Oman

Not so long ago, Oman was known only as a distant land; a country located somewhere in the Middle East that even the grade-A geography students would have trouble pointing out on an Atlas. In recent years, however, this jewel of a country has grown into an emerging travel destination in Asia. Vastly unexplored and relatively undeveloped, this is a land rich in both natural and manmade attractions; from the gleaming mosques and boisterous souqs of the capital, Muscat, to the ancient fort ruins running along the palm tree-fringed coastlines – not forgetting the country’s barren desert dunes at Wahiba Sands in the east and throughout the Empty Quarter in the south.

Heralded as one of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East, Oman’s untouched scenery paints a picture of stark contrasts. Impressive Wadis (valleys) formed by ancient rivers cut through the mountainous landscape, with the site at Ghul in the north often drawing similarities to the Grand Canyon, just on a smaller scale. Jump on a plane from Muscat to the southern city of Salalah and you could be fooled into thinking you have switched continents, with the dry, rocky landscape of the capital transforming into luscious green countryside that enjoys the monsoon rains and cooler air spilling over from the Indian Ocean.

Oman Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Oman Itineraries

Classic Oman

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,100
See Itinerary

Arabian Peninsula: Art On The Beach

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,600
See Itinerary

Beautiful Oman: Jewel of the Middle East

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,300
See Itinerary

City to Desert to Island: An Omani Adventure

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary

Earlymoon Getaway to Dubai and Oman

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,500
See Itinerary

From Desert to City: A Luxury Trek Across Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Dubai

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $17,200
See Itinerary

Khasab Mountain and Fjord City Break

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Sea, Sand & Sail in Amazing Oman

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,800
See Itinerary

The Highs and Lows of Awe-Inspiring Al Hajar

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Traditions and Cultures of the Arabian Gulf

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,200
See Itinerary
Preferred Hotel

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Salalah, Oman

Situated along the white-sand beaches of Oman, this stylish resort features luxurious guestrooms and a collection of spacious villas that boast private pools. Perfect for romantic getaways and pleasure trips, the Anantara Salalah also houses three gourmet restaurants which serve a variety of flavors and an opulent spa that ensures guests can find a premium state of relaxation. Additionally, the resort's youth clubs make it an excellent destination for families as well.

Preferred Hotel

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Muscat, Oman

The rugged Al Hajar mountains make a rustic backdrop behind the fortress-like Al Bustan Palace, which overlooks a canopy of perfectly-manicured lawns and an expansive half-mile private beach. Authentic Arab influences run throughout the hotel and its 150 rooms to remind guests of the rich and ostentatious Arabian culture. Beautifully-designed interiors are an artistic combination of old and new, fusing local traditions and art deco hints to create a unique melange of Middle Eastern culture and art. Particularly notable is the spectacular 125-foot-high domed atrium lobby, which, along with the ornate wall covers and intricate carvings has earnt the hotel the extravagant reputation as the ‘Jewel of the Sultanate’. Its idyllic location and range of facilities gives guests the opportunity to indulge in a number of watersports or simply relax in one of the five outdoor pools. Four exquisite dining options from alluring beachfront restaurants provide guests with spectacular sea views while they savour exceptional flavors from around the world.

Preferred Hotel

Alila Hinu Bay

Salalah, Oman

A beachfront location on the lapping shores of the Indian Ocean, tucked away on Oman's southwest coast, Alila Hinu Bay offers a private and tropical oasis in Dhofar. Comprised of 96 guest rooms and 16 pool villas decorated in clean, contemporary styles, Hinu Bay is about artisanal living, indulgence and sophistication. Enjoy the stretch of unspoilt coastline, as well as Dhofar's attractions, including the lush Wadi Darbat valleys and fairy-tale waterfalls, Mirbat Castle and its surrounding historic merchant houses, Sumhuram Archaeological Park and Khor Rori, the largest natural reserve in the region.
Preferred Hotel

Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort

Jabal Akhdar, Oman

The Al Hajar mountains form one of the most photogenic regions of Oman - a widely underrated country known throughout the Middle East for its diverse natural beauty and fascinating culture. The Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort takes full advantage of the location, perched thousands of feet above sea level, looking down into a spectacular gorge that plummets to the ground below. And it's not just a good location that sets this resort apart from the rest. The wonderfully appointed range of suites here boast 'ridge', 'mountain' or 'horizon' views, each as spectacular as the next. This, after all, is a five-star hotel, so expect the rooms to come fully furnished with all the facilities you would expect; this means free high-speed WiFi, cable TV, air conditioning and lavish en-suite bathrooms with a quality range of toiletries. Away from the rooms, take a dip in one of the indoor or outdoor swimming pools, or enjoy delicious, elegantly presented local specialities at the resort's signature 'Juniper Restaurant' or adjacent 'Rose Lounge'. There's also an onsite business center, a luxurious spa and free parking for guests coming by car. Alila Jabal Akhdar is approximately 2.5 hours away from the major Muscat International Airport of Oman.

Preferred Hotel

Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar

Jabal Akhdar, Oman

In Oman’s northwest lies Green Mountain, and here, upon Saiq Plateau, sits Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. More than 6500 feet above sea level, it is the Middle East’s highest five-star resort and, perched on the rim of a vast plunging canyon, the views from every vantage point are stunning. Surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery, and with all the benefits of a temperate climate, the resort is perfectly situated just two hours’ drive from Muscat, and near to all the wonders of Nizwa. Based on the awe-inspiring architecture of its ancient counterparts, guests will be enchanted by the towers and courtyards of Al Jabal Akhdar, where historic elegance meets modern luxury. The comprehensive range of facilities include an infinity pool, fitness center and tennis courts, library and spa, not to mention a huge array of dining options. Kids and teens have their own dedicated clubs so the whole family will be well occupied and happy, and the stylishly appointed rooms and private villas offer accommodation to suit all parties.

