Example Itinerary

City to Desert to Island: An Omani Adventure

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Glamping
Destinations
Oman

Welcome to Oman, a country small in size but overflowing with breathtaking experiences. This incredible 10-day itinerary showcases the best natural landscapes the country has to offer, from sandy beaches to red sand dunes, sweeping vistas to expansive fjords. But it’s not all trekking: this itinerary also focuses on the chic, from a luxury desert camp to an infinity pool overlooking an expansive valley, so you can relax and rejuvenate while enjoying new cuisines and an exotic culture. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Dune Bashing: Travelers can go sandboarding or dune-bashing in a 4WD and spend their evenings stargazing into the clear, quiet nights of the Omani desert.
  • Turtle Hatching: Experience the turtle breeding grounds just off the coast of mainland Oman, home to the world’s largest population of loggerhead turtles.
  • History in Muscat: While staying in one of the ultra-luxe hotels of Oman’s capital, travelers can explore the history and spirituality of Muscat at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Alam Palace, and the Royal Opera House Muscat.
  • Hiking: Spend a day trekking through the Jabal Shams Mountains and take a dip in an infinity pool 4,600 feet above sea level.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Muscat

Welcome to Muscat! Today, your exciting Omani adventure begins as you arrive in the capital of Oman, unofficially dubbed “Norway of Arabia” for its incredible fjords and rugged mountain cliffs. Today, get settled in at either Al Bustan Palace or Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, and enjoy your hotel’s incredible facilities before a locally-prepared dinner.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Al Bustan Palace is in a divinely-scenic location, nestled between the jagged Al Hajar mountain range and the sparkling Sea of Oman.

Services: Every whim is attended to here with a comprehensive and personal service, reflecting the Omani hospitality and cultural way of life.

History: Muscat has a rich history that is believed to date back to the 6th millenium BC. The authentic architecture found concealed down rustic winding roads are redolent of the past and a display of ancient cultural heritage.

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Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Overlooking the stunning turquoise water of the Sea of Oman, this incredible resort, which features three distinct luxury hotels, sits on 124 acres of rugged mountains and gorgeous beaches. And just 15 minutes from the bustling capital of Muscat, this resort combines the best of all worlds.

History: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa opened in late 2005 and features Oman’s first family dedicated hotel, Al Waha.

Service: Throughout three hotels and multiple restaurants, the service at Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is nothing less than impeccable, in keeping with the high standards of the acclaimed Shangri-La brand.

Read More
Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Preferred Hotel
About

Location: Overlooking the ocean, The Chedi stands in the Al Azaiba district in north west Muscat.

Service: Guests can relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of, with comprehensive and personalized five-star service.

History: In its more than ten years of operation, The Chedi has gained a sparkling reputation with business and leisure guests alike.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

The Chedi

Day 2

Map

Muscat

Spend the day exploring the city of Muscat and its surrounding areas, from its rugged mountains to its sandy beaches. Try out some watersports or hike the local hills, or sit back and relax by your hotel’s sprawling pool or luxurious spa.

Muscat
Muscat

Day 3

Map

Wahiba Sands

Today, you’ll head into the desert to enjoy a stay at Wahiba Sands, a luxurious desert camp in the heart of the golden red sand dunes of Oman’s Wahiba Sands. Enjoy your stay in a luxury tent and spend the day checking items off your bucket list, from surfing down a sand dune to riding a camel in the sunset. End the day with dinner at Two Dunes, the on-site restaurant, and some incredible star-gazing.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Remote Location: The camp is secluded in the desert, with endless silken sands in all directions and spectacular craggy mountains in the distance. Guests literally go off the beaten path to find this desert camp oasis which offers luxury in complete isolation.

Desert Experiences: A variety of experiences are offered to keep you busy, from sunset camel safaris and a visit to a Bedouin family’s home, to quad biking and dune bashing.

Family Friendly: A getaway to the middle of the desert can be fun for the whole family with exciting kid-friendly activities such as camel rides and sand boarding on the dunes, comfort food options at the in-house restaurant, and a children’s play area suitable for toddlers and recreation room for older children and teens.

