Oman has some of the best spas in the world

One of the most interesting pampering experience I had in Oman is being buried in the sand. That may come out as a surprise and quite unorthodox but I haven’t had any other experience that can match it not only in the level of eccentricity and originality but the calming effects it has on me afterwards. This special service is only available in the country on specific months. Summer is definitely a no go — the sun by then would be too hot to handle and it will definitely burn you.

I came to know about the said service from a friend who is into wellness. In theory, it didn’t make any sense but talking to the holistic wellness guru who does it opens one’s eyes into the research and science that goes behind it.

The spa centre is named Uru and it can be found at the Dunes, hidden somewhere in the heart of the Barkan desert. For 15 minutes, they make you lie down in this pit — a hole made in the ground — and cover you with sand up to your chest. You are totally submerged with only your face showing and even your face is soaked in specially made liniment or lotion concocted from different herbs with your eyes covered with cucumber.

While you are lying there, you can hear the desert moving. At least, in my experience, it felt like it. Eyes closed and left in my own thoughts, I can hear the sand walking, driven by the wind. Fifteen minutes of not moving feels like forever, truth be told. It made me feel like I was a mummy.