Joanna James
Home to storybook enclaves cradled by the majestic architecture of mountains, wind-swept desert, and jewel-toned seascapes, Oman brims with lush experiences for every calibre of adventurer. Here are some phenomenal allurements to steal your breath in this Gulf dreamscape.
From roaming antique alleyways spilling stained glass lamps, carved treasure chests, and vibrant towers of spices to dipping in the otherworldly blue waters of the meteoric Bimmah crater and racing Arabian steeds across endless waves of wind-whipped sand, Oman has a flair for the cinematic that will thrill all your senses! If you're enraptured by old-world settlements like living tapestries embroidered in rich tradition woven with all the hues of nature, Misfat al Abriyeen is a quaint oasis village carved into a mountainside, presenting a sumptuous feast for the eyes, with its plush plantations, heritage architecture, and authentic community spirit. Here you can roam through incredibly beautiful mud dwellings, open terraces, cobbled passages, and secret gardens, transfixed by stunning perspectives of the rugged shades of the Omani mountain range.
One of the world's most delightful playgrounds for thrill-seeking adults and children, the staggering amber, copper, and gold dunescapes of eastern Oman, with wind-whipped sand towers cresting over 300 feet, are perfect for unmitigated exhilaration. Whether you're most excited about cosy Bedouin-style campouts in airy tents, gathering around blazing campfires sharing succulently cooked traditional dishes, romantic stargazing atop behemoth dunes, or riding a huge camel through the constantly shifting terrain, expect to be blown away! From sandboarding, dune bashing, and horse safaris to desert trekking, oasis chasing, and intimate glimpses into the simple yet profound Bedouin way of life, touring the Wahiba Sands is simultaneously exhilarating and soul-stirring.
With cool, clear waters in irresistible shades of emerald, turquoise, aquamarine, and crystal blue, the wadis of Oman are perfect for delicious rejuvenation after wandering through the scorching desert. Make sure to visit Wadi Bani Awf, with its picturesque villages cradled in ruggedly gorgeous mountain panoramas, perfect for off-roading, and the iconic Snake Canyon, where you can enjoy natural water slides, hidden pools, and incredible rock formations. If you're looking for outstanding accommodation proffering prime access to the best places to visit in Oman, venture no further than those offered by popular chains such as Oman Hotels.
From dreamy lost cities featuring time-dusted octagonal fortresses to UNESCO-listed heritage sites revealing the genius of bygone civilisations, Oman is filled with beautifully preserved relics from its storied past. Perhaps, the most famous is the astonishingly beautiful yet mysteriously formidable structure of Nizwa Fort, thrillingly fascinating and Instagram-worthy, with the ethereal geometry of its circular drum tower, secret tunnels, airy passages, and intertwined rooms. The Nizwa Souq is a must-stop for the most authentic souvenirs, from vibrant goat's wool textiles, glass pendant lamps, and antique bronze samovars to Frankincense oils, spicy perfumes, and intricately designed clay pottery.
Walking through this Arab and Persian architectural masterpiece, which is subtly majestic with its cream and gold elegance accentuated by pops of colour, is like getting lost in the interior of a pearl, full of captivating simplicity punctuating its understated luxury, from hosting the world's second-most expansive hand-loomed Iranian carpet to featuring exquisite Italian chandeliers, Indian sandstone arches, mesmerising mosaics, lofty minarets, and fragrant gardens.
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.
