News
Celebrities
Interviews
Jet Set Pet
Luxury Voyages
Suite Dreams
Time Traveler
Top 5
Trends
Weekend Away
Specials
Destination Weddings
Family Vacation Packages
Spa & Wellness Packages
Romantic & Honeymoon Packages
Girls Getaways
Spring Specials
Summer Specials
Destinations
Articles
Hotels
Beach & Island Resorts
5-Star City Hotels
Adventure & Eco Lodges
Boutique City Hotels
Country House Hotels
Romantic Retreats
Guest Ranches
Safari Camps & Lodges
Golf Resorts & Lodges
Spa Resorts & Wellness Retreats
Ski Resorts & Lodges
Wine Country Getaways
Family Resorts
New Hotels
Hot Hotel Openings
Villas
Beach Villas
Country Villas
Golf Villas
Ski Villas
Villas
Residences
Trips/Cruises
Cruises & Yachting
Travel Tips
Airline News
Ultimate Trips
Business Travel
Family Travel
Safaris
Private Jet Travel
Rail Journeys
Arts/Culture
Events
Food/Wine
Restaurants
Bars & Nightclubs
Afternoon Tea
Coffee
Cooking Classes
Culinary Travel
Wine & Spirits
Spa/Sport
Spa & Wellness Retreats
Yoga
Golf Getaways
Ski Vacations
Shop/Style
Gift Guide
Beach and Resortwear
Beauty and Fragrance
Books
Fashion
Home Style
Luggage and Handbags
Luxury Autos
Men's Style
Travel Essentials
Watches & Jewelry
Wine and Spirits
World's Most Expensive
Home Page
News
Luxury and Adventure in Oman
September 19, 2009
Mark Gillette
Muscat is the capital of Oman and home to nearly fifty percent of its population. Although the city offers a number of luxury properties, I decide to treat Freddy to the Chedi Muscat. My contacts in the Middle East hotel business assure me that what awaits us is nothing less than sublime and we are ready! Our stay is to be a mixture of luxury and adventure. We plan two days and nights at the Chedi, two days camping and a final day to unwind back at the Chedi before returning to Paris.
As we enter the Chedi, we are overwhelmed by a sense of space that stretches upward into the extraordinary blue sky. Everywhere water, that most precious commodity in the desert world, sooths and reflects. We are given freshly squeezed orange juice and cool face towels to banish the effects of travel. After our check in, we are shown to our suite by a concierge. Tension is soon a memory.
We spend two beautiful relaxing days by the beach, drinking wine and visiting Muscat town. English has been adopted by Oman as its second language and many signs are in both Arabic and English. The souk (local market) in Muttrah is a must and an opportunity to mingle with locals. Most Omani men wear a traditional white ankle-length, collarless robe called a dishdasha. Women's robes, by contrast, are a cascade of brilliant colors.
The Chedi offers some of the best cuisine in the region. The menu, although large, is excellent and an extensive wine list complements its offerings. We finish our meal and absorb the surrounding quiet of Chedi's gardens with another glass of wine.
Then it's time to explore. The Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre delivers our car to the hotel equipped with all the camping gear we'll need. We set off immediately for Jebel Shams, Oman's highest peak at nearly 3000 m. It's about a three hour drive (240 km) from Muscat and we decide to stop in Nizwa, on route to pick up food supplies. Nizwa is the center of Oman's date growing region and its Friday market is an event not to be missed. But today we quickly make our purchases and push on. As we begin our ascent, we immediately notice the drop in temperature. Magnificent enough to earn the title the grand canyon, Jebel Shams offers some of the best camping and views on the Arabian Peninsula.
The next morning, the sun breaks around 7am and the warmth on our faces is immediate. It's such a beautiful way to wake! We pack up and head for the coastal town of Sur, stopping along the way at another "not to be missed" destination, the Wahiab Sands. Here you can look out on (or venture into) a huge sand sea where only experienced Bedouin know the secret to survival. Guided tours are available or you can book a night camp. It is also possible to drive a little way in with a 4x4 vehicle -- but not too far!
We head south through the port of Sur to the famous White Beach known primarily to residents and expats. This may not be true much longer as talk of development is in the air. We collect a few shells and potter while the sun sets. From our campsite we watch dolphins playing just off the beach.
