Adventure travel in Oman: Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

The waters surrounding Oman are rich in wildlife and natural beauty. From dhow cruises and scuba diving to sailing and snorkelling, there’s plenty to keep lovers of the sea active all year round.

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

With 3,165km of coastline coupled with warm waters and shallow reefs, Oman’s shores provide both snorkelers and scuba divers the chance to savour life under the waves. It is common to see rays, turtles and dolphins. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a sperm whale or two. Favourite snorkel and dive spots include:

• The Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve, a UNESCO site with coral reefs, endangered hawksbill turtles and a spectacular array of tropical fish
• The secluded coves, mangroves and creeks of Bandar Khayran. This reserve hosts 22 top-notch dive spots, yet is just a 20-minute boat hop from downtown Muscat
• Fahal Island, or Shark Island, a popular nesting ground for sharks. Located 4km off of the Muscat coastline, Fahal Island is a protected nature reserve
• The northern Musandam Peninsula, where sites like Lima Rock host barracuda, turtles, sunfish, parrotfish, reef and whale sharks
• And the unspoiled beaches and rocky coastline of southern Salalah.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Top 6 Destinations for Spa & Wellness in Oman

AlBustan Beach

What is your aim when traveling? Do you look for get healthy and stay healthy besides enjoying your spare time?

If you are looking for a place with wellness purpose, that's a noble goal - one that many people make when traveling to Oman. 

When visiting Oman, there is plenty to see and do. Perfect for everyone from nature lovers and active travelers, to foodies and those just looking to relax with the family. Visitors have the opportunity to experience this southern paradise set amongst mountain ranges, fresh water springs and tropical scenery, at its best during rainy season, and home to the famous Frankincense Trails.

While wellness tourism is often correlated with Oman, Spas are also quite popular, and offer various personal care treatments.

This is our Top 6:

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Bandar - Muscat, Oman

A hidden retreat set amid 124 acres of ocean and desert scenery just fifteen minutes from the Sultanate's capital of Muscat, the luxurious Shangri - Las's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa expresses the welcoming heritage of Oman.

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Bandar - Muscat, Oman

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Husn - Muscat, Oman

The 180 rooms and suites at Al Husn are among the largest and most luxurious in Oman, with an inviting decor inspired by royal Arabian palaces, accented by authentic Omani artworks.

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Husn - Muscat, Oman

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Waha - Muscat, Oman

Whether your plans include adventure, rejuvenation or pure relaxation, Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa offers an  enticing array of activities for both adults and young people.

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Al Waha - Muscat, Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman Luxury Resort & Spa

The setting of the indigenous village style accommodations and private marina is dramatic, with mountains on one side and a 1.6 - kilometres sandy beach at Zighy Bay on the other.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman Luxury Resort & Spa

Millenium Resort Mussanah

Newly opened, Zayna Spa at Millenium Resort Mussanah boasts 11 spacious treatment rooms, including one indulgent couples' suite and Oman's only Ayurvedic facility, Hammam, steam rooms, Jacuzzi and ladies lounge overlooking the private Marina.

Millenium Resort Mussanah

The Chedi, Muscat, Oman

For those that want to maintain their fitness regime or simply want to stay active during their stay there is also a modern and well equipped gym. The Spa combine dramatic Omani architecture with calming Asian interiors.

The Chedi, Muscat, Oman

Oman provides the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying your chosen treatment and offer a blend of traditional and new therapies which are designed to promote better balance between mind, body and spirit.

Recently Oman was shortlisted for the Travel Agents Choice Awards. Nomination close on October 8. 

Wherever you choose to stay in Oman, you are assured that all senses will be sated. [CLICK TO TWEET]

Beauty has an address... Oman!

Adventure travel in Oman: Super Spelunking and Creative Caving

Wadi Bani Jabir, located in Oman’s Al Sharqiyah region, is home to the second largest cave chamber in the world. The Majlis al Jinn (“Home of the Genie”) is estimated to measure around 60,000m2 – the size of seven aircraft hangars – and is accessed via plunging abseils. The cave also boasts two massive drops (160m and 120m) plus magnificent cave formations coloured in delicate shades of pink, yellow, gold, beige and grey. The cave even has its own subterranean lake.

