Holidays in Oman – 10 reasons why yes
Oman is a great destination for a holiday at any time of the year. It is a great travel destination with a rich history and enchanting landscapes. In Oman you will find high desert dunes, beaches lined with palm trees, as well as green mountains.
Whether you\’re looking for adventure, are a lover of stunning scenery or need to discover new cultures and explore history, Oman is sure to exceed all your expectations.
Here are 10 reasons why you should consider a holiday in Oman.
1. Authentic Arabia
Oman has been a key trading centre throughout history and carries this heritage to this day. You can feel pride in its ancient culture, which brings with it a different perspective on modernisation and development (you won\’t find any high-rise buildings here). The towns retain their traditional charm and Bedouin values. Discover how friendly the Omani people are, along with the typical kahwa (a strong, cardamom-flavoured coffee served with dates).
2. Land of diversity
From the desert aptly called the “Desert Lands” to the lush green south with its fruit plantations and wildlife such as gazelles, Oman boasts a unique diversity in its landscape. And nature lovers rejoice. Oman is home to the highest mountain in the peninsula, magical cities, sparkling seas, canyons and fjords.
3. Amazing adventures
Enjoy the beauty of the desert dunes at Wahiba Sands, perhaps on quad bikes. If you prefer a different means of transport, be sure to try hiking on camels along with camping under the starry night sky.
You can hike the mountains on donkey trails, walk along the river and observe fossils; climbers will find plenty of cliffs to scale. And Oman\’s pristine waters offer some of the best diving in the world.
4. Fall in love
Enjoy romance at its luxurious best. Travel to the Chedi Muscat a luxurious and stylish hotel that sprawls along a sandy beach. Al Baleed Resort in Salalah has tropical gardens, a beach and a lagoon. The spectacular Shangri-La resort of Barr Al Jissah looks like it was carved out of rock.
For the ultimate adventure, make your stay in Bedouin tents at Al Nahda\’s Desert Nights Camp and Dunes Resort.
5. Salalah
The lush capital of the southern province of Dhofar is perfumed with the scent of frankincense, made according to ancient recipes from the resin of the frankincense tree.
Salalah abounds with archaeological sites, fruit plantations and wildlife such as oryx, gazelles and migratory birds.
6. Musandam
Filled with rocky fjords, hilltop villages and deserted beaches, this hidden spot is perfect for a 1,001 Arabian Nights-style getaway. Sail on a dhow (a traditional Arab sailing boat), watch dolphins and dive to coral reefs. Explore the Chasab Fortress, admire prehistoric rock paintings and indulge in spa relaxation.
7. Maskat
With a policy that bans high-rise buildings and a commercial history that dates back thousands of years, Oman\’s capital can retain its heart and soul. The port city is best known for its delicious dates, pearls and fish. The famous Muttrah Souq bars and pomegranate juice should not be missed. Nor should you miss the National Museum, a fascinating time capsule of Omani history.
8. Mountains
Oman\’s dramatic mountain scenery offers pomegranate fields, rose gardens, picturesque villages and fascinating reliefs such as the Bimmah Cave. At Wadi Shab Resort, the mountain meets the sea, and Jebel Shams Resort sits atop the highest peak of the Al Hajar Mountains.
9. Nature
Oman is a paradise for eco-tourists and its diverse landscapes are home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Pristine coastlines lined with coral reefs teeming with marine life, dolphins and blue whales. You may even see wild Arabian leopards when you visit the Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve in Dhofar.
10. turtle hatchlings
Nature lovers make the pilgrimage between July and October to witness the incredible hatching season of Oman\’s turtles. Approximately 20,000 sea turtles – five of the world\’s seven species – hatch on Oman\’s beaches.