Our camping time comes to an end the following morning and we head back via Quariyat - a coastal fishing and farming region worth a stop for coffee then to back to the Chedi.
Our last night takes in a visit to another "meeting place". We eat at a small Pakistani restaurant in Ruwi, the bustling centre of the Asian population. Gold shops, electronics stores and numerous eating places make this place lively and colorful. Such contrast to the serene nature of the Chedi but one that adds to the experience of Oman!
Our experience of Oman is one of serenity. Travel here involves minimal stress and the people are friendly and welcoming. Still, the country is rugged and truly raw. No one controls this desert. We are merely its guests and with true mid-eastern hospitality, it delivers nothing but the best.
Best time to goo: Anytime! But if you like it cooler try from November to March. August can be around 10 degrees cooler than normal as there is a monsoon that clips the southern part of the country. The Dhofar region turns into green fertile hills for the summer months.
4x4 hire: Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre
Tel. 00 968 24485663
Fax. 00 968 24485774
GSM: 00 968 99698023
Email: sasha@holiday-in-oman.com
Places to see: Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souk and fish market, Nizwa, various forts. Above all explore and find Oman, not just the listed sites. It is full of hidden treasures.
Like Us
Facebook
Follow Us
Twitter
Follow us
Instagram
Sign-up for Our Email Newsletter
FIND A LUXURY HOTEL & BOOK WITH EXCLUSIVE PERKS!
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bhutan
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
England
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji Islands
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Galapagos
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Martinique
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Russia
Scotland
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
St Vincent & the Grenadines
St. Barthelemy
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Martin
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Turkey
Turks & Caicos
U.S. Virgin Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Wales
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Beach
City
Coastal
Countryside
Desert
Golf Course
Island
Jungle
Lakeside
Mountains
Remote
Waterfront
Wilderness
Adventure/Eco/Nature
Culture
Business Meeting
Casino/Gambling
Food & Wine
Family Vacation
Golf Getaway
Pet Friendly
Romantic Getaway
Safari
Scuba Diving
Shopping & Fashion
Ski Vacation
Spa & Wellness
Villas
Wedding
Wineries / Wine Tasting
Luxury Partners
Aman Resorts - Luxury resorts, hotels and private residences in awe-inspiring locations around the world
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa - Rancho Santa Fe, California - One of the West’s most sought-after five star resorts
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection - Costa Rica
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel - Santa Barbara, California - Experience timeless Californian glamor.
The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi - The Ranch Malibu brings its award winning wellness program just 50 minutes from Rome.
VOYAGES MAGAZINE - Cruising the World in Style
Trump International Hotel Waikiki - Five-star amenities steps from the beach
Red Savannah: Luxury Villas and Tailor-Made Holidays
The Luxury of Simplicity in Japan: Exceptional Resorts in Tochigi’s Nikko Area
Relais Christine - Paris, France - Relais & Chateaux - A secret, tranquil world in the heart of Paris' Left Bank
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac - Quebec City, Canada - Breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the UNESCO Old fortified city
Hotel Saint James - Paris, France - Relais & Chateaux - The only chateau-hotel in Paris, an architectural jewel tucked away in the 16th.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa - Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii - Beachfront Resort
Silversea - Experience All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury Cruises
1900 Inn on Montford - a historic, four-diamond bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina
CordeValle - A luxury retreat in a picturesque setting in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa - Lakeside retreat 2-1/2 hours north of Toronto
Grand Hotel Portovenere - Cinque Terre - Discover this beautiful region of Italy!
A.M.A Selections - Luxury Villa Rentals throughout Europe
Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort - Porto Ercole, Tuscany, Italy
Dude Ranchers Association - An all-inclusive vacation experience like no other
Luxo Italia - Curated Luxury Travel in Italy
Home in Italy: The Finest Collection of Luxury Villas Since 1994
The St. Regis Deer Valley - Park City, Utah - Exhilarating activities in the summer and the winter
Porto Zante Villas & Spa - Zakynthos, Greece - The leading villa resort in Europe
Luxury Camp - Italy - On the beach a half hour from Venice's historic center