Our adventure began at the Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel close to Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. The drive through the rugged mountains offers breathtaking views at every turn and as you arrive, the landscape transforms into dramatic cliffs and deep gorges, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Hiking enthusiasts will find lots of trails here, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. One popular route is the Wadi Ghul Rim Trail, which offers panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. The cool mountain air is refreshing and the sight of falcons soaring overhead adds to the adventure.

The Alila hotel is a beautiful private hotel nestled on the edge of a canyon with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is the perfect place to relax after a flight and two and a half hour drive from the airport. There’s a wide range of activities on offer including mountain bike hire, geology walks, stargazing tours, and the terrifying ‘via ferrata’ which beats any coffee to wake you up in the morning!

After a restful couple of nights at the Alila we headed to Nizwa, one of Oman’s most historically significant cities. Famous for its impressive fort and vibrant souq, Nizwa is a must visit for anyone wanting to understand Omani culture.

The Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century, is an architectural marvel. Climb to the top for a stunning view of the surrounding palm date plantations and the Hajar Mountains. Inside, you can learn about the fort’s history and its role in protecting the city.

After exploring the fort, make your way to the Nizwa Souq, where you can find traditional handicrafts, silver jewellery, spices and, of course, the famous Omani khanjar (dagger). The souq comes alive on Fridays when the lively goat market takes place—do not miss this unique experience!

To truly savour Omani flavours, try the local cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants. Dishes like harees (a wheat and meat dish) and halwa (a sweet confection) are not to be missed. The majboos (spiced rice with meat) was exceptional and even the local ‘Icy Monkey’ cola was pretty good!

From here it’s a two hour drive to Muscat where tradition meets modernity. As you stroll through the streets, you will be greeted by the striking blend of ancient architecture and contemporary buildings. A must visit is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a stunning masterpiece that can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers. Its intricate design, adorned with handwoven carpets and a magnificent chandelier, is breathtaking.

After the mosque head over to the Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world. Here, you can lose yourself among stalls filled with spices, textiles, and traditional Omani crafts. Don’t forget to bargain a little; it’s all part of the experience! Enjoy a cup of Omani coffee with dates at one of the local cafes. Our guide advised that Omani dates are second only to Saudi Arabian dates; I’ve never been a huge date fan but I’m now a convert, especially paired with Arabic coffee and pistachio tahini.

In the evening, take a stroll along the Corniche. The sunset over the Arabian Sea casts a golden hue over the historic forts and coastline. Enjoy dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants and indulge in traditional Omani dishes like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb). 

Unlike glitzier neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Muscat is a low-rise city with the tallest building a Sheraton hotel at 53 metres; wherever you look you have the striking Hajar mountains as a backdrop.

After diving deep into Oman’s history, it’s time to explore its natural wonders. The Dimaniyat Islands, a protected nature reserve, are paradise for snorkellers and divers. Located about an hour from Muscat, these islands are known for their clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Join a boat tour from Muscat to the islands, where you can swim alongside colourful fish, explore coral reefs, and even catch a glimpse of sea turtles. On the day we visited we saw loads of turtles, stingray and fish everywhere. The coral is as good, if not better than the Maldives.

Back on land we stayed at the two year-old Jumeirah Muscat Bay hotel, a beautiful new addition to the Muscat coastline. Lovely hi-tec rooms combined with first class cuisine and an enviable private bay location make this a welcome respite after a day exploring. Remember it is hotter away from the mountains with Muscat approximately 12 degrees warmer than Jebel Shams.

We didn’t visit, but Salalah in the south is a tropical gem that offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delightful experiences. Known for its lush greenery and beautiful beaches, Salalah transforms during the khareef season (June to September), when the monsoon rains turn the desert into a verdant paradise. It’s accessible by air from Muscat or as part of a larger fly drive itinerary and Trailfinders offer the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and the Alila Hinu Bay hotel which both look fantastic.

Oman is a destination that captivates the senses, from stunning landscapes to a rich culture and history. Whether you are exploring the bustling streets of Muscat, hiking the rugged trails of Jebel Shams, or relaxing on the pristine shores of Muscat Beach, every moment in Oman is filled with wonder.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Oman Holidays pages.