Joanna James
Oman is blessed with lush terrain and fertile soil, unlike many other Gulf States. The superior infrastructure features make it one of the best countries to travel around. The fine architecture and the amazing cuisine of the scenic land enhance the offering, making it an amazing holiday destination.
As a nation proud of its culture, Omani people are welcoming and happy for visitors to discover their heritage and are even excited to see them explore different parts of the country they love. Being hospitable is a natural value for Omanis and inviting visitors for Qahwa (coffee) and sweets is a regular gesture as experienced by visitors at luxury villas in Oman.
Being a stable, safe and family-oriented country Oman is not only great for solo travellers but also for groups of friends and families looking for authentic experiences like camel riding for children and many other unusual ones. As you go about in Oman you would have the locals offering to help with directions to a wadi or a scenic beach with no hesitation.
Showcasing understated elegance as compared to its closest neighbours, Muscat is full of fresh air and sea breeze. The most elaborate feature in Muscat is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with carved wooden panels and charming stained-glass windows all around. It is also home to the second-largest carpet and the second-largest chandelier in the world.
During ancient times Omanis from coastal areas have been sailors, the most well-known of them being Sinbad born in Sohar, the olden-day capital of Oman and an important port of call for sailors bound for India and China. Take an intriguing historical tour by visiting Arabian Nubian Complex in Dhofar.
The shores of Oman provide vast stretches of sea Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawks Bill and common Green Turtles to lay eggs. Those visitors keen on spotting them must visit Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve which is a special nesting area for these turtles.
The cuisine of Oman has influences from bordering countries such as Asia. Hence the dishes are exotic and laden with aromatic spices. Try their special dish Shuwa. The aromatic spiced rice is laden with lamb or goat and cooked on a special slow fire to become a blissful dish of flavours and aromas. Halwa is a famous Omani sweet whilst Kahwa and dates are offered as a welcome treat which is highly appreciated by guests at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Try these and more on your holiday in Oman.
Camels are treated with care and respect in Oman for their reliability and endurance. With a huge population of camels in the Sultanate, more than half of them thrive in Dhofar having a temperate climate and become the centre of focus during Khareef Season or Autumn with plenty of camels visible and camel markets and festivals taking place.
For intrepid visitors hiking, camping or rock climbing in the mountainous regions of Oman is an exciting adventure especially so at the Al Hajar mountains in the north of Oman which provide excitement and awe-inspiring vistas upon the mountains.
This unfamiliar word wadi means a dry riverbed that gets water during heavy rains, it also means valley in Arabic. However, Wadi Bani Khalid is unique like many other wadis in Oman, the greenish-hued water flows through all year making it a perfect location for a rendezvous of at least a couple of days
One of the best beaches in Muscat and is ideal for a beach day close to the city. The 4 km long beach is popular for jogging and watching the sunrise and the glorious sunset. A location embraced by most visitors to Oman. Public toilets and changing rooms make it possible for those who want to enjoy a dip to do so with pleasure.
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.
