20 FEATURE
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SIMPLY THE BEST
The Sultanate of Oman is authentic Arabia at its best, yet until now its natural beauty, mild-mannered people and rich culture have gone unde the radar, but that is changing, says Emily Bamber
T
he second-largest country on the Peninsula, Oman is one of Arabia’s most diverse destinations: sun-worshippers can bask under bright blue skies; divers can swim with turtles; adventure-seekers can play among wild mountains, creamy deserts and silent fjords; and history-buffs can marvel at battle-scarred forts and ancient cave paintings. Daily direct fl ights from London, a raft of
new hotels and ever-evolving infrastructure are unlocking the destination to more British visitors. Numbers jumped 10% last year and operator Premier Holidays says to date in 2014 bookings to the Sultanate are up 27%. “Oman has gorgeous beaches, stunning mountain backdrops, practically year-round sunshine and it is not overcrowded at all,” says Product Manager, Nicola Hain. “It still retains its Middle Eastern culture and the tourism sector is keen not to overdevelop. “A trip to Oman will often work out cheaper
than going to the Med, and will offer much better accommodation for the money.” During the last decade, premium and luxury hotel groups have opened boutique properties along Oman’s golden shores – Shangri-La has a three-hotel resort and Chedi, Six Senses, Hyatt, Hilton and Ritz Carlton all have hotels in the country.
“Many of Muscat’s beach hotels offer good facilities for children, plus interconnecting rooms – although these get booked quickly for peak periods. A visa is required for UK passport holders but can be purchased on arrival in Muscat”
CAROLINE BURGESS, SENIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT, DESTINATION OMAN
More are cropping up in landmark leisure
developments around Muscat – Fairmont and Kempinski open soon at The Wave, which also has a Greg Norman-designed golf course. Angsana and Four Seasons are lining up for spots at Jebel Sifah, where there is also a marina. Until recently, development has mostly
been focused along the coast around Muscat, Salalah and Musandam, but this summer that changed with the opening of Jebel Akhbar, a luxury resort in the mountains. “Jebel Akbar brings a new level of quality
to the interior that hasn’t been seen before,” says Corinthian Travel Director, Hugh Fraser. “Some 99% of our clients go exploring in the
interior with a car and a driver. We can now put together a very nice upmarket loop for them, combining Muscat, the desert and the mountains.” The operator is also seeing more families booking holidays to Oman. “Whether it’s watching turtles,
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