Joanna James
When you are in Oman you must make the most of the natural, cultural beauty and heritage that the lesser-known country is famous for. The Omani people are very friendly and accommodating and there are plenty of luxurious places you can stay in. Here are the best places to visit.
Wadi Shab is one of the best experiences you can have in Oman. Wadi is what you call a gorge and you can get to the emerald pools there with less than a 45-minute walk. You can cool down at the pools after your hike and even plan a swim in the little caves that lead to an almost secret waterfall. It is an expedition that won't require a lot of energy on your part but would definitely be something you will remember for a long time.
The Wahiba Sands is something you will hear recommended at hotels like Al Wadi Sahar Hotel. It is the place to go to if you want to spend the night on a desert safari, sleeping under the diamond stars. This desert which is also part of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE is called The Empty Quarter and is quickly picking up a reputation for its sheer arid beauty. Before you drive into the desert it is important to know that you need to deflate your tires, drive a 4-wheel drive and make sure you have enough water to last you the journey. A perfect glamping opportunity. The best time to visit is from December to March.
The Sultan Qaboos Mosque named after the former Sultan of Oman was opened in 2001 while he was still alive. It is considered to be Oman's most religious site. It has an attention to detail in the exquisite architecture that baffles visitors and holds them in awe. Remember that though women are allowed within the confines of the mosque, both men and women need to cover their skin and women should wear a scarf over their hair.
Nizwa Fort is Oman's oldest and most beautiful castles, that has been quite well-preserved over the years. It costs only about $11 for entrance and you can spend a wonderful hour or two exploring the fort, learning more about its history and the purpose and systems of defence it once employed.
The best hotels in Oman are among the best in the world in terms of luxury, extravagance, comfort and delicious food. But if you would love to explore authentic Oman at its most primal, consider spending part of your holiday in a local mud village. The Al Hamra region is home to Misfat Al Abriyeen which is one of these mud villages. The houses have roof terraces and all amenities if you'd like to spend a couple of days experiencing true Omani lifestyles.
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