With beaches, mountains, deserts and palaces to explore, Muscat in Oman appeals to adventure travellers as much as it does to luxury-lovers.

 

And while hurtling through the desert in a four wheel drive buggy or eating camel might not be everyone’s thing, this Middle-Eastern destination might surprise even the hard to please ‘holiday-goer’ that wants pretty much everything from their next holiday experience.

 

The Omani hospitality

 

You will feel a warm, welcoming embrace from the people of Oman.

 

Upon our travels and during our stay, this humbling personality of Oman was infectious among every person that we met.  The Omani culture has been nurtured over time by Sultan Qaboos as part of his vision to spread peace across the world.

 

 

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

 

Built by order of Sultan Qaboos in 1994 to celebrate 30 years of his reign, this holy place opened upon completion in 2001. Meticulously sculpted from over 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone with a prayer hall that rises over 50 meters above the world’s second largest single woven carpet made from intricate Persian designs. The grandeur of this magnificent structure is something that must be experienced firsthand.

 

Mutrah Souq

 

This is chaotic network of traditional Omani markets, combining a mixture of antiques, traditional textiles, hardware and jewelry stores, where you will find holiday mementos. Whilst there, you may wish to call at the traditional coffee house for a few refreshments along the way. The magic of this Aladdin’s is unmissable!

 

 

 

Al Alam Palace

 

Well deserving of a place in our shortlist is the Al Alam Palace, with its strikingly colourful front facade, the palace has over a 200-year history. Whilst the palace itself is not open to visitors, you can admire its beauty and along with other Government buildings located in the vicinity.

 

The Royal Opera House

 

Built by the same architects as the Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House in Muscat reflects the Arabian design with its harmonic amalgam of marble and inlaid wood. Since its inception in 2011, some of the biggest names in opera have performed at the venue with the productions acclaiming world class standards. As one would expect, there is a strict dress code – so don’t forget to pack your best outfits. Even if you don’t intend on catching a show, you can enjoy shopping at the adjacent Opera Galleria.

 

Dune Bashing on Buggies

 

For those wanting a little exhilaration, a day of dune bashing may be for you. Prices start from around £100 depending on what you want from the day.

 

You will be greeted at dawn and drive across the dessert where you can be coached to push one of the four-wheel drive buggies to the limits. You will drive across the Hajar mountains until you reach the Wadiu Bani Khalid – a stunning oasis of turquoise pools – where you will stop for lunch.

 

Following on to Wahabi Sands, you will then get to experience the thrill as the Land Cruiser flies over the sand dunes.

 

 

Muscat Hills Resort

 

For those wanting a tranquil hideaway with a private beach, this Ibiza-style beach club oozes laid-back glamour, and has excellent cuisine that you will only find hidden in the Al Jissah Bay Muscat Hills Resort.

 

The understated beach club set on dreamy golden sands provides the perfect place to chill and soak up some sun. The restaurant serves a fine selection of locally sourced cuisine, including the famous ‘King Fish’.

 

There’s also a number of bars here and seating areas in which to enjoy the resort’s signature cocktails. For those looking for a little adventure, Muscat Hill’s also has a diving club and watersports center, promising the opportunity to spot sea turtles, dolphins and the fascinating annual fish migration.

 

Once the sun has set over the majestic mountain backdrop, there’s the opportunity to retreat to the Barasti style beach hut with open air bathrooms. The back-to-basics theme on offer here gives the opportunity for that all-important digital detox and to be at one with the beautiful scenery.

 

 

Salalah in Southern Oman

 

Everyone we met on our travels recommend taking time to admire the ‘second city to Muscat’ and ancestral home to the Sultan.

 

Salalah is known for its frankincense trade – that’s the holiday gifts sorted then! Through June to August, clouds from India bring constant rain and monsoons to the area resulting in the coastal area of Salalah becoming a tropical paradise, with meandering streams and waterfalls.

 

How to get there

 

We flew business class with Oman Air. The airline flies to Muscat, Oman twice a day from Heathrow and daily from Manchester. Business class fares start from £2,434.70 per person return from Manchester to Muscat.

 

 

Where to stay

 

Prices per night at Sundus Rotana Muscat start from £98. Read our review on the resort and book here.