FEATURE OMAN
Muscat Coast and the beaches of the Al Bustan and Shangri-La (resorts) or the desert you will be greeted with smiles and courtesy.”
MICHELLE THAKE Travel Counsellor Essex “A key part of Oman's
attraction for UK travellers is that it is only an eight-hour flight from the UK. Also, it offers the dramatic backdrop of
the Arabian mountains and is totally unspoilt and a world away from the over- commercialism that Dubai has become known for. The hotels in Oman are such that they
can cater to just about every client, whether it's a business conference, a honeymoon, a family holiday or a short break. All have beaches and Shangri-La in particular is very good for kids, with lots of organised activities.”
LESLEY PILE Assistant manager Travel Designers “If I had to compare
Oman and Dubai Oman would win hands down. It has all the same attractions, beaches, desert safaris and great hotels but it's more peaceful and the people are friendlier.”
new Oman Convention & Exhibition
Centre, sited close to Muscat's airport and offering space for 6,000 delegates and a 30,000sqm of exhibitions.
Tourism Talk
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL BY MARY MOORE-
MASON We had to leave early to attend the Friday morning outdoor market in Nizwa, 174 miles south-west of Muscat, but it was worth it to see dishdasha-clad farmers bidding for parades of exotic- looking sheep, goats and cattle. After exploring the magnificent 17th-century Nizwa Fort and shopping for silver in the former capital city's famous souk, we headed into the mountains to clamber down the steep streets of centuries-old villages to lush, stream-fed date palm plantations. All of it is easy to organise, including a tasty buffet lunch in a local hotel, on a day trip out of Muscat.
36 July/August 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
ALISON CRYER Oman Tourist Office director, UK and Ireland “The Sultanate of Oman
is now the leading luxury destination in the Gulf and at the forefront of agents' minds when proposing a luxury spa holiday, honeymoon or city break, an Arabic adventure, cultural experience or simply a family beach holiday for their clients.”
From The Front Line JANINE STAFFORD
Middle East regional manager Abercrombie & Kent
“Oman is a more civilised alternative to Dubai for those seeking winter sun and luxury. Everywhere you go, from the
Where To Book It TRAVEL 2 – 0800 5900 917
www.travel2.com Five nights at the five-star Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa Al Waha, B&B, in a superior room, flying with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow is priced from £1169pp. The package is valid from October 1-31 2011. Bookings must be made by October 28.
ABERCROMBIE & KENT – 0845 070 0612
www.abercrombiekent.com A seven-night package with overnights in Muscat (the Chedi), Salalah (the Hilton), Sur (the Plaza) and in a tent in a Bedouin encampment near Nizwa, excursions and some meals, costs from £2,598pp, based on two people sharing. Flights are with British Airways from London to Muscat, and internal flights,
TRAVEL DESIGNERS – 020 7720 8484
www.traveldesigners.co.uk The Oman-specialist travel agent lists among its popular holidays a seven- night, B&B package in Muscat's Grand Hyatt with non-stop Oman Air flights at £1,378pp (average price for September/ October/November).
CARRIER – 0161 492 1358
www.carrier.co.uk Stay seven nights, pay for five and receive an early booking reduction. Prices from £1805pp (based on departures October 04-09 2011) including accommodation in a Pool Villa, breakfast, flights from London Gatwick and private transfers. The package is valid September 1 to October 31 2011. Those who book a minimum of 45 days prior to arrival can save up to £1280 per couple.
Room Report One of Muscat's most legendary hotels is the opulent Al Bustan Palace Intercontinental, first opened as a hotel in 1985. It was completely renovated in 2008 and its ninth floor is exclusive for the Sultan and his VIP guests. In addition to its magnificent atrium-
style foyer, wide range of restaurants, and lovely grounds and beach it has opulent guest rooms and suites including well- equipped kitchens and sea views for $1,200 for one bedroom, including breakfast, and $2,500 for the two- bedroom presidential suite. When a UK family who had regularly
booked holidays in Dubai requested something similar but different, Travel Counsellor Michelle Thake booked them in for eight nights in a suite in Oman's Al Waha Jissar hotel for less than the cost of one-bedroom accommodation in Dubai. Janine Stafford of Abercrombie &
Kent, on the other hand, has discovered a “unique alternative to a hotel stay” – the View Campsite near Nizwa which is “ brand new and has stunning views”. A&K also will be offering excursions into the country's fabled western Empty Quarter later this year.
Who Flies There AIRLINES SERVING OMAN FROM THE UK NON STOP: OMAN AIR - 08444 822309
www.oman-air.com
OTHERS: BRITISH AIRWAYS – 0870 850 9850
www.britishairways.com EMIRATES – 0870 243 2222
www.emirates.com ETIHAD AIRWAYS – 0870 241 7121
www.eithadairways.com QATAR AIRWAYS – 020 7341 6078
www.qatarairways.com •
Top: Four-wheel drive excursions are the adrenaline-fuelled way of seeing the Omani desert. Bottom: Shangri-La's Al Bandar pool.
Selling Tip
Oman offers great desert excursions on 4x4
vehicles plus overnight stays in Bedouin tents
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