Travel
The Sultanate of Oman Words and images by Katy Lunsford
Just a stone’s throw from Dubai, but bearing very little resemblance to its commercialised neighbour, Oman is a slice of the authentic Middle East, and fast becoming a luxury and adventure tourism hotspot. Long sandy beaches are flanked by palm trees against a backdrop of rugged mountains, beautiful Arabian architecture,
colourful souks, and
endless deserts. There are plenty of opportunities for trekking and outdoor adventure.
A relatively new country, Oman is definitely on the up – but never more than 10 storeys up, and always true to Arabic style. Buildings are built with aesthetics in mind – perfect symmetry, beautiful patterns, mosaics and attention to detail (you’ll rarely see something as banal as a drainpipe... unattractive things like this are hidden in beautifully patterned stone casing). The skyline is punctuated by minarets; every available wall is covered in hot pink bourgainvillea; and the streets are lined with flowers. Muscat, the capital,
is a city sandwiched
between the sea and the mountains, and as the sun sets the white city is bathed in an apricot glow. It really is beautifully idyllic.
WHERE TO STAY For the ultimate in luxury,
head to the Chedi, a stunning boutique
hotel. The design
is exceptional, and in the evening guests can sit in the palm-filled gardens and sip cocktails around their own fire pit. It has a private beach, and a number of beautiful shaded pools, including the longest in the Middle East.
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