Preferred Hotel

Desert Nights Camp

Wahiba Sands, Oman

Rising like a surreal mirage out of the colorful Wahiba Sands, Desert Nights Camp is an exclusive five-star hotel in Oman. The fragrance of frankincense and myrrh greet guests upon arrival for a journey into an alluring Arabian world. Offering luxurious comfort in the form of Bedouin-style tents under a blanket of Arabian stars, the camp is an exceptional destination with exclusive air. Red sand dunes create a romantic backdrop for these intimate air-conditioned tents, complete with Omani-style decor and furnishings. An extravagant bathroom is the highlight of the room, featuring world-class amenities and golden tiles for a lavish and airy feel. All rooms open out to encompass panoramic scenes over the silken desert sands, offering serene and picturesque views.

Preferred Hotel

Jumeirah Muscat Bay

Muscat, Oman

Nestled between mountains and sea, Jumeirah Muscat Bay offers true tranquility and a great sense of escaping the everyday. A sublime place to disconnect and indulge in relaxing days on the beach, adventurous hikes in the mountains or blissful moments diving in the Arabian Sea. While set in the secluded cove of Bandar Jissah between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, this exclusive resort is just 15 minutes south of Muscat city centre and 40 minutes from Seeb International Airport and an ideal spot to also discover Muscat’s rich cultural heritage. Explorers of all ages can venture out to discover several historical and archeological sights that shape Oman’s unique history and culture. Remains of ancient villages, old seaports, modern souks or the Royal Opera House are just a few of the highlights in easy reach.
Preferred Hotel

Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands, Oman

Magic Camps Wahiba Sands is an intimate and remote luxury camp that echoes the Arabian folktales of One Thousand and One Nights. The spacious canvas bedroom tents come with earthy interiors including cotton sheets, natural wooden furniture and artisan design pieces. Nearby is your private bathroom tent, which is comprised of a portable toilet, an earthenware basin, a shower, fluffy towels and eco-friendly amenities. Elsewhere in the camp's desert oasis you'll find the cozy majlis seating area, dining tent, campfire and sunset lounge - the best place to watch the sky turn the same colors as the sand. Meals are prepared by an experienced chef, with dishes of both local and Lebanese origin, such as spiced lamb and marinated fish sourced from the Gulf of Oman.
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Muscat, Oman

Just 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Muscat, Oman, the spectacular Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa sprawls over a rugged peninsula, reaching out into the crystal blue water of the Sea of Oman. Featuring a long, sandy beach and surrounded by mountains, this resort matches its spectacular natural environment with its exquisite design and architecture, calling back to times of Arabian Palaces and local markets. Guests may choose between three distinct hotels located across the property: Al Waha, “the Oasis,” a family-friendly hotel turned seaside paradise; Al Bandar, “the Town,” which serves as the shopping-and-eating hub of the resort, and the palatial Al Husn, "the Castle,” the most luxurious of them all. With world-class restaurants and seaside cafes and bars, a wide variety of water activities including sea kayaking and scuba diving, and –of course –CHI, The Spa, guests at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa will lose themselves in fun, in adventure, in luxury, and in style.

Preferred Hotel

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Zighy Bay, Oman

Enjoying a spectacularly isolated location on the northernmost tip of Oman, this award-winning resort combines a superb coastal position alongside an exciting mountain backdrop towards the south, truly delivering the best of both worlds. This means you can wake up and head out for a swim or sunbathe on the beach, then take full advantage of the wealth of activities available inland, such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing - or even take a microlight flight! The range of 82 villas and suites are just as impressive as the location, each providing a private plunge pool, terrace, dining area and outside shower. Villas here are arranged to mimic a traditional Omani village, and the chunky stone walls help to keep things cool, as well as air conditioning throughout. For more space for swimming, head to the resort’s freeform infinity edge pool which overlooks the ocean horizon and has ample sun loungers for a relaxing poolside with refreshment in-hand. For dining, you don’t have to venture too far either. Zighy Bay’s signature restaurant is perched atop the rocky hill overlooking the resort and serves traditional dishes with a modern, creative twist.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Oman

The best time to visit Oman is between October and April, when it is significantly less hot.

  • Oman has a diverse landscape of a relatively large scale; thus, the weather and climate varies by region.
  • The most popular time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is warm and sunny and temperatures range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C) during the day. It is cooler at night, ranging in temperature from 63°F to 66°F (17°C to 19°C).
  • From May to August, it is hot and humid at the coastal areas, while the interior generally remains hot and dry. Between May and September, the southern Dhofar region has its own microclimate. Known as the “khareef,” the area catches the Indian Ocean’s monsoon season and temperatures can be 18°F to 27°F (10°C to 15°C) lower than the rest of the country.
  • Most rainfall happens during the winter months but varies according to region. Other than in Dhofar, it is rare to see rain between May and November. The coastal areas and the interior plains average 0.8 to 4 inches (20 to 100 mm) of rainfall annually; however, this can rise to around 35 inches (900 mm) in the mountains.
  • It is common to see snowfall on the highest mountain peaks during the winter.

Multi-Country Specialists

Oman Goes Well With

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.