MOUNTAIN RETREATS If you're looking for somewhere to base


your group before taking on the Hajar Mountains, you could opt for a brief stay at the new 'eco-luxe retreat', The View, located 1,400 metres above sea level in the Jabal Shams Mountains. En-route, stop off at Nizwa for a historical tour before taking the 45-minute journey around winding roads to Hail Al Shas where you'll find the resort complete with luxury tented accommodation. Venue wise, there's a restaurant that seats 40 people overlook- ing the canyon and a meeting room with overhead projector facilities Ð ideal for a pre- trek briefing. Visit www.theviewoman.com for more information.


Sifawy Boutique Hotel recently opened its doors in Jebel Sifah Ð the brand new development located 45 minutes from Muscat, borders the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. It is the first property to open here and boasts 55 rooms including 30 suites and 25 serviced apartments. The location of Jebel Sifah makes the destination perfect for team-building activities such as hiking, camping, fish- ing, diving and snorkeling. Guests at Sifawy will also have access to the in-land marina and the 18-hole PGA golf course. Jebel Sifah will eventually be home to several leading five-star hotels, resorts, spas and retail outlets. Big hotel brand names including Four Seasons, Banyan Tree and Hotel Missoni all have proper- ties planned at the new development.


With the Hajar Mountains dominating the landscape in northern Oman, there are plenty of opportunities to organise some challenging and team-building activities involving climbing and mountain trekking


THE DESERT


The unspoiled Omani desert landscape offers a vast range of exciting group and team- building events. Eihab Travel & Tours says Bedouin-themed experiences are group favourites and claims its 'Camel Magic' packages are a "great surprise to incentive groups". The group is taken to the vast desert expanse of Wahiba Sands in 4WD vehicles. On arrival, experienced drivers take participants for a thrilling sand dune safari. This is followed by a sand-boarding session and rounded off with a sunset experience


70


in a tent set-up atop a dune for spectacular desert views. Camel rides are also provided. Oman Air Holidays offers groups the chance to explore Sharqiyah Sands Ð a red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 metres Ð where they visit a Bedouin house. This is coupled with a trip to Wadi Bani Khalid, which in complete contrast, comprises small pretty villages embedded in the mountains and a wadi boasting clear, deep blue water. Hud Hud Travels runs luxury camps, private expeditions and innovative events in the Omani desert and importantly, focuses on delivering sustainable and culturally- sensitive experiences. The DMC offers an authentic Arabian luxury camping experi- ence in several locations. It has eight tents in the Wahiba Sands and can also set up bespoke desert, coastal or mountain camps according to corporate group's requirements. The Hud Hud team has wide and varied experience of working with large and small teams in high-pressure corporate, military and expedition environments. It prides itself on coming up with imaginative, relevant and effective solutions for the development of teams, whether it's an energising and dynamic indoor session for 300 or a more focussed programme for a senior team over several days in the great outdoors. Hud Hud can also arrange sumptuous private dinners and parties in a range of breathtak- ing locations Ð from remote sandy beaches to ancient candle-lit ruined villages.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80