Discover the luxury destination of Oman
Feel like a total qween with a luxe trip to this hidden jewel
If your expectation of the Middle East is the smell of shopping malls and air conditioning, then take a deep breath in Oman. You’ll inhale luxury, subtle wealth, and delicious food, as well as fresh air, stunning lagoons and beautiful palms. This hidden jewel has a lot going for it, and while it remains relatively secluded and still has a strong whiff of genuine Arabia, it’s opening its arms to tourists who are in search of an authentic Middle Eastern adventure. You won’t find high-rises here, in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of nearby Dubai. Instead, it’s modern and tasteful without being over-commercialised.
Isla Fisher was born in Oman, while Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra chose it as the location for their secret honeymoon. So, heat went to discover how a trip to this beautiful country will leave you feeling proper royal.
SLEEP IN STYLE
We stayed beachside, in the Kempinski Hotel in the capital Muscat, where you can step out of a serene infinity pool straight onto the sand, picking up a cocktail en route. The hotel, built only a couple of years ago, is super-classy, modern, luxurious, and so big that we probably could have done with a map.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable. We were totally here for the divine bathrooms, with a deep bath in which you can live out all your Julia Roberts Pretty Woman fantasies. Head onto the cute balcony with a cup of coffee and you’re basically Audrey Hepburn.
TASTE THE WORLD
Although it’s one of the most friendly and welcoming places you could visit, Oman isn’t just for tourists. People move here from all over the world, so the cuisine is pretty global, which is reflected in the huge selection of food options available at the hotel. Hit up the breakfast buffet for a culinary round-the-world trip. Fresh off the plane, we got a bit overwhelmed by the variety of treats on offer – so, we didn’t make full use of the egg station – but this brekkie will set you up for a day of exploring, so pile your plate high.
When you’re out and about, local cuisine is fancy falafel, houmous and vine leaves, but make sure you grab a box of dates. These little sweets are eaten by tourists and locals alike, so get some from the market in Muscat for a very reasonable price – they’re too delicious not to. Just make sure you only ever eat one, three, or five as it’s considered bad luck to have an even number.
Come dinner time, Indian restaurant Bukhara’s curried lobster (weird combo, we know) was one of the most delicious starters we’ve ever had, and Soi Soi serves killer stir fries and delectable pad Thai. Hit up the Countdown Sports Lounge for fries and a burger. If sushi is your jam, we loved the classy, candlelit vibe of the outdoor beach bar at Zale Beach Club. A gorgeous view across the bay of the city of Muscat left us feeling like bougie queens. Posh would’ve been jel.
SIGHTS AND LIGHTS
The souk in Muscat sells all the trinkets you would expect, like decorative bowls, lanterns and the like, but we were reliably informed that gold is the thing to purchase in Oman as, unlike many other imported gifts, it’s actually made here. For sightseeing, take a stroll outside the Sultan’s palace. You can’t go in, but it’s very pretty to look at, and Kate and Wills stayed here when they visited the city. Omanis love opera, and the imposing and impressive Muscat Opera House hosts famous opera singers from all around the world. But be aware that everything, including films, music and culture, is edited for the conservative taste of the people.
ADVENTURE TIME
Oman’s natural beauty is unexpectedly stunning,
so prepare to be blown away. Husaak Adventures (Husaak. com) will take you on a tour around this paradise, with activities such as sunset kayaking, which is relaxing and suitable for beginners, as the lagoon is completely flat.
Further afield, a hair-raising drive churns you out onto the top of a wadi or gorge. Here, we found lush vegetation, turquoise water and imposing cliffs. This landscape is incredible – it was so idyllic that it looked like a screensaver, and it’s relatively untouched, too.
The journey from Muscat is long, but if you can keep your eyes open after the (very) early start, you will be rewarded with an Instaworthy sunrise glittering on atmospheric, rocky mountains. Definitely our idea of r-oman-tic.