You’ll want to add Oman to your travel bucket list this year because, well, the secret’s out, it’s the hidden gem of the Middle East. Spending days exploring majestic mountains and glittering coastlines, followed by nights of fine dining and staying at luxury resorts nestled in the desert are *few* of the reasons you’ll be searching for flights to Oman ASAP for the ultimate getaway.
9 am: Jebel Shams via-Ferrata Adventure with @wadi.adventure
For all the thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies, you’ll be in your element on this all-encompassing adventure set on Oman’s highest mountain, Jebel Shams, and overlooking the “Omani Grand Canyon”: Wadi Ghul. Explore abandoned villages and take in the insane views as you hike along a narrow path on the edge of the 2,000-metre deep canyon (super cajj), abseil down a cave to a hidden pool among the rocks, and ascend a vertical (!) rock face using a Via-Ferrata route.
Disclaimer: This unforgettable dusk to dawn adventure is not for the fainthearted and acrophobic but so worth it if you’re up for conquering a few fears.
1 pm: Lunch at @huqqamuscat
If you consider yourself a foodie with a taste for fine dining, then you’ll love Huqqa Muscat. Super stretchy pants are the way to go as you make your way through their satisfy-every-craving menu from a seafood spread, to a steak dinner or international cuisine with a ‘Turkish twist’. That being said, make sure you’re ready for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a show.
We’re talking servers having dance parties around your table as they light the fuse of a bomb-shaped casing that explodes open and serves you a smoking cocktail…enough said. Oh, and top tip: having Baklava with Turkish tea for dessert is the way to go. huqqa.com
4 pm: Check-in at @thousand_nights_oman
If you can’t decide between quiet tranquillity or an exciting adventure, you’ll want to spend a night at Thousand Nights Camp – an oasis in the middle of the desert with the perf blend of luxury, experience and authenticity.
Spend the evenings marvelling at the starry sky while sippin’ on a mocktail at the desert ship lounge before heading to the majlis firepit to watch a movie. But you’ll definitely want to get a good night’s sleep if you’re one for catching an incred sunrise and filling your days with back to back activities. Traversing the desert via quad bike or camel before relaxing by the pool anyone?
11 am: Dimaniyat Islands boat trip with @hiking_adventures.om
Book a boat trip to spend a day hoping the white-sand beaches and clear glittering blue waters of Dimaniyat Islands. On the 30-40 min ride out, try your hand at some fun watersports including wakeboarding, wake surfing, or flying underwater on a sub wing. Oh, and if you’re lucky you’ll be joined by a pod of jumping dolphins on the way. Near the shallow clear waters, hop in with some snorkelling gear (and a waterproof camera!) to marvel at the rich coral reefs, swimming amongst sea turtles and multicoloured marine life in Oman.
Spend the rest of the day getting your tan by laying on the white sands of your basically private island. Oh, and since trips are limited to protect this UNESCO protected site, you’ll want to plan your trip between November-April when the islands are open for tours otherwise you’ll probs regret it forever.