Luxury Oman - Amazing Adventure

Tonight at 9pm, the BBC 2 show "Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby" will feature one of my favourite destinations, Oman.

Having lived in the Middle East for 11 years, Oman was always a destination to go and relax, unwind and enjoy the hospitality of this often overlooked destination. With the United Arab Emirates on its doorstep with 2 award winning global airlines, Oman is easy to miss, but to do so is your loss. Many expats in the UAE would fly or even drive to Oman for long weekends to relax or for adventure. For many years Muscat and Salalah were the main destinations. When the UAE was roasting in the summer months, Salalah was always a welcome break from the oppressive heat.

In recent times, visitors have looked to the mountains for some or all of their stay. One such property located here is the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Most overseas visitors would use the hotel transfer to collect them in Muscat and take them the 2 hour drive up into the mountains. If you do happen to have your own vehicle, you can drive yourself to the base of the mountain and the hotel will take you the rest of the way.

Personally, if you have the time, I would split your stay between Muscat and Jabal Al Akhdar. Let’s say 4 nights on the coast and 3 nights in the mountains. If you are stopping over in Muscat enroute to another destination, then you can go straight into the mountains. At 2000 metres above sea level, this is the highest 5* hotel in the Middle East.

As you arrive at the hotel, you’ll see that it resembles an Omani fort. The hotel is on the rim of a spectacular canyon with very impressive views.

Princess Diana once visited the site and the hotel has named the canyon platform in her memory. She arrived at the spot by helicopter when it was complete wilderness.

Nearby you have the ancient city of Nizwa which has been renowned for centuries as the pearl of Islam. On my first visit to Oman in the late 90’s I passed through this city on the ‘long way’ back to the UAE. At the time I didn’t realise the significance of the place. There are many souks and forts you can visit to see traditional Oman.

Below I have shown an itinerary taking in the coast and the mountains based on travel in early May before Ramadan starts. We tailor the itineraries ourselves so please ask if you would like an alternative.

Luxury Oman

From £2290 per person based on 2 people travelling and sharing.

Schedule:

2 May - fly British Airways overnight to Muscat from Heathrow

3-7 May - 4 nights, Shangri-La Al Husn, deluxe sea view, half board

7-10 May - 3 nights, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar premier Canyon View, full board

10 May - fly British Airways on a day flight to Heathrow

The pricing is subject to availability at the time of reservation and transfers extra..

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended

Seats can be pre-purchased or selected during online check in.