Novice cavers will enjoy Al-Hoota Cave, located at the foot of Jabal Shams. The lower part of the cave is an eco-friendly tourist attraction. Guided tours escort visitors along illuminated pathways, passing crystal-garnished walls and the underground lake’s rare garra bareimiae, blind and spookily transparent fish. Intrepid spelunkers may also head to Teiq Cave, in Oman’s southern Dhofar region. This natural wonder possesses one of the largest sinkholes in the world. It is fed by two grand wadis, which replenish the pool when it rains. Seeking the Sultanate’s prettiest sinkhole? Take a dip in the Bimmah Sinkhole’s translucent turquoise waters, located near Dibab, east of Muscat.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Adventure travel in Oman: Towering Mountains

Oman is a sublime destination for serious climbers. More than 160 ascents – from beginner’s grades to technical ascents – have been established throughout the country.

The highest mountain range in Oman, Jabal Akhdar (“Green Mountain”) takes its name from the year-round vegetation that covers its slopes. The range’s tallest peak, Jabal Shams (“Mountain of the Sun”), stands at 3,009 metres, over double the height of Britain’s Ben Nevis. Sheer rock faces provide thrilling climbs, while Jebel Misfah features ascents that vary from 120 to 500 metres. Perhaps the best-known climbing site is nearby Jebel Misht. It remains the largest and most challenging rock face on the Arabian Peninsula. Climbers must be in top physical condition; engaging a local guide is also advised.

It was British RAF pilots who pioneered rock-climbing in northern Oman in the 1960s. British climbers have continued to set up and promote routes in Oman since the 1980s, including Derbyshire-born climbing legend John Gregory. Climber and author Alan Stark describes the Omani trekking route Stairway to Heaven (built by the local Shihu tribe and connecting the Wadi Litibah in Oman with Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE) as "a five-star expedition with over 2,000 metres of ascent and descent”. Neil Gresham, currently one of Britain's best all around climbers and a top climbing coach, enthusiastically recommends Oman for deep water soloing, or rock-climbing on cliff-faces along the Arabian Sea.

For canyoners, the sublime Wadi Bimmah (“Snake Gorge”), 145km southwest of Muscat, is a 200-m deep canyon, approximately three kilometres in length. It boasts its own Via Ferrata, a vertiginous route lined with steel cables and bridges. Equally exhilarating is Bandar Khayran’s Via Ferrata, which skirts cliffs above the Arabian Sea. Be sure to pack your own climbing gloves.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Adventure travel in Oman: Desert Safairs

Oman fascinates lovers of the great outdoors. Adventure seekers will revel in skyscraping mountains, subterranean caves and hundreds of kilometres of desert dunes.

Desert Safaris

Oman is home to a breath-taking expanse of sandy desert. At 650,000km2, the Empty Quarter spills over the country’s borders into Saudia Arabia, UAE and Yemen to make up one of the largest deserts in the world. However, Oman’s most striking desert is the Wahiba Sands (known locally as Sharqiya Sands), home to massive dunes that can measure up to 200 metres. This desert stretches for more than 200km. It tumbles down from the Eastern Hajar Mountains before crashing into the Arabian Sea.

Visitors may explore Oman’s vast deserts Bedouin style by bumping along atop a camel. Others may prefer the comfort of a modern 4WD, or may be inspired to follow to Tour of Oman cycle route on two wheels. However you travel, exhilarating experiences include witnessing a desert sunset, camping overnight at a Bedouin desert village and sandboarding down the dunes. 

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Why We Love Oman (And You Should, Too!)

Oman’s story began over 10,000 years ago where people began to settle in the Muscat Governate during the Stone Age.  A traditional craft that has developed through many generations since then is one that is considered an ancient industry. Omani’s proudly display their pottery pieces as a distinct testimony to the extent to which civilisation has advanced. Although it is often thought of as one of the most primitive and simple forms of art, the intricacy and skill to mould clay into cleverly crafted pots represents the livelihood of many traditional Omani families. Frankincense burners are a great example.

Traditional Craft and Pottery Pieces

The beauty of Oman continues as it is among the leading countries in the world that support a multitude of other craft industries. The Al Jabal Al Akhdar (the Green Mountain) blooms with roses in April and the farmers who planted, pruned and picked roses reap the harvest of their efforts: the production of distilled rose water.  Harvesting of Frankincense is also a practiced tradition with the trade having been passed down through generations. The frankincense trees or the ‘Land of Frankincense’ is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site marking another segment of Omani heritage that has “outstanding universal value” (UNESCO).

