There is a saying in Oman: ‘Better old silk than new wool.’ It is perhaps in this spirit that the country has chosen to eschew the extravagant glass towers, artificial islands and oversized shopping malls of its neighbours, trusting instead that discerning tourists will be drawn to Oman by its rich culture, epic scenery and warm hospitality. This is the real Arabia, a land of soaring mountains and plunging wadis, bustling souks and vast empty deserts.
From sleek city hotels to Bedouin encampments under starry skies, Oman offers some incredible places to stay, and no shortage of ways to explore, whether it’s a cruise on a traditional dhow boat or a heart-punding hike through the Jebal Akhdar mountains. Ancient landscapes are dotted with apricot and pomegranate trees, sleep smallholdings and crumbling forts.
The Omanis have followed a deliberate policy of low-rise development and traditional architecture, and our favourite hotels here remain for the most part, those that we have been sending our clients to for many years. In the city of Muscat itself, The Chedi is the most desirable address in town, an elegant boutique-style retreat that’s a perfect base for exploring Oman’s low-key capital. Just 15 minutes from downtown Muscat lies Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, which offers two resorts in one: Al Waha aimed at families, while Al Bandar has a more adult ambience. Just across the bay is one of Oman’s newer hotels, the impressive Jumeirah Muscat Bay, which occupies its own private beach and opened in 2022. No list of top Omani resorts would be complete without mentioning the Al Bustan Palace, a true institution with a real ‘Old Arabia’ ambience, as well as some of the best sports and leisure facilities in the region.