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Desert Nights Camp Preferred Hotel

Day 4

Map

Masirah Island

From desert to island: today you’ll head across the Wahiba Sands to the coast, where you’ll take a ferry to Masirah Island. A wildlife lover’s dream, this island is a breeding nest for turtles as well as many other creatures. Settled in at Masirah Island Resort and enjoy a hearty dinner at the on-site buffet, gearing up for your next day.

Hotel Options
About

Calling all nature lovers: Masira Island Resort, just off the coast of mainland Oman, is the ultimate wildlife destination. A turtle breeding ground, this island is home to many nesting turtles as well as other animals and ocean creatures.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Masirah Island
Masirah Island

Day 5

Map

Masirah Island

Spend the day exploring all the wildlife of Masirah Island: explore the resort’s wildlife museum and take advantage of the opportunity for Loggerhead turtle watching before hitting the beach or the pool. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail at the Sanctuary Bar or a live performance at Oasis Bar.

Day 6

Map

Al Hamra

Today, you’ll head back to the mainland for a breathtaking stay at The View hotel in Hail al Shas, an incredible luxury ecolodge featuring stunning panoramas of the mountainous desert landscapes. After a long day of travel, relax and take in the stunning vista with a dinner at The View restaurant, before resting up for the day ahead.

Hotel Options
About

Located on the rocky slopes of Jabal Shams mountain, The View in Al Hamra boasts breathtaking views from its elevated platform of 4,593 feet. As the very first eco-luxe retreat of its kind in Oman, it features 30 unique and distinctively designed pod-style rooms, all enveloped in refreshingly exotic vegetation.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Al Hamra
Al Hamra

Day 7

Map

Al Hamra

Take advantage of the natural gymnasium surrounding you: today is a day of hiking! Enjoy treks through the Jabal Shams Mountains surrounding your hotel, and marvel at all the different viewpoints you can take in. Upon your return to the hotel, take a dip in the infinity pool, 4,600 feet above sea level, and enjoy a delightful dinner and campfire once the sky turns purple.

Day 8

Map

Muscat

On your way back to Muscat, you’ll take a delightful tour of the Omani countryside, visiting traditional mountain villages including Bilad Sayt, Wadi Bani Awf and Nakh. Taste the local cuisine and pick up some handicrafts while taking a peek into local life. Then, settle back at your hotel of choice in bustling Muscat.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Al Bustan Palace is in a divinely-scenic location, nestled between the jagged Al Hajar mountain range and the sparkling Sea of Oman.

Services: Every whim is attended to here with a comprehensive and personal service, reflecting the Omani hospitality and cultural way of life.

History: Muscat has a rich history that is believed to date back to the 6th millenium BC. The authentic architecture found concealed down rustic winding roads are redolent of the past and a display of ancient cultural heritage.

Read More
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Overlooking the stunning turquoise water of the Sea of Oman, this incredible resort, which features three distinct luxury hotels, sits on 124 acres of rugged mountains and gorgeous beaches. And just 15 minutes from the bustling capital of Muscat, this resort combines the best of all worlds.

History: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa opened in late 2005 and features Oman’s first family dedicated hotel, Al Waha.

Service: Throughout three hotels and multiple restaurants, the service at Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is nothing less than impeccable, in keeping with the high standards of the acclaimed Shangri-La brand.

Read More
Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Preferred Hotel
About

Location: Overlooking the ocean, The Chedi stands in the Al Azaiba district in north west Muscat.

Service: Guests can relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of, with comprehensive and personalized five-star service.

History: In its more than ten years of operation, The Chedi has gained a sparkling reputation with business and leisure guests alike.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

The Chedi
Muscat
Muscat

Day 9

Map

Muscat

Spend your final day in Oman exploring Muscat, from the incredible Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to the Al Jalali Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1587. Then, take explore old Muscat or take a trip to the local beaches, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant or at your resort.

Day 10

Map

Departure

Your Omani adventure has come to an end. Today, you’ll be transferred to Muscat airport to catch your flight home or onwards to your next destination.

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.

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