While still undiscovered by most Americans, Oman — considered one of the friendliest and most peaceful in the M🦹iddle East —🥂 is a favorite escape for jetsetters from London, (prince Harry visited this spring) Dubai and Berlin.
The country’s dramatic fjords, mesmerizing dunes, craggy mountains and pristine beaches make it a thrilling destination🏅 worthy of a trek across desert and sea.
Several ꦏglamorous new and renovated resort offerings make it more🤪 alluring than ever.
Here are a few of its hidden delights.
MUSCAT: ELEGANCE & ADVENTURE
Begin❀ with a tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which welcomes (appropriately dressed) visitors of all faiths during morn🍒ing hours. Its gleaming white marble arches and golden dome house the world’s second largest carpet and chandelier, while its lush gardens provide a peaceful respite from the bustling capital. From there, it’s off to the Muttrah Souk. This quaint bazaar’s treasures include silver trinkets, spices, frankincense and kummas (traditional Omani prayer caps).
Then seek oasis at (from $525). This impossibly swank resort is polished in Arabic modernist style — with a dramatic tented lobby leading to a series of white bungalows, domed gazebos, arched pavilions and reflecting pools, all perfectly align💦ed in Zen harmony. Posh travelers frolic in the pools (one of which wins the prize for longest pool in the Middle East), indulge in the enormous spa and nibble on bites from one of its six gourmet restaurants, including desserts like the halwa macaroon, made with cardamom, saffron and cloves. For true decadence, check into one of the resort’s Club suites, which boast sunken black terrazzo tubs, sitting rooms appointed with low-slung sofas and well-stocked decanters and access to the resort’s private lounge.
The next morning, thrill-♒seekers should book a guide for a hike-sl🧔ash-swim through the magnificent Wadi Shab.
Pack sturdy shoe⛎s and sunblock before tackling the boulders of this ancient riverbed and wading through its n🐠atural pools.
Strong swimmers can continue on, paddling against strong𒆙 currents through a keyhole cave to reach a waterfall cascading from the rocks above.
After all that exertion, rejuvenate with a visit to the Ritz-Carlton’s regal (from $480), the grand dame of Muscat hotels. Glide through its elegant, soaring lobby, then unwind in your sumptuously tiled private bath and enjoy a romantic dinner o𓂃n the beach, complete with a fresh-caught seafood, gauzy tent and tiki torches.
In addition to its five outdoor pools, four restaurants and the longest stretch of private beꦗach in the country, the hotel offers a variety of local excursions, including dolphin watching, desert tours and a complimentary shuttle to the souk and Al Alam Palace, where Oman’s Sultan Qaboos holds court.
AL HAJAR: MOUNTAIN ESCAPE
Next, it’s time to trade the heat of the city for the cool breezes of Oman’s grand Western Hajar mountains. Set course for Nizwa — one of Oman’s oldest cities and its former capital — an easy, two-hour drive from Muscat. On your way out of town, pop into one of the small cafes and pick up a delicious egg sandwich and karak (an incredibly addictive, incredibly s𓄧weet twist on masala chai tea) to sustain you.
Mind your step in the castle-like Nizwa Fort to avoid its ingenious pitfalls and “murder holes,” crafted to stave off invaders. Nearby, the city’s collection of souks — hawking everything from wooden chests and traditional Bahla pottery to goats and camels — make for a lively stop in the morning or evening (shops c🍌lose during the peak mid-day heat). And stop by the large Falaj Daris — part of Oman’s ingenious irrigation system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Nizwa, it’s a steep climb of about an hour into the craggy Hajar mountains, to reach the spectacular new hotel and spa (from $505). Opened this summer, it’s nestled on the edge of a jaw-dropping gorge, 6,500 feet above sea level. Blending seamlessly into the limestone, the resort offers 78 suites and villas with magnificent mountain views, all appointed with traditional Omani treasure chests, luxurious standing bathtubs, and private balconies oไr terraces. An infinity pool laps at the cliff edge, while terrace-side dining at the resort’s Juniper Restaurant makes for perfect star gazing.
For more mountaineering, plan a drive to the peak of nearby Jebel Shams. The perilous climb (four-wheel-drive is a must)ꦫ is worth it once you arrive at the breathtaking Wadi Nakhr, considered Oman’s Grand Canyon. Continue on to the village of Khateem and set off on the fabulous Balcony Walk for some of the most stunning views in the region.
THE GREAT BEYOND
Roughly the size of New Mexico, Oman is difficult to cover in a si🎀ngle trip. After exploring Muscat and its neighboring mountains, venture on to overnight desert camping in the breathtaking ൩Wahiba Sands, courtesy of the . Salaam!
GETTING THERE
offers daily flights from NY🐲C to Muscat via a quick one-hour flight from Abu Dhabi, f🐎rom $920/RT.