Oman

Oman resorts offer some of the cleanest beaches around.  On your holidays in Oman there are a wide range of activities on offer for holidaymakers, including sand skiing in the desert, scuba diving, rock climbing, trekking, surfing or for a more authentic feel, camel racing. The capital, Muscat is home to annual festival called the “The Muscat Festival”, which shows off Oman’s culture with traditional dances and food. “The Khareef Festival” similar to the Muscat Festival is held in August every year in Salalah, Dhofar; it also attracts a number of people because of the cool breezes drifting into the city from the mountains at this time of the year. Oman offers year-round sunshine, although the most popular time to visit is the British winter months from October to April. January and February are the coolest months of the year and the summer months are from May to September, where temperatures can reach the high 40’s C (104 F).  If the summer months are too hot and the humidity is too much to handle, then Southern Oman can be a welcome haven, specifically the Salahah and Dhofar regions. These lie on the tip of the monsoon belt and experience regular rainfall in the sweltering summer months, creating a beautiful fertile landscape and also a popular destination for locals during the summer months, as temperatures generally remain below 35 C (95 F). Oman holidays will give you the opportunity to see desert oases, ancient forts and hill villages that show today’s Oman and its 5000 year-old culture. Oman, with its untouched beautiful scenery, wildlife, exceptional ecological features, and great authentic food and music, has shown its potential as a top destination amongst holidaymakers. Covering an area of approximately 300,000 square kilometres, the land is comprised of a variety of topographic features with valleys and deserts dominating the land mass. Historically Oman’s contact to the rest of the world has been through the sea. Now the sea has become the best link for all costal towns in Oman.

From north to south, east to west, you will be able to find something you’re looking for on your holidays to Oman. Muscat, the capital is divided into three districts, Muscat, Multrah and Ruwii. Muscat is an old walled port town and is dominated by the Sultan’s palace and buildings of the royal court and government offices. Bahia is an ancient town with seven miles of defensive walls. The town is known for its pottery and has some great markets. Qurum is the place that shows off Oman’s archaeology, history and culture and is located on the palm fringed coast and has great beaches and fishing grounds. Sohar, with a long, rich sailing history is an area known for a large number of fisherman and fruit-sellers. Jebel Akhdar, otherwise known as the “Green Mountain,” rises to almost 3000 metres. Jebel Akhdar is renowned for its date palm groves and is one of the most picturesque villages in Oman. Oman hotels are strategically placed in the most beautiful places in major towns. To match the scenic outdoors hotels in Oman include a selection of fully furnished accommodation, fine restaurants, and sports and recreational activities, live entertainment and well trained friendly staff to add to the holiday experience. The Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa comprises of three luxury hotels located in Muscat, Al Waha which is the perfect choice for families or groups travelling together. Al Bander which is located in the heart of the resort and Al Husn, one of the more secluded, exclusive retreats. All rooms in the hotel are spacious and designed to reflect the Arabian tradition of Oman. The Al Bustan Palace, located in Muscat is set against a mountain backdrop on 200 acres of private beach and green gardens. With the business and commercial districts close by and many other must see sights such as the Al Alam Palace, this traditional yet modern Oman hotel is in a wonderful location. The Grand Hyatt, located on the sandy beaches of Shatti Al Qurm overlooking the waters of the Gulf of Oman, the Grand Hyatt is one of the largest hotels in Muscat and with a variety of restaurants, bars such as the John Barry Bar and clubs such as the buzzing Club Saffari or Copacabana night club. The Grand Hyatt is a must see upon visiting Oman. One of the best resort escapes is “The Chedi”, located alongside the crystal waters of the Gulf of Oman and just a short drive from the airport the five star hotel offers a range of full equipped rooms, two swimming pools, a water garden and private stretch of beach. With all the major franchising present in Oman you will feel at home but Oman offers a number of restaurants serving authentic home cuisine in restaurants such as the Al-Bander lounge and Bait Al Bahar. With a growth in visitors deciding to come to holiday in Oman, the plan to modernise and expand Muscat’s airport are underway. Currently a number of airlines fly to Oman, with the biggest airlines being Oman Air, Emirates and Lufthansa. Whether it’s a cheap holiday to Oman or a package holiday Oman style, with all year round sunshine you will be sure to find the perfect personalised booking for your travels. Whether it’s a shopping or exploration holiday you seek, Oman has it all. No visit to Muscat is complete without visiting Mutrah Souq, one of Muscat’s oldest markets with many tiny stalls selling Omani treasures from jewellery to clothing. Blessed with scenic beaches such as the Qurum, Mughsail and Bandar beach which offer a variety of activities from sailing to diving. A Dhow cruise which is a traditional wooden boat is an excellent way to have a closer look at the marine life such as dolphins and whales which are alp present in the clear waters. Home to the second largest cave in the world, the Majlis al-jhinn. With its long passages and crystal clear streams, the Majlis Al-Jhinn is an astonishing natural attraction.