Joanna James
Amongst the high rise buildings and glitzy glamour of the Middle East, Oman remains unique with its traditional architecture and history, making it a must-visit destination.
Khasab is an incredibly unique and unusual place. Many who have visited it compare the area to Norway, and though it seems unlikely that such a place can exist in the Middle East, Khasab is indeed quite similar to the European country. Beautiful fjords tower over clear water, and the best way to get a look at this natural splendour is while kayaking. You can also snorkel in the water, or visit the souks in the nearby town.
This ancient city is a testament to the Oman of the past. From exploring the 17th century Nizwa fort, to hiking up the Jebel Akhdar mountains, there are plenty of things to do in Nizwa that will keep anyone entertained. There are plenty of wonderful accommodation options in Nizwa such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort that combine the ancient wonders of this city with the luxury many travellers look for. Nizwa is not to be missed while in Oman.
Food in Oman is incredibly delicious, much like most other Middle Eastern cuisines. Because of Oman's historical involvement in the spice trade, the food is incredibly fragrant and flavoured with the best spices in the world. Traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus and tabbouleh can be found in many places. Due to the high population of expats, dishes such as biriyani and curries are also common. Omani food is definitely a reason to visit this wonderful country.
Oman is home to many truly stunning beaches that are a great place to soak up the sun and get your feet wet. Travellers of all ages will love the Ras Al Had beach or the Ras Al Jinz beach, where you can spot turtles roaming around. Beat the heat by visiting some of the stunning beaches of Oman.
The most popular city in Oman, Muscat is home to a wide variety of markets and shopping opportunities. Visit some street markets and have an authentic Omani shopping experience, or take a trip to some of the high end shopping malls that are home to all the luxury brands you can think of. Be sure to visit the Mutrah Souk, which is probably the best known shopping destination in Muscat.
The cooler climate in Salalah is an oasis from the heat of the rest of the Middle East. The cooler climate, and the monsoon season means that greenery thrives in Salalah, creating an incredibly lush and green landscape that you will not see anywhere else in the Middle East. The area is also home to some beautiful beaches, which tourists love to visit. Salalah certainly is a very unique place, and is one reason why you must visit Oman.
Sydney is not the only place with a beautiful opera house. The Royal Opera House in Oman often hosts shows that have long waiting lists for tickets, and require attendees to dress formally. This makes the experience unique and exclusive. Even if you aren't catching a show, the beautiful marble architecture is definitely worth seeing.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
