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Oman

Incredible landscapes & vibrant history

Oman tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Oman is one of the most enchanting countries in the Middle East. And, although it has only opened up to tourism relatively recently, the Sultanate has much to offer visitors, from the spectacular Al-Hajar Mountains and the bustling capital, Muscat to the lush southern region around Salalah, where archaeological parks meet delightful waterfalls and glorious, golden beaches.

The country retains a distinctly Arabian feel, in contrast to the modern metropolises in other parts of the region. Instead of glass and concrete, you'll find traditional whitewashed buildings and the beautiful domes and minarets of mosques - the result of the Sultan's strictly enforced ban on high-rise structures. Labyrinthine souks are also waiting to be explored, colourful market places where exotic spices and local handicrafts are bought and sold.

Some of the region's finest luxury hotels fringe the Oman coastline, where sandy bays spill down to a warm sea home to abundant bird and marine life. Indeed, as well as dolphins and whales, Oman has some of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the world.

Inland, rare Arabian Oryx roam the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter. This divine desert landscape is home to the Bedouin and extends into neighbouring Saudi Arabia. Its sands and people inspired the travels and writings of explorer Wilfred Thesiger and continue to inspire those who venture into Oman's interior on guided desert tours. Then, in the mountainous north, luxury hotels overlook dramatic canyons, tailor-made for climbing and hikes between hidden villages.

 

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At a glance

Flying time from UK
7½ hours

Time zone
GMT +4

Currency
Omani rial (OR) = 1000 baiza

Language
Arabic and English

Travel advice
Check the FCDO for visa & travel advice

Top itineraries in Oman

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Oman

Oman in Style with Anantara

12-day tailor-made holiday from £5,010 pp incl. flights

This luxury holiday, staying at two spectacular Anantara resorts, combines the breathtaking beauty of Oman’s mountainous interior with the gold-sands beauty of its coast.

Wahiba Sands, Oman

Northern Oman Adventure

9-day tailor-made holiday from £4,700 pp incl. flights

See the varied natural and cultural highlights of northern Oman on this unforgettable private tour of its coast, desert and mountains.

Alila Jabal Akhdar

Luxury Oman: Muscat and Mountains

8-day tailor-made holiday from £3,540 pp incl. flights

Discover Oman in style, staying at the Alila Jabal Akhdar on the edge of a dramatic canyon before enjoying some beachside relaxation at the Al Husn Hotel at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort.

Top places to stay in Oman

Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Contemporary resort

Shangri-La’s award-winning Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is a luxury complex of three hotels set between rugged mountains and the Gulf of Oman’s sparkling Al Jissah Bay, in Oman’s capital city of Muscat.

The Watergardens, The Chedi Muscat, Oman

The Chedi Muscat

Guide price from £1,615 pp

This 5* beachfront gem offers an exceptional spa, a private beach and an Asian and Mediterranean restaurant that’s one of the best in the city.

Alila Jabal Akhdar

Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman

Designer hotel

This exceptional, eco-friendly boutique property is the first Alila property in the region. A mix of tradition, nature and contemporary living, it is a very welcome and unexpected base from which to explore this fascinating part of Oman.

Sunrise from The View

The View, Oman

Small & intimate resort

The View is located in the rugged, mountainous region of Oman, 1,400m above sea level and reached by scenic winding roads. The View is an ’Eco Luxe’ retreat, but an experience where nature and spectacular views are the order of the day.

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Where to go in Oman

Nizwa

The old capital Nizwa is the birthplace of Islam in Oman and the site of many castles and ancient mosques.

Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands is a remote sea of sand dunes, best experienced on a guided desert tour. Although sometimes called the Sharqiya Sands, this enticing swathe of honey-coloured sands is most often referred to as Wahiba, after the name of the local tribe.

Camels, Salalah, Oman

Salalah

Salalah is the gateway to the unspoiled beaches of southern Oman and the mountains of Dhofar, which turn lush and green after the summer monsoon rains, the Khareef.

Muscat

Oman's clean and amiable capital city, Muscat, is the main entry point for most visitors. It's a pleasant mix of old and new, and a lovely place to spend a few days before venturing further afield. Muscat means ‘anchorage' and the sea is integral to the life of the city, with cruise ships and tradi…

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Oman articles

  • Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

    Oman with Anantara

    Throughout the Arabian Peninsula, there are some truly stunning beaches. But, while the crowds flock to Dubai’s oversubscribed sands, those in the know are heading south to Oman, sacrificing the faux-glitz and gaudiness for something altogether more authentic.

  • Lake Como, Italy

    Top 10 places to visit this autumn

    Whether it’s island relaxation in the sun or a Big-Five safari, this is a collection of our finest autumn escapes. There are also plenty of insiders’ tips, including America’s secret ‘fall foliage’.

  • Rose Season in Oman

    Visiting Oman in the Rose Season

    While Dubai builds high and Qatar flaunts its wealth, Oman – in its silent deserts, low-rise towns and fishing village coastlines – keeps the region’s rich, Arabian heritage alive. We take a look at the beauty of this country during its sensational springtime rose season.

  • Travels in Arabia

    Oman is a rare mix of the exotic and familiar, the traditional and modern.  Add to that the clutch of slick hotels dotted around the country - which range from desert camps to ornate palaces - and you have a destination just waiting to be discovered.  

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Meet our Oman experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0621

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0621 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
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  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
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