, which stands out in stark contrast to Wadi Bani Khalid (approximately 1 hour further). Your driver will take you through the undulating sand dunes to experience the thrills of dune driving (optional) before arriving at the campsite where you will spend the night. The Wahiba Sands is the home of the Bedouin who are known for their hospitality and their knowledge of the Sands. Overnight at 1000 Nights Camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 After breakfast you will depart for the town of Sinaw where you will visit the souq (a journey time of approximately 2 hours). Thursday is the ladies market, where the central area of the souk is for women only with the remaining area for fruit and vegetables and on the outside camels, goats, and livestock are auctioned. Your final destination is Nizwa (approximately 1 hour). Two nights at the Falaj Daris Hotel. (B,L)

DAY 7 Morning tour of the Oasis city of Nizwa. Visit the impressive 17th century fort with its enormous round tower built by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'aruba to defend the route to the interior. From here proceed to Nizwa souq which is renowned for its intricately hand-carved "Khanjar" and ornately designed silver jewellery. On Friday, a unique goat and cattle auction is held and the atmosphere here is electric. Continue to Misfah a village in the mountains, where the houses cling to the rocks, and although they look precarious have been here for centuries. After a short walk through the village return to your vehicle and continue the journey to Jabel Shams the highest peak in Oman at over 3,000 meters. Lunch will be at the Jabel Shams camp, followed by for a walk in the canyon before returning by road back to Nizwa. (B,L)

DAY 8 Depart Nizwa first stopping briefly at Bahla for a photograph of the Bahla Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort itself is closed during these restorations, but there are fine views of the fort and old city walls. Continue to Jabrin Castle (opening times 8 – 11 am) one of Oman's most beautiful forts, built in the late 17th Century. Finally visit the ruins at Tanuf and see the falaj (water irrigation) system, still in operation today. After lunch (at your own expense) continue to Muscat in order to connect with the evening flight to Salalah. On arrival transfer to the Hilton Salalah Hotel for 3 nights. (please note today’s travelling time is approximately 8 hours including stops plus the flight to Salalah). (B)

DAY 9 Today you will have a tour of the capital of Dhofar, starting with East Salalah. Drive past the Royal Farm and the Mamura Palace to arrive at Taqa. The village is famed for its sardines and here you will see the Taqa Castle before proceeding to Samhuram with its famed port from where the frankincense trade used to take place and you will also see the remains of Queen Sheba's Palace on top of a small hill overlooking the Khor Rawri. Continue by the coastal road to the old city of Mirbat; a walk around the town reveals Mirbat Castle overlooking the sea and some old and beautiful old merchant houses with their carved doors and windows. Return to Salalah for lunch (at your own expense). After lunch continue your tour of West Salalah visiting Job's tomb, marking the place where the remains of the Moslem Prophet known as Job in the Old Testament can be found. Continue to Mughsail beach with its abundance of bird life such as flamingos, pelicans and stork. The tour ends with a visit to see frankincense trees, which produce the incense for which this region is famous. (B)

DAY 10 At leisure. (B)

DAY 11 Return by air to Muscat and transfer to the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort for a two night stay in the Al Bandar section. (B)

DAY 12 Day at leisure. (B)

DAY 13 Transfer to the airport for the Gulf Air flight to London Heathrow, arriving in the evening. (B)

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