Land of Frankincense

Moving out to salty waters, the climate of Oman below the sea creates an underwater paradise for both fisherman and divers. The nutrient rich water boosts the ecology as huge shoals of fish feed off phytoplankton, making the waters along Salalah’s coast one of the best stretches for fishing among the world’s oceans. Pods of dolphins, manta ray and turtles make for a stunning scuba diving adventure while a resident group of Humpback Whales are the only whales in the world that don’t migrate and can frequently be spotted in the Arabian Sea. Oman’s rich marine bio-systems add another chapter to Oman’s ‘fairytale’ to fall in love with.

Fisherman

Oman’s story continues. Discover the richness of the Omani life... Chapters of culture, history and heritage await.

Beauty has an address - Oman

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM EXHIBITING AT THE BIRMINGHAM CRUISE SHOW

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM EXHIBITING AT THE BIRMINGHAM  CRUISE SHOW

STAND B40

In the last decade, Oman has seen cruise passenger arrivals increase to in excess of quarter of a million per annum.  With cruise ships stopping on round-the-world voyages, repositioning voyages to and from Asia or as a key feature of itineraries by ships operating in Arabian Water, Oman has firmly established itself as an up-and-coming cruise ship destination.

Muscat, Khasab and Salalah are the three key ports servicing the country, allowing passengers to explore the rich and varied wildlife and cultural heritage Oman has to offer. Discover the wide range of attractions when having a day stop-over in Oman, including visits to a number of museums and art galleries, a trip to a Bedouin camp or a dive into Oman’s rich marine life at one of the numerous diving spots.

Muscat, the capital of Oman is a perfect blend of old and new and has a wonderful landscape with mountains on the one side and the beautiful Indian Ocean on the other. Muscat’s most popular attractions are the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, the Al Alam Palace , Mutrah Souk,  Bait al Zubair museum and the Big Bus Tour  and for a little more adventure try a four wheel drive safari in the desert. For something totally different, cruise to Salalah in the south of Oman and experience the Dhofar region’s lush green landscapes. Unspoiled beaches make Salalah a true paradise for water sports, ideal for scuba diving, canoeing, sailing and jet skiing. The Musandam Peninsula (Khasab), is a rugged region with an impressive natural beauty in particular the Hajar Mountains descending into the Arabian Sea. Make a trip in a traditional wooden dhow to discover the fishing villages and the cliffs of the Hajar Mountains. Most of the luxury cruise tour operators visit Khasab.

Many tour operators offer cruises that stop in Oman, starting from 15-day cruises. Fred Olsen Cruises offers a 19 day ‘fly and cruise’ from £999 per person and stops at Oman’s second largest city and busiest cruise port, Salalah (www.fredolsencruises.com). Visitors who want to see more of the Sultanate have the option to cruise more ports and see the variety of Oman’s different regions. Voyages of Discovery offers an 18 day cruise and will stop in Muscat, Sur and Salalah, from £1149 per person (www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk).

For more information, please visit the website www.omantourism.gov.om.

MUSCAT, THE EAGLE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

THE OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM SPENT THE WEEKEND AT RUTLAND BIRDFAIR – “MUSCAT, THE EAGLE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD”

Oman’s bird-watching scene is ever increasing with 517 species recorded on the Oman Bird list an impressive number considering Oman is an arid country with no real forests and vast areas of deserts. The country is a bird-watcher’s paradise, including scores of unusual indigenous species as well as many foreign birds such as the Golden Oriole, Nightjar and White Stork. Between September and November, Oman is on the migration route for many types of eagles, such as the Imperial Eagle and the Greater Spotted Eagle. In particular, Masirah Island is known to be Oman’s top spot for twitchers.

March is one of the best months for bird-watching due to cooler temperatures and migratory patterns. Visitors can see many species of birds in each of Oman’s different regions. The Al Ansab wetlands in Muscat, Al Hikam Peninsula, Masirah Island, Wusta Governorate beaches, the Lagoona, and the beaches and springs in Dhofar are ideal locations for bird-watchers. Many exotic species also live on the Dimaniyat Islands and in Musandam.

The Oman Botanic Garden, a new world-class development to celebrate, research, cherish and protect the unique plants, wildlife, environment and botanical heritage of Oman is located just outside Muscat and is a long-term project. The 420ha project is currently under construction; when complete it will be the largest botanic garden in the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors can experience the diverse habitats of Oman, investigate the orientation centre, explore the site, discover traditional Omani skills at the craft village, learn at the field studies centre, buy Omani plants at the plant shop and much more. To follow its development path see www.omanbotanicgarden.com.

For more information on birding in Oman